Tai Chiis a self-defense and exercise system that puts emphasis on the
concentrated cultivation and development of intrinsic energy or chi. It
originates in China and over the centuries has become a type of daily exercise
for many people around the world. An internal style of martial arts, Tai Chi
relies primarily on developing internal power (chi)that uses a soft type of skill requiring less physical strength to
employ.
The practice of Tai Chi assists in cultivating and circulating your intrinsic energy. It does this by using the mind to focus your energy in relation to your movement and by employing abdominal breathing similar to what’s used in many types of meditation.
The postures and movements that assist in developing the internal power are performed in a relaxed and flowing manner. They help to reduce stress, improve balance, and increase flexibility and agility.
The Tai Chi postures and movements also help to circulate chi through the energy channels in your body (meridians) thereby improving vitality and shoring up the body’s immune system.
This concentrated cultivation and development of chi is what makes Tai Chi such a unique martial, mental, and health exercise.
Tai Chi is an excellent way to gain core and leg strength without the deleterious effects of other kinds of high impact exercise. It helps the practitioner improve flexibility, deepen one’s breathing and improve balance and coordination. Though not what's generally termed a "strenuous" exercise, Tai Chi requires focused concentration, discipline and the development of relaxation skills in order to gain the full benefit.
