T'ai Chi is normally associated with the slow, graceful movements seen performed early in the morning in Chinese parks. This is the T'ai Chi "form". A series of carefully coordinated movements, slowly flowing together as one continuous movement that work every part of the body, energizing the performer. T'ai Chi helps to develop harmony with the world on a physical, mental, emotional and ultimately, spiritual level. These movements are derived from the movements of animals and follow a natural, relaxed pattern.

T'ai chi's impact on an individual can be immense, changing your view of yourself and everything around you. T'ai chi solo exercise or 'form' has many levels of expertise. For those simply wishing to improve their health, correct practice of the basic level form will yield pleasing benefits. Increased vitality, improved general well-being and a sense of calmness are common reports from students. Greater benefits accrue as you progress to the higher levels of expertise. Increased spiritual awareness, flexibility and robust good health are the rewards.

A change in the way you react to situations will take place also. A calm enters your life and tense situations become less. Such immense changes, however, do not come without some effort, and consistent practice is essential. Eventually, the ability to circulate chi (vital energy) freely around your body can be achieved, with accompanying improvements in health, both physical and mental.

T'ai chi is practiced by millions of people who consider it to be an integral part of their everyday lives, giving robust good health, a calm stress-free mind and a flexible body. T'ai chi is not designed to promote muscle size or enhance physical endurance. It is used to stimulate the internal organs gently, exercise the body, calm the nervous system and mobilize the joints. With consistent correct practice, the tai chi form leaves you warm, relaxed and gently stimulated. In time the mind has a stillness and clarity rarely experienced with other forms of exercise. Calmness eventually pervades the whole body, leaving you less stressed and more refreshed at the end of the day.

Apart from the slow t'ai chi form, at a more advanced stage the students are introduced to the fast form. Relaxation and gentleness are still used, but at a higher speed. With this training the student acquires stamina and nimbleness to add to the calmness.

The benefits of T'ai Chi are numerous: Arthritis & Rheumatism, Back Problems, Balance Improvement, High Blood Pressure, Post-Op Treatment, Stress Reduction, T'ai Chi for Athletes, Weight Management and FUN!
 

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Revised: July 31, 2015.