“To obtain the maximum benefit from Tai Chi Chuan, even if one is only interested in the health aspect, we must perform the movements correctly by understanding the original meaning behind each movement, i.e. its correct martial art application”
Tai Chi
What is Tai Chi ?
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that is often described as meditation in motion. Although Tai Chi is a martial art it is more widely practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.
Tai Chi, also called Taiji, is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.
Tai Chi has many different styles. The most widely practiced are Yang, Chen, Wu, Hao and Sun. Yang is the most widely practiced. Within Wutan we teach all five. We also teach the complimentary arts of Bagua and Xing Yi. To help students gain a better understanding of Tai Chi, we explain the martial benefits as well as the health aspect.
Who can do Tai Chi ?
Tai Chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise, it may be especially beneficial if you’re an older adult who otherwise may not exercise.
You may also find Tai Chi appealing because it’s inexpensive and requires no special equipment.
You can do Tai Chi anywhere, including indoors or outside. And you can do Tai Chi alone or in a group class.
Why try Tai Chi ?
When learned correctly and performed regularly, Tai Chi can be a positive part of an overall approach to improving your health. The benefits of Tai Chi may include:
Decreased stress, anxiety and depression
Improved mood
Improved aerobic capacity
Increased energy and stamina
Improved flexibility, balance and agility
Improved muscle strength and definition
Some evidence indicates that Tai Chi may also help:
Enhance quality of sleep
Enhance the immune system
Help lower blood pressure
Improve joint pain
Improve symptoms of congestive heart failure
Improve overall well-being
Reduce risk of falls in older adults
Classes
-
Tai Chi Beginners / Intermediates
Tuesdays
Teacher: Alex
Beginners 7.00pm – 8.00pm
(£8.50 each or £30 for 4 lessons)
Teacher: Sarer
Intermediates/Advanced
7.00pm-8.30pm
(£10.00 each or £34.00 for 4 lessons)
Cotham Gardens Primary School, 18 Cotham Grove, Cotham BS6 6AL
Please call or email to reserve a place
-
Tai Chi for Beginners
Wednesdays
Teacher: Alex
Beginners 7.30pm – 8.30pm
(£8.50 each or £30 for 4 lessons)
Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Southville BS3 1QG
-
Advanced Tai Chi
Wednesdays
Teacher: Sarer
Invitation Only 8.30pm – 9.30pm
St Thomas Mar Thoma Church, Stackpool Road, Southville BS3 1NW
