Archive for June, 2010
June 5th, 2010 | 
Author: Many people don’t realize that Tai Chi Quan in it’s form is a very effective Martial Art. Most people have a picture in their minds of dozens of old people practicing slow motion synchronized movements for health in the early morning in parks all around the world.
Tai Chi is based on the Yin and Yang theory, Yin (soft) Yang (hard), slow and fast which means that as Tai Chi practitioners, we should train both aspects in order to get full benefits of the art irrespective of what style is practiced.
The slow graceful practice of the form improves one’s breath and coordination as well as the perfection of movement in combat. You will derive both benefits in your practice for total health and wellbeing as well as fluid understanding.
A teacher that has experience in both is a true asset to your Tai Chi journey towards understanding the balance needed to improve how you live and enjoy your life.
In our school we strive to achieve relaxation and effectiveness of movement in all aspects of our Tai Chi training which is also known as Grand Ultimate Fist. Many different martial arts of recent years have adopted movements from our Chinese heritage.
Your perseverance in practicing both in class and at home is the key to your success and a healthy living lifestyle.
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Flexibility and stretching is vital for a healthy body and mind.
Do you wake up in the morning and find you have aches and pains and can’t get going? If your answer is yes you need to stretch. Stretching is linked closely to flexibility. Make stretching part of your flexibility routine. It is vital for fluid mobility of joint movement which we need to complete our daily chores.
Tai Chi will help, with its continuous flowing movements it will also aid in improving balance in body and mind. Some of the benefits of joint mobility are: – better posture which leads to better walking and breathing. Stretching and being flexible will help the effects of ageing in both the body and mind.
It also helps reduce muscle pain in tight joints and muscles because as we know poor posture may lead to medical problems.
Stretching is important for people of all ages as it improves flexibility which in turn helps with the flow of Chi (energy) in the body.
For every different type of physical activity we need to improve and strengthen body mobility. Tai Chi will aid in relaxing the body and mind and will improve and strengthen muscle, tendons, bone and joints. Stretching is a non impact activity that can be used as a warm up or cooling down after any physical activity, whether it is Tai Chi or tennis. Stretching and the flexibility of the body prevent injury.
I will go through stretches for particular body parts and ailments you may have. Watch this space for more info.
First and foremost you will be in the company of like minded people wanting to learn Tai Chi and Chi Kung for health and as a martial art.
In a sense one should practice both hard and soft (Yin and Yang) aspects of Tai Chi. You will get the most benefit if you practice both soft and hard.
In our classes you will experience a calm, relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you will learn all the benefits of doing Tai Chi and Chi Kung, with the willing help from me and my instructors.
You will learn correct posture and breathing as these elements will greatly assist you in your practice. An important aspect of our teaching is opening and relaxing the joints to enable a smooth Chi flow that will aid in flexibility and movement as well as the cultivation of Chi (energy) which strengthens the internal organs and improves body toning.
Tai Chi and Chi Kung are both magical healing arts aiding in such ailments as arthritis, depression, anxiety, asthma, cancer and many others. You will learn the age old system of movement that has been practiced in China for thousands of years. A system handed down from generation to generation.
Practicing our system will help you get in touch with who you really are; you’ll sleep better, feel better and have a more positive outlook to life. You’ll have more energy to tackle your every day chores with vigor and enthusiasm.
We also have an outdoor class on a Saturday morning in a tranquil setting with water and trees as a backdrop to further ground you and bring you in touch with nature which in itself will further assist you in calming and relaxing your body and mind, bringing the natural elements in to your busy lifestyle which we all experience today.