Modern Day Tai Chi

Today, tai chi is practiced mostly for health benefits, but its origin as a martial art should not be forgotten, and it still has aspects that can be applied for self-defense. A tai chi set is a series of full body movements performed very slowly with control and concentration. Yes, that is what you see large groups of people doing in the town square in those movies about China.

There are several different styles of tai chi, the best known being Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun. Chen style is the oldest and the most vigorous. Because it incorporates more rapid movements and lower stances, it may be more suitable for younger or more athletic practitioners. Yang style, the most common world wide, can be done by most anyone, although it can be made more difficult by certain technique adjustments. The classic Yang style long form takes about 20-25 minutes to perform, and about 6 months to learn. (Some say you can then spend the rest of your life perfecting your technique). Perhaps in deference to the pace of modern life, the Chinese government a few years ago endorsed a short form that takes about 10 minutes. Some masters have created other short forms, but many traditionalists feel 20 minutes is necessary to get the chi (life force) flowing. Advanced students may do sparring (called push hands) or learn advanced forms, including some that use simulated weapons.

An Issue of Balance

The FICSIT researchers chose 10 of the movements they felt incorporated elements that relate to limitations common for elderly people and arranged them for their subjects, but FICSIT is interested in balance, not chi.

Although the movements can be arranged in different patterns, there are definite tai chi movements, and they are performed in certain ways. If your aerobics instructor mimics something she has seen a picture of and throws it into her class for variety or in the name of mind-body work, you are not learning real tai chi. Learning the long form is quite an accomplishment and can improve your quality of life and help you handle physical problems. If you don't want to make that commitment, you can still benefit from using a short form or learning just the first part of the long form. But learn the real thing. A random collection of slow , graceful movements may be fun, and may even be beneficial, but it's not tai chi.

Fitness Activity For All Ages

For hundreds of years tai chi students of all ages have used the forms to improve strength, concentration, balance, and coordination. Some people have seen various ailments improve, and most find the practice enhances relaxation and peace of mind.