Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art. Its benefits are wide and many. Tai Chi was originally created to teach self defense techniques whilst improving the physical, mental and spiritual well being of the practitioner. Good martial arts technique is useless if the practitioner is in poor physical, mental and spiritual health! Today we may not be concerned with the combative aspect of Tai Chi, now the emphasis is on self defense from the stress and strains of modern living.

Tai Chi is a form of programming. By performing many repetitions of Tai Chi sequence, moving in a relaxed and rhythmic manner and promoting deep breathing we encourage correct and efficient use of the body. This in turn improves skeletal structure and alignment plus the health and range of movement in the joints, increases muscle balance and strength, endurance and flexibility, improves the function of the nervous system, organs and circulation. In short Tai Chi results in a body that is better balanced and functions at its best.

It's widely recognised that regular exercise improves mood and psychological stability. Practicing Tai Chi, unlike more vigorous form of exercise, has the added benefit of not wearing you down and any form of repetitive movement is meditative. Whilst practicing Tai Chi you clear your mind of any unwanted or unnecessary thoughts; helping you become calm, clear thinking and energetic.

Wutan students have reported that Tai Chi has helped them in a number of areas, these include:

• High blood pressure
• Low Blood pressure
• Knee, Hip, Back and general joint health including relief from arthritis.
• RSI
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Migraine
• Relief of Depression and Anxiety
• Digestive health
• Clearer Skin

Tai Chi is commonly promoted as a spiritual practice. Spirituality is something Wutan believes is unique to each and every one of us. Any activity that is purposeful and meaningful to the individual improves self image and esteem. Tai Chi does this by first training the body, as you progress you will experience the benefit of achieving, learning and understanding your body and your mind, by working together as a team we promote a harmonious team spirit. Traditionally in the east, your school becomes like a family. We work together as a community. By working together we begin to understand and relate to each other more effectively. We perform the Tai Chi sequence as a group and work with each other in paired routines encouraging harmony in ourselves and between each other.