It seems Tai Chi may be an art that can not be summarized in one sentence. Since it’s multi-faceted and does not have one specific meaning for all those who practice it, Tai Chi can be many different things to different people. Some see it as a moving-meditation, some as a loosening exercise we do out in the parks, some as a form of natural stress release, while others still practice it as a traditional Internal Martial Art system.

As a method to de-stress, Tai Chi allows us to take charge, while letting-go! This unique skill training develops our ability to control our state naturally, transforming us into what we like to call a…

“Tai Chi Stress-Bender“!  

 Originally, Tai Chi was a martial art that was developed hundreds of years ago in China, and has evolved over time, into what we know today – the most famous mind-body exercise forms in the world! The oldest form of Tai Chi, dates back to the 1600’s, when a retired army general developed several martial art routines. These routines evolved into the Chen style, which is characterized by alternating fast and slow movements with gentle and explosive applications. At our school our advanced Tai Chi program is the complete Chen style curriculum that Master Tabor learned from Master Liu Chengde, in China.

 The most popular style of Tai Chi today is called the Yang Style, which has its roots in the early 19th century. This form is characterized by large, slow, relaxed movements that are perfect for beginners or people looking to de-stress! Our Simplified Tai Chi For Beginners program is based on this classic Yang style tradition. 

 The youngest system of Tai Chi is called Sun style. It includes many Qigong (Energy-Work) elements and has a slightly higher stance, which makes it perfect for those suffering from Arthritis to practice without having any worries about joint pain. Our program “Tai Chi For Arthritis” is based on the Sun style. Scientific research shows that this program can not only help ease arthritis pain and increase your joint flexibility, but also significantly improves physical and mental health through slow, gentle movements connected to our breathing. Both the Arthritis Foundation and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommend the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Program. 

 Unfortunately, too many people with arthritis don’t know they can do Tai Chi. However, Tai Chi For Arthritis is slow, gentle and even more effective for healing since there has been modifications so that anyone with arthritis could do it. It’s much more effective for healing than other types of physical activities, due to the low impact movements that can help ease pain in joints, while strengthening muscles that support the body, as we heal ourselves from injuries or illness. These modifications allow anyone who suffers from joint pain to participate fully without feeling restricted or endangered.

So, what does Tai Chi mean?

Originally, the term Tai Chi, or Taiji, was first used by early philosophers over 2,500 years ago. The two Chinese characters for Taiji 太极, translate literally as “grand”  (Tai) and “ultimate” or “without limit” (Ji). Together these two characters combine to roughly mean “Infinity”. From within Tai Chi, Yin Yang is created. Yin Yang represents that each thing, action, or event has another side. For instance, the transformation of seasons Fall/Winter change to Spring/Summer, or day turns to night, each thing has its opposite and nothing can ever stay the same.

The martial art exercise form of Tai Chi, is actually called:

太极拳 Taijiquan.

拳 Quan means “Fist”, or boxing as a martial art.

Although each of the different styles of Tai Chi have their own characteristics and some are more suitable to certain people, they all share the same principles. So, learning the different styles can be fun and help us gain better understanding, similar to seeing a problem from different perspective can help us solve it with multiple approaches.

Our Tai Chi courses and workshops have one main focus and purpose:

To Help People Live Their Healthiest/Happiest Life!

Tai Chi of Worcester County is a great place to get some exercise, clear the mind and meet new friends. We have courses starting for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced practitioners and Instructors. Everyone is welcome! 

Our instructors are friendly and knowledgeable, and they make sure that everyone in the class is comfortable and having a good time. Whether you’re new to Tai Chi or have been doing it for years, you’ll find a class that’s perfect for you. For more info, go to:  https://lifeskillma.com/program/tai-chi/