Tai Chi

Tai Chi Chuan is one of the major branches of Chinese martial arts. The name is derived from the famous Ying-Yang symbol, and the first written record appeared in the Book of Change  3000 years ago. The practice of Tai Chi Chuan is based on the core principles of Taoism, which emphasize finding the middle, balanced way as we journey through life. Achieving this balanced way is aided by deliberate routine practice of this philosophy in the form of martial art practice - Tai Chi Chuan. The ultimate aim is to live in spiritual and physical harmony with nature and the world around us.  

Qi Gong is the art of developing and balancing your inner cosmic life force. This life force, or qi, is one requirement for life. Qi can be translated as "air" or "vital energy". Mastering your qi will dramatically improve your overall quality of life. It can improve your vitality and longevity, and keep diseases and illness at bay. Qi is also the basis of traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts. Gong is translated as development, mastery or work. Together, the two words mean practicing qi with great effort, skill and mastery to develop a balanced life energy force for health and well being.

• Tai Chi is safe for all ages and has many health benefits [1] [2].

• “High and moderate evidence demonstrates that practicing Tai Chi can significantly improve balance, cardiorespiratory fitness [3], cognition and strength, and reduce incidence of falls and stroke risk factors.” [4]

• Excellent for school and tertiary students to promote physical and psychological well-being [5].

• “Combined Tai Chi and cognitive interventions have moderate to large effects on improving cognition and memory for older adults.” [6]

• Practicing Tai Chi can help fight diabetes, and improve quality of life [7] and proprioception [8].

• “Tai Chi has a positive effect on anxiety and depression, especially for patients with cancer, stroke and heart failure.” [9]

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