When people think of martial arts they typically imagine body contact with fighting, kicking, and punching. Not so with tai chi. Tai Chi Toronto offers a gentler martial art form that is done in a slow and meditative way. This ancient Chinese art form offers peace, relaxation, and inner calm and has been documented to be 2,500 years old. It comes from the practice of Qigong and has been used as a self-defense art by using ones inner energy to neutralize the enemy.
The study of tai chi is to assist in the flow of Qi. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that human beings are made up of the interaction of the five elements of earth, wood, fire, water, and metal. Qi is considered to be the life force that travels along the meridians of the body. A healthy body is achieved when Qi is flowing in a balanced and smooth manner.
Tai chi evolved from the ancient martial art of Qigong. This martial art incorporates movement, the mind, and breath to create balance in the flow of energy which in turn can be used for work, recreation, or self-defense. There are more than 2,000 forms that have evolved and five main traditions which are Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, martial arts, and medical with soft and hard types. Soft qigong, or inner qigong, is what tai chi is.
There are three popular styles of tai chi: yang, tai chi chih, and wu. Yang is the most difficult of the three, it has 24 simple movements and 100 traditional movements. The stance is wide with the knees bent. Tai chi chih has a high stance, 20 movements, and minimal weight transfer. Wu has 24 to 36 short form movements and 100 traditional movements with a narrow stance and slightly bent knees.
It is believed, in China, that the benefits of this practice are delayed aging and prolonged life. Although it has not been scientifically proven, it is said the practice strengthens the muscles and tendons, increases flexibility, and aids in the treatment of depression, skin diseases, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and digestive disorders. There is, however, some evidence in a special tai chi study that support the effects on health, balance and falling, and fitness.
There is not enough research to say how much tai chi one should do to achieve optimal results. Some studies have shown that as little as one hour a week is enough. However, many people like to work out two to three times a week. Most think that at least one year of practice is required before one is proficient.
The best type of clothing to wear when practicing should be something loose-fitting and comfortable. A simple t-shirt, leotards, tights, or sweatpants are perfect. You can work up a sweat, even though the movements are slow, so keep it simple and don't overdress.
For something completely different, try this style of martial art at Tai Chi Toronto. It is a centuries old practice in China that has been used to improve flexibility, aerobic capacity, balance, well-being, and muscular strength.
The study of tai chi is to assist in the flow of Qi. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that human beings are made up of the interaction of the five elements of earth, wood, fire, water, and metal. Qi is considered to be the life force that travels along the meridians of the body. A healthy body is achieved when Qi is flowing in a balanced and smooth manner.
Tai chi evolved from the ancient martial art of Qigong. This martial art incorporates movement, the mind, and breath to create balance in the flow of energy which in turn can be used for work, recreation, or self-defense. There are more than 2,000 forms that have evolved and five main traditions which are Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, martial arts, and medical with soft and hard types. Soft qigong, or inner qigong, is what tai chi is.
There are three popular styles of tai chi: yang, tai chi chih, and wu. Yang is the most difficult of the three, it has 24 simple movements and 100 traditional movements. The stance is wide with the knees bent. Tai chi chih has a high stance, 20 movements, and minimal weight transfer. Wu has 24 to 36 short form movements and 100 traditional movements with a narrow stance and slightly bent knees.
It is believed, in China, that the benefits of this practice are delayed aging and prolonged life. Although it has not been scientifically proven, it is said the practice strengthens the muscles and tendons, increases flexibility, and aids in the treatment of depression, skin diseases, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and digestive disorders. There is, however, some evidence in a special tai chi study that support the effects on health, balance and falling, and fitness.
There is not enough research to say how much tai chi one should do to achieve optimal results. Some studies have shown that as little as one hour a week is enough. However, many people like to work out two to three times a week. Most think that at least one year of practice is required before one is proficient.
The best type of clothing to wear when practicing should be something loose-fitting and comfortable. A simple t-shirt, leotards, tights, or sweatpants are perfect. You can work up a sweat, even though the movements are slow, so keep it simple and don't overdress.
For something completely different, try this style of martial art at Tai Chi Toronto. It is a centuries old practice in China that has been used to improve flexibility, aerobic capacity, balance, well-being, and muscular strength.
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If you would like to know more about Tai Chi Toronto residents can click www.taichitoronto.ca. For helpful Tai Chi resources, come to the The Rising Sun School of T'ai Chi Ch'uan website at http://www.taichitoronto.ca today.
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