Friday, March 5, 2010

Tai Chi: A Mind and Body Practice



Tai Chi comes from the Chinese concept of ying-yang or what is often known as the dynamic duality (light and darkness, high and low, cold and hot). Chinese believes in the notion of contrary forces being interdependent to one another and that they believe in Supreme Ultimate Force. With Ying and yang as the basis of the Supreme Ultimate Force, it has been the main principle of Chinese Martial Arts and exercises.
Tai chi is best described as the combination of meditation and yoga. As practiced nowadays, Tai Chi has forms and moves often called as ‘sets’ that are derived from ancestral martial arts and from the natural movements of animals and birds. Tai chi is being performed in a slow and smooth manner and with graceful transition between movements.
For many, Tai Chi has been used primarily as a meditative exercise that animates the body and soul. The word ‘chi’ is a positive energy and performing Tai chi circulates this force all throughout the body for health and vitality. According to Mayo Clinic “Tai chi has many possible health benefits. The ancient art of tai chi uses gentle flowing movements to reduce the stress of today’s busy lifestyles and improve health”.
Moreover, Tai chi can also be used as a form of martial arts for combat and self defense. As we all know, Tai Chi movements has these martial arts origin thus it has some martial arts application. Tai Chi martial arts is executed in a slow- tempo combat. A person applying Tai chi in a form of self defense needs to be sensitive as well as responsive to another person’s movement. Tai Chi is a great form of self defense in which it channels destructive movement away to the extent that it is no longer dangerous. Tai chi promotes peace as it loves the mystical beauty of nature and tranquility.
Another goal of Tai Chi is to enhance a person’s self control. Tai chi provides a calm and tranquil mind that will enhance the mental concentration of an individual. A person performing Tai chi needs a focus mind to be able to perform the precise movements of Tai Chi. Tai Chi will help a person to have a sense of balance, rhythm, alignment, fine motor skill, so on and so forth.
Tai chi highlights technique over strength. As said earlier, tai chi is being performed in a slow and smooth manner thus it is suitable for everyone. Tai chi can be practiced regardless of age, gender, physical or mental ability. Tai chi is perfect for older adults who otherwise may not exercise.
So if you are interested to get stated with Tai chi, it is recommended to join Tai chi classes and be in a respected academy. ACADEMY OF SELF DEFENSE is the place to be! AAOFSD will allow you to enjoy Tai chi in a group and be guided by professional Tai chi instructors. They will help you practice Tai chi safely thus getting the full benefits of learning Tai Chi. You will really find Tai chi appealing as they reveal the real practice of perfect Tai Chi application.
For more information, visit http://www.aaofsd.com.










Contact Details:
The American Academy of Self Defense
175 Bay Shore Rd
Deer Park NY 11729
Telephone No.: (631)667-5001
Email Address: info@aaofsd.com

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