What is Tai Chi?

Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is an ancient Chinese art often associated with slow, graceful movements and sometimes low stances. Regular practice of key aspects of the art is considered to have many health benefits:

• slow movement - improve balance
• weight-bearing postures - increase bone density, fight osteoporosis
• moving meditation - soothe nerves, lower blood pressure
• subtle martial art - improve efficiency of action for everyday activities

Tai Chi may look simple, but as any active participant will tell you, looks can be deceiving. The movements can be elusive, the workings of the internal core strenuous. We balance the Yin and Yang, the hard and soft.

The origin of Tai Chi is shrouded in legend and mystery. It has been practiced by monks in mountain-top monasteries, safely guarded as a family secret, and taught in palaces of emperors. Its history is centuries old and steeped in the Chinese culture.

A beginner starts with the basic stances and forms. Practice of the forms teaches balance and the basic language of the art. An advancing student may go on to practice the weapons forms (such as sword, staff, or fan) and Push-hands (a two person sparring and balance exercise).