About Tai Chi
Tai Chi Chuan is a unique system of health and self defense that originated in China nearly 1,000 years ago. It has always been valued as one of the treasures of the Chinese culture. Practicing Tai Chi Chuan, with its slow, relaxed movements, develops the flexibility and strength of the joints and muscles, improves and strengthens the circulatory system and internal organs. The harmonising effect of the form improves concentration and releases physical and mental tensions and stress. Practice of Tai Chi Chuan enables students to cultivate “chi” – the intrinsic energy or life force of the body (acupuncture therapy is based on the circulation of the chi).
As an active meditation Tai Chi Chuan promotes the integration of body, mind and emotions, and trains the individual to deal with internal contradictions and external stress.
Tai Chi Chuan is known as the “soft” or “internal” martial art because its strength lies in the cultivation of internal power, “chi”, rather than external strength. Today, in the west, Tai Chi Chuan is predominantly practiced for enjoyment and its health benefits. The health benefits, in particular, reducing of the risk of falls in the elderly, is now well established through western medical research* while known in China for a millennium.
As a traditional Yang Style School, the martial applications of postures are retained for accuracy, depth and to adhere to and respect the art handed down from prior Masters.
Anyone of any age or state of fitness can study Tai Chi Chuan. Persistence and constancy of practice are all that are required to achieve results. It is not an overnight promise of vitality and good health, or for that matter, of physical prowess and invincibility. However the results achieved, and they do begin to come within a very short time, are well worth the small amount of effort required.
From whatever perspective one approaches Tai Chi Chuan, anyone who studies the art seriously can expect to benefit greatly – even in unexpected ways.
There are classes each week Mon-Sat across New Plymouth, Oakura, Bell Block, Inglewood & Stratford. The Taranaki Tai Chi School & Gaylene both offer sessions on different days, times and locations
For more information visit https://www.sporttaranaki.org.nz/get-active-kia-kore/exercise-classes-for-older-adults-1 or contact Hilary at Sport Taranaki (06) 759 0930 or 021 480 180