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Tai Chi, also written Taiji, Taijiquan or T’ai Chi Ch’uan, is a slow and gentle weight-bearing exercise
taught as a sequence of moves or postures. There are many styles and variations of Tai Chi taught throughout the world, and
our particular variation is based on the Traditional Yang style 108-move set, modified by our late Sifu, Master Moy Lin-Shin.
Master Moy adapted the set by adding more turning and stretching to open up the student’s joints and massage the internal
organs. Master Moy also borrowed from Taoist internal arts, Lokhupbafa, XingYi and BaGua to modify the Tai Chi set.
Though Tai Chi has its roots in martial arts, we emphasize the health benefits of the art. Practiced diligently, and in
a relaxed manner, Tai Chi can increase the student’s circulation and flexibility, leading to improved health and a feeling
of greater vitality.
TAI CHI: AN EXERCISE FOR HEALTH
Tai Chi provides a moderate aerobic workout for
the entire body. It is simple and great for all ages with many benefits.
Given our modern lifestyle, most of us
have developed habits that have led to discomfort or ill health, and as a result, we can all benefit from Tai Chi. In particular,
seniors have enjoyed the highest level of benefit from practicing Tai Chi, but students of all ages and abilities can benefit.
Tai Chi is a moving meditation, a series of circular movements with gentle, rhythmic stretching, turning and extending
of the body and limbs. The moves are balanced stretches with no sudden or high-impact transfer of weight. Although these Tai
Chi movements stimulate the spine to move more freely, the effect is to strengthen and exercise every part of the body.
The goal of Tai Chi is to return the body to a state of youthful functionality and develop a clear and
uncluttered mind.
Jess Goodman, M.D.
With diligent, relaxed practice, the moves in this
form of Tai Chi open up all the joints of the body for the circulation of the blood, lymphatic fluid and energy (Qi) to pass
through easily. With good circulation, the body will heal and rejuvenate itself naturally. The focus is on the flow and utilization
of energy rather than fixed martial applications.
However, there is always an underlying martial art quality when
Tai Chi is practiced diligently for a long period. This quality can be felt in a stronger, more unified body structure.
Benefits to both body and mind have been shown in numerous studies. Tai Chi had been found to help reverse the physical
effects of stress on the body and restore harmony both physically and mentally. 
Physical Benefits:
Increased flexibility - Improved balance
Improved immune function - Enhanced
motor coordination
Reduction in pain and tension - Improved cardiovascular function Better sleep patterns - Increased
energy
Mental Benefits:
Reduced stress and anxiety - Increased relaxation
Better concentration and
focus - Improved memory
Enhanced sense of well-being
As an exercise, Tai Chi offers a huge variety
of health benefits. It is practiced in a weight-bearing position, which is important for bone strength, and because it is
actually an aerobic workout, it acts to improve the whole cardiovascular system.
An added dimension to this set
of gentle movements is the stretching and balancing of the body’s weight on different joints.
Tai Chi gradually
produces increased flexibility, strength and stability. It needs no special equipment and can be done anywhere.
Judy Ben-Israel, Chiropractor
For further information please call 07544621321
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