TAI CHI IN SUNBURY
Wellbeing Martial Arts teaches Tai Chi in Sunbury and Tai Chi in Gisborne. The slow steady pace of Tai Chi provides an enjoyable exercise while calming the mind, reducing stress and developing an attitude of suppleness essential for training in the internal martial arts.
Please call or email us if you would like to learn more about our program. We are excited to be offering Tai Chi in Sunbury and Tai Chi in Gisborne.
The Tai Chi form we teach derives from an “Orthodox Style” developed in 1929. This style is synthesized from the five major schools (family styles) of Tai Chi Chuan. One of the driving goals in developing the “Orthodox Style” was the preservation of the essence of Tai Chi Chuan. The form incorporates an outline of the Yang style, the small frame of the Wu style and the characteristics and twisting of the Chen style.
Health Benefits
Tai Chi Chuan has been shown to improve general health indicators such as; blood pressure, balance, posture, energy, flexibility, muscle strength, aerobic capacity and bone density
According to an article in the Harvard Medical School Publication in 2009 “Tai Chi is often described as meditation in motion, but, it might well be called “medication in motion”. According to this article, there is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating and preventing many health problems.”
“A growing body of carefully conducted research is building a compelling case for Tai Chi as an adjunct to standard medical treatment for the prevention and rehabilitation of many conditions commonly associated with age”, says Peter M. Wayne, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.”
Tai chi movements massage internal organs, releasing them from damaging constrictions brought about by stress, poor posture, and inappropriate working conditions. It aids improved breathing, helps the digestive system to work better and increases a sense of calmness and awareness and improved balance.
Tai chi combines the physical components needed to stay upright—leg strength, flexibility, range of motion, and reflexes—all of which tend to decline with age.
What kind of martial art is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is an internal martial art. This means that every movement in the form must not only have self-defense applications, but must also strengthen the internal organs, joints and energy channels of the body. You might say that internal martial arts strengthen from the inside out, and external martial arts (like Karate or Tae Kwon Do) strengthen from the outside in.
Who can practice Tai Chi?
Tai Chi can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels. It doesn’t require any special equipment, and can be practiced almost anywhere including the home and office.
Health conscious individuals including world class athletes use Tai Chi to train and strengthen their mind and body through a series of slow motion postures and movements.
How quickly will I learn?
A beginner can start to reap the benefits of Tai Chi from day one as they begin to learn the postures and movements, however refining the movements can be a life long journey.
What to wear?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing such as a track suit. You can wear runners or sneakers or simply train with bare feet, based on your physical needs and personal preference.
Geoff Jackson established Wellbeing Martial Arts after many years of studying Karate, Tai Chi and Internal Kung Fu.