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When people think of martial arts they typically imagine body contact with fighting, kicking, and punching. Not so with tai chi. Tai Chi Toronto offers a gentler martial art form that is done in a slow and meditative way. This ancient Chinese art form offers peace, relaxation, and inner calm and has been documented to be 2,500 years old. It comes from the practice of Qigong and has been used as a self-defense art by using ones inner energy to neutralize the enemy.
The study of tai chi is to assist in the flow of Qi. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that human beings are made up of the interaction of the five elements of earth, wood, fire, water, and metal. Qi is considered to be the life force that travels along the meridians of the body. A healthy body is achieved when Qi is flowing in a balanced and smooth manner.
The ancient art of Qigong incorporates breath, the mind, and movement creating balance in energy flow which can then be used for self-defense, in recreation, or work. There are over 2,000 forms that have evolved from this one art, tai chi being one of them. The five main traditions are Taoist, martial arts, medical, Confucian, and Buddhist and there are hard types and soft types. Inner qigong, or soft qigong, is the form that tai chi comes from.
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.
The benefits of tai chi are a longer life and a delay in the aging process, according the Chinese belief. It has not been scientifically proven, but it is thought that this martial art can increase flexibility, strengthen tendons and muscles, and aid in the treatment of arthritis, digestive disorders, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, and skin diseases. In a special tai chi study, it was shown that there are benefits in fitness, balance and falling, and health.
There is not enough research to say how much tai chi one should do to achieve optimal results. Some studies have shown that as little as one hour a week is enough. However, many people like to work out two to three times a week. Most think that at least one year of practice is required before one is proficient.
Wear something that is loose and comfortable, the simpler the better. Avoid layers as this practice can work up a sweat even though it is a slow and meditative set of movements. One can simply wear their favorite pair of sweats, leotards, tights, and a t-shirt, whatever is in the closet will work fine. No special uniform is required for this martial art.
If you are looking for a way to reduce stress contact Tai Chi Toronto. This practice can improve well-being, balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity. It has been practiced for centuries in China. This martial art adds something a little different to an exercise routine.
The study of tai chi is to assist in the flow of Qi. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that human beings are made up of the interaction of the five elements of earth, wood, fire, water, and metal. Qi is considered to be the life force that travels along the meridians of the body. A healthy body is achieved when Qi is flowing in a balanced and smooth manner.
The ancient art of Qigong incorporates breath, the mind, and movement creating balance in energy flow which can then be used for self-defense, in recreation, or work. There are over 2,000 forms that have evolved from this one art, tai chi being one of them. The five main traditions are Taoist, martial arts, medical, Confucian, and Buddhist and there are hard types and soft types. Inner qigong, or soft qigong, is the form that tai chi comes from.
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.
The benefits of tai chi are a longer life and a delay in the aging process, according the Chinese belief. It has not been scientifically proven, but it is thought that this martial art can increase flexibility, strengthen tendons and muscles, and aid in the treatment of arthritis, digestive disorders, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, and skin diseases. In a special tai chi study, it was shown that there are benefits in fitness, balance and falling, and health.
There is not enough research to say how much tai chi one should do to achieve optimal results. Some studies have shown that as little as one hour a week is enough. However, many people like to work out two to three times a week. Most think that at least one year of practice is required before one is proficient.
Wear something that is loose and comfortable, the simpler the better. Avoid layers as this practice can work up a sweat even though it is a slow and meditative set of movements. One can simply wear their favorite pair of sweats, leotards, tights, and a t-shirt, whatever is in the closet will work fine. No special uniform is required for this martial art.
If you are looking for a way to reduce stress contact Tai Chi Toronto. This practice can improve well-being, balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and aerobic capacity. It has been practiced for centuries in China. This martial art adds something a little different to an exercise routine.
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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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