Tai Chi

"Tai Chi Cuan" - Chinese for "the supreme ultimate fist"

Origin: China
Classification: The Classic "Soft" style.

Clothing: Practitioners wear a "mandarin" jacket and flat bottom shoes.

Description: Tai Chi is the physical expression of Yin and Yang movements for internal and external health and well being. It is a versatile discipline that can be practiced by anyone. Children have been known to start as early as five and even ninety year olds are capable of practicing Tai Chi.

Tai Chi is not just an art for health. There is a very comprehensive self defense system that is learned through the flowing movements. Practitioners of Tai Chi learn moving relaxation techniques combined with deep breathing exercises. This improves blood circulation, joint health, and promotes the body to work more efficiently. Mental health is also achieved through learning concentration techniques and moving meditation.

Practicing Tai Chi repetitious practice of slow relaxed movements, controlled breathing and fluidity in motion. As the movements become natural and fluid, this lends to quicker response times and reflexive action when necessary. At the highest levels, Tai Chi can exploit an opponents weakness to deliver anything from locks and holds to devastating and precise strikes to pressure points and nerve centers.

The Study of Tai Chi has both mental and physical benefits. Don't be fooled by the slow and meditative movements, in actuality this allows practioners and beginners to learn and study tai chi from early ages to late in life.