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What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is an ancient martial art designed to cultivate and manage the flow of Chi, the life force (energy) animating all living beings.  The Chinese believe that when we have a strong supply of Chi circulating unimpeded through the body, our health and vitality are enhanced.

Thus Tai Chi is primarily practiced today for its health benefits, but it is also a rewarding recreational outlet providing athletic and enjoyable physical activity.  

What are its health benefits?
Tai Chi is an effective fitness program that provides aerobic activity, mental relaxation, and strength and endurance conditioning.  Engaging all major muscle groups and joints, deep breathing and proper body alignment, Tai Chi offers the following health benefits:

Flexibility • Coordination • Increased Energy • Mental Relaxation • Stress Relief • Strengthened Muscles • Joint Mobility • Improved Balance and Posture • Stimulation of the Cardiovascular System

How is Tai Chi performed?
Tai Chi is performed in a set a forms that use correct posture and slow, circular movements that are designed to stimulate the organs and open the joints, allowing Chi to flow uninhibited throughout the body. The mind is focused on leading the moves. Breathing is deep, inducing relaxation of mind and body.

Why is Tai Chi known as meditation in motion?
Tai Chi helps us to calm the mind, drawing attention to the inner stillness. Through concentration on the movements, deep breathing and a relaxing of the body, we achieve a meditative state. The mind, body and spirit are united, enabling us to sense the energy permeating our being.

What is the philosophy of Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is based on the philosophy of Taoism, which is the balance of change as it affects us mentally, physically and spiritually. Founded by Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu (Lao-Tse, Lao Tsu, Lao Tze), Taoism asserts that the Tao is the source of all. Creation came into being with the movement of this force which is denoted by the symbol of yin and yang, non action and action.

The universe is a constant flux of the interplay of yin (dark, passive, contracting, female) and yang (bright, active, expanding, male). We don’t resist these changes because they work together to create the whole. Breathing is made up of inhalation (yin) and exhalation (yang). You can’t have one without the other. Taoists harmonize with change by following principles such as softness and suppleness, effort without force and relaxation and letting go. These principles are expressed in the practice of Tai Chi which helps us balance the flow of Chi and life changes.

How does Tai Chi differ from other martial arts?
Tai chi can be practiced for self defense. Unlike other martial arts, Tai Chi relies on internal strength rather than external.  It emphasizes developing the mind and the internal power of Chi.  Subscribing to the philosophy of softness over hardness, the art uses the mind and energy along with muscles to move the body. Physical exertion is minimized. The moves of the external arts are fast and forceful, expending a lot of energy. Tai Chi moves are slow and gentle and conserve energy. The classics say, “a force of only four ounces can overcome a force of a thousand pounds.”

Can anyone practice Tai Chi?
Because of its slow and gentle movements and artistic depth, Tai Chi is a life-long sport that is practiced by people in their youth as well as into their senior years. Tai Chi can range from simple forms of 12 movements to more athletic forms with 108 movements. The forms are adaptable to accommodate people of various abilities. Tai Chi players never lose interest as the art offers a diversity of styles – Chen, Yang, Wu and Sun – and forms utilizing swords, fans and balls.