Tai Chi is considered to be an “internal” form of martial arts. It relies on slow, circular movements – gracefully performed – in order to focus the mind and attain a greater sense of control and posture over the body. Tai Chi Chen teaches the practitioner to focus one’s mind and energy purely on the movements performed. Medical studies of Tai Chi Chen support its effectiveness as a form of exercise and an alternative form of physiotherapy, mental therapy and the management of stress, hypertension and anxiety.
The low-impact nature of the art form means that it is perfect for older students, and can be practiced as a form of meditation. The artful, balletic quality of the poses and movements involved in Tai Chi Chen are also mastered for the purposes of competitions and performances.
Benefits of Tai Chi Chen include:
- Balance
- Improvement of self-confidence
- Strength and endurance
- Aerobic capacity
- Decreases stress
Tai Chi Chen is offered at the SMA Centre’s Rivonia