Archive for the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ Category
June 9th, 2010 | 
Author: In the beginning, it is advisable to wear loose comfortable pants and T-shirt as well as comfortable flat shoes and preferably no jewellery.
It is important not to be restricted in movement due to unsuitable clothing, as the class is relaxed and part of the training is related to relaxation and de-stress in movement. Most schools have T-shirts with their school logo or name printed on them as well as loose fitting training pants, which can be purchased from them.
You will soon want to blend in with the rest of the practitioners in the class and look part of the group.
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No. You don’t have to be fit to start your Tai Chi and Chi Kung practice.
This ancient Chinese Internal Martial Art has been beneficial to all age groups of different fitness levels; it is even beneficial to those confined to wheel chairs. As you become accustomed to the movements and feel comfortable with this mystical slow moving full body exercise routine, you will become fitter and stronger in body and mind and develop a real sense of health and wellbeing.
With it’s full body movements and it’s twists and turns, using coordinated body mind and breath awareness, Tai Chi and Chi Kung will change you so you will have a much more positive outlook on life and the ability to tackle your daily chores with vigor and enthusiasm.
The benefits of Tai Chi and Chi Kung to body and mind are so powerful, together with continuous flowing movement; awaken the body’s intrinsic energy flow.
You will want to make Tai Chi and Chi Kung part of your every day routine for the rest of your life.
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.
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.