How to learn Tai Chi

Tai Chi(太极), also called Tai jI Quan (太极拳), is an ancient Chinese slow-moving exercise, can be an ideal way for anyone to stay fit. It is very popular in China and Singapore, and has widely spread as a part of Chinese Kungfu among North America and Europe. Tai Chi，Tai means “supreme”, Chi means “ultimate”. Usually, Tai Chi a slowly exercise. Research has actually shown that Tai Chi can enhance longevity in old age, and may help to improve heart function and decrease blood pressure.

There are lots of different saying about the origin of Tai Chi. The most famous one is that Zhang Sanfeng of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) created Tai Chi after he had witnessed a fight between a crane and a snake. After hondreds years, modern Tai Chi was appeared in 19th century.

When practice Tai Chi, the movement is slow and graceful. Tai Chi do not has special need for equipment, clothes or shoes, so people can practice it in any place. Tai Chi is designed to exercise the mind and body through a series of gentle, flowing postures that create a kind of synchronized dance.

Tai Chi is very easy to learn, even kid could be a master. Mostly Tai Chi practice include these parts:

1.Warm-up. Easy motions, such as shoulder circles, turning the head from side to side, or rocking back and forth, help you to loosen your muscles and joints and focus on your breath and body.
2.Practice: include a dozen or fewer movements even include hundreds. Different styles require smaller or larger movements. Slower movements is usually recommended at the beginning, especially if you're older or not in good condition.
3.Qigong (or chi kung). Translated as "breath work" or "energy work," this consists of a few minutes of gentle breathing sometimes combined with movement. The idea is to help relax the mind and mobilize the body's energy. Qigong may be practiced standing, sitting, or lying down.

Many people in this day and age simply do not get enough exercise on a regular basis. Tai chi can be a perfect means through which you can get the exercise you really do need. And in Chinese philosophy, the principles of tai chi practice can also be applied to a kind of good lifestyle - a balanced, relaxed and of course healthy life.

Mandarin House hold Chinese cultural activity every week, If you want to know more about Tai Chi or other Chinese culture, please contact us and join our activity.