Martial arts often conjure images of people kicking, punching, and fighting. For a completely different style Tai Chi Toronto can introduce you to a martial art that offers relaxation, inner calm, and peace in a meditative and slow method. The Chinese art of tai chi has been documented to be 2,500 years old and is an offshoot of Qigong. It can be used as a form of self-defense with the movements neutralizing the attacker by using inner energy.
In traditional Chinese medicine human beings are miniature universes that interact with elements. These elements are wood, metal, fire, water, and earth. Meridians of energy run through the body, called Qi. When the body is healthy it has achieved balanced Qi that flows smoothly.
The discipline of Qigong, which is what tai chi evolved from, involves movement, breath, and the mind to create a naturally balanced flow of energy that can be used in self-defense, recreation, or work. Many forms have evolved, in fact there are more than 3,000, and there are five major traditions: medical, martial arts, Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist. The two major types are hard and soft. Tai chi is an example of soft qigong or inner qigong.
The three most popular styles are wu, yang, and tai chi chih. Wu incorporates from 24 up to 36 movements in short form and traditionally 100 movements. The stance is narrow and high with the knees slightly bent. Yang, in the simple form, uses 24 movements, and in the traditional form 108 movements. It has a wider stance with the knees bent and is the hardest style. Tai chi chih has 20 movements, a high stance, and very little transfer of weight.
Some of the benefits are, as is believed in China, are prolonged life and delayed aging. It increases flexibility, strengthens tendons and muscles, and aids the the treatment of cancer, depression, skin diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, high blood pressure, and heart disease, but this has not been scientifically proven. A special study of tai chi has shown that there is some evidence that supports the positive effects on balance and falling, fitness, and health.
Studies have shown that merely one hour a week of practice can product positive benefits, although this is not supported by scientific research. Many people who practice say that they like to do at least two if not three days a week. It is suggested that one practice for at least a year in order to become proficient in the art.
It is best to wear clothing that is comfortable, loose, and simple. One is not required to wear a specific uniform as is true with some other forms of martial arts, one can simply wear what is already in the closet such as sweats, a t-shirt, tights, or leotards. What is important is that one doesn't wear too much clothing and that movement is free while keeping cool and comfortable.
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.
In traditional Chinese medicine human beings are miniature universes that interact with elements. These elements are wood, metal, fire, water, and earth. Meridians of energy run through the body, called Qi. When the body is healthy it has achieved balanced Qi that flows smoothly.
The discipline of Qigong, which is what tai chi evolved from, involves movement, breath, and the mind to create a naturally balanced flow of energy that can be used in self-defense, recreation, or work. Many forms have evolved, in fact there are more than 3,000, and there are five major traditions: medical, martial arts, Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist. The two major types are hard and soft. Tai chi is an example of soft qigong or inner qigong.
The three most popular styles are wu, yang, and tai chi chih. Wu incorporates from 24 up to 36 movements in short form and traditionally 100 movements. The stance is narrow and high with the knees slightly bent. Yang, in the simple form, uses 24 movements, and in the traditional form 108 movements. It has a wider stance with the knees bent and is the hardest style. Tai chi chih has 20 movements, a high stance, and very little transfer of weight.
Some of the benefits are, as is believed in China, are prolonged life and delayed aging. It increases flexibility, strengthens tendons and muscles, and aids the the treatment of cancer, depression, skin diseases, digestive disorders, arthritis, high blood pressure, and heart disease, but this has not been scientifically proven. A special study of tai chi has shown that there is some evidence that supports the positive effects on balance and falling, fitness, and health.
Studies have shown that merely one hour a week of practice can product positive benefits, although this is not supported by scientific research. Many people who practice say that they like to do at least two if not three days a week. It is suggested that one practice for at least a year in order to become proficient in the art.
It is best to wear clothing that is comfortable, loose, and simple. One is not required to wear a specific uniform as is true with some other forms of martial arts, one can simply wear what is already in the closet such as sweats, a t-shirt, tights, or leotards. What is important is that one doesn't wear too much clothing and that movement is free while keeping cool and comfortable.
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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