Tai Chi (or Tai Chi Chuan) is a Chinese martial art that has been evolving and continues to evolve to serve the needs of its practitioners. Once used as a powerful fighting style, today only a small percentage of its proponents use it for martial or self-defense purposes.

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Although many of my students come from a martial background, as do I, and are proficient in Karate or other fighting styles, few of them have come to me to learn how to improve their fighting skills, although that is certainly a benefit for those interested in that direction.

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So, why do they come? If you remove the martial aspects of the art, what remains?

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Tai Chi offers a perfect exercise regime for people of all ages. It strengthens muscles, tendons, connective tissue, reduces stress, improves breathing, and concentration. It reinforces and improves proprioception, improves balance, flexibility, and the immune system.

 

“The science of Tai Chi is just now catching up with and substantiating what Tai Chi practitioners have known for centuries—Tai Chi often leads to more vigor and energy, greater flexibility, balance and mobility, and an improved sense of well-being. Cutting-edge research now lends support to long-standing claims that Tai Chi favorably impacts the health of the heart, bones, nerves and muscles, immune system, and the mind.” Wayne, Peter. The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi (Harvard Health Publications).

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In addition to the myriad of physical health benefits of Tai Chi practice, the meditative aspects cannot be understated. Quieting the mind, increasing the sense of well-being, and feeling of acceptance,  and calm, all lead to a happier, fuller and more deeply experienced life.

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Ultimately, Tai Chi helps us become the better version of ourselves.