Bushinkai Tai Chi School.
Lancashire.
Introduction to the art of Tai Chi.
All styles of tai chi (Taiji) have more in common than they have differences. They all improve health, reduce stress, and improve balance, posture and circulation.
All develop chi using slow motion and flowing circular movements. I started with Yang style, and this will always be my favourite, but I regular practice Sun style as well.
The main styles are Yang, Sun, Chen, Wu and Hao. Each has short and long forms and different frames (size of postures, small medium and large).
For beginners we start off with short forms say the 24 or more usually the 10, which is actually an integral part of the 24. Beginners are best with the 10, as when it is completed they will be expected to do it say 3 or 4 times to make a longer exercise regime.
It can be appreciated that for a stronger workout, simply move more and more slowly, and repeat the form over and over again. To gain maximum benefit you need to work on continuous movement without stopping.
The 10 form is say 3 minutes long, and the 24 about 6 minutes long for beginners.
Learning Tai Chi is not the answer to all ills. It is not the supreme ultimate by itself. Tai Chi can be challenging to learn, you only get out of it what you put in. To be good, as with any sport you need patience and make an effort to learn and practice daily, even if its just one move.
The Tai Chi form together with Ba Duan Jin and Zhan Zhuang is one of the most sophisticated and integral whole body workouts you can possible learn. Tai Chi can be strenuous at the beginning until you learn to relax your body. It looks simple and easy done by practitioners of several years, but as with everything else, practice makes perfect (one day).
Students who attend classes regularly with the same teacher learn to refine the movements and benefit more in the long run. As external movements and coordination improve, they can focus more on internal movements and less on external.
So what can beginners expect to learn over a set course?
(1) A sequence of movements.
(2) Basic body postures and alignments.
(3) Moderation and economy of movement.
(4) Better coordination and improved balance.
(5) How to protect the joints, the knee in particular.
Tai Chi's actual movements give you sensitivity and awareness of your body; it keeps you flexible whilst reducing stress. It will tone and strengthen your muscles.
As a teacher I can give you this knowledge, help with your training and get you on the right track, However I cannot make you practice, fail to do this and you achieve nothing.
David Keegan.
Principal:Bushinkai International Academy.
UK Tai Chi site: www.Bushinkai-TaiChi.com
Academy International site: www.Bushinkai.Org.UK
Email: Mail@Bushinkai-TaiChi.com