What is T’ai Chi (Taiji)?
[Top] T’ai Chi is a set of flowing movements performed with bent knees, a straight back, and wide leg stances. The steps are soft and the motions are akin to reeling silk—neither too taut nor too slack. The center of gravity is low to the ground while the head is held as if being pulled towards the sky. With each move, one finds a moving center, a balancing of changing positions.
Tai Chi (also spelled as Taiji) originated in ancient China and is now practiced throughout the world. Tai Chi is self-paced and non-competitive with no physical contact. It consists of a series of slow, gentle, flowing body movements that emphasize concentration, relaxation, and the conscious circulation of energy throughout your body. Even though it was first developed as a martial art, it is primarily practiced today as a way of improving health, calming the mind, conditioning the body, and reducing overall stress. Tai Chi for Health is based predominantly on the gentle Sun-style of Tai Chi. This short-form Sun-style Tai Chi does not use any deep squatting motions, quick movements, or require any special equipment or a large practice area. Tai Chi is considered less strenuous and challenging than yoga and is generally safe for people of all ages and levels of fitness. This makes it an extremely suitable exercise for most anyone, especially those recovering from an injury or with joi
