Tai chi

Tai chi traces its origins to China where it was developed as a style of martial arts with a focus on the inner aspects of ourselves including the mind, breath, energy, and how these can inform and influence the function of the body to enhance performance.

While the exact date of inception is still unclear, tai chi is recognized for being at least 400 years old. The practice is steeped in philosophical concepts from Taoism. There are five main styles of tai chi named after the families that developed them which include Chen, Yang, Wu/Hao, Wu, and Sun.

Tai chi is practiced through structured and choreographed forms of differing lengths, with the traditional forms being longer than more contemporary forms that have been simplified for various reasons, one of them being for a greater ease of learning.

Tai chi can be beneficial for high level athletes who want to fine-tune their coordination, stability, balance, and performance.

It can benefit anyone interested in a form of relaxing exercise that involves variation of movement as opposed to repetition.

It offers a gentle approach to exercise for those who have struggled to find a way to move their body due to pain and limitation.

It is a mind-body practice that can serve as a type of moving mediation to develop focus, relaxation, and clarity of mind.

Sign up for your first tai chi class to explore the depth of this ancient practice!