What is tai chi?
Tai Chi (Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan), literally translated as ‘Supreme Ultimate Fist’ is a complete exercise system or discipline for the body and mind that develops qi (functional energy) and internal strength, promotes physical, mental and spiritual balance, and enhances body awareness.
Legend has it that a famous Daoist monk, Zhang Sangfeng who lived on Wudang Mountain saw a snake and a crane fighting and devised a form of exercise based on these movements. To this day, postures like bai he liang chi (white crane spreads its wings) and you xia she du li (snake creeps down) can be found in taiji forms. The accepted history of tai chi dates back around 400 years when Chen Wangting, a martial arts master and retired general, created a form or sequence of movements to maintain health.
What is tai chi useful for?
As taiji becomes part of daily life the practice of standing and gentle flowing exercises can help to improve:
- balance
- energy
- posture and alignment
- stress by calming the shen or mind
- focus
- mental processing
Who can teach tai chi?
Our tai chi teachers are trained in the UK and China and are members of the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts.
Your next step for making an appointment
Keith is at Breathe London Waterloo on Thursdays and Laura is at the centre on Tuesdays and Fridays. She is also at Breathe London Covent Garden on Mondays and Wednesdays
