Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow, graceful movements, meditation, and breathing exercises. It is a form of martial arts that also promotes health, well-being, and harmony. Tai chi can improve your balance, flexibility, strength, coordination, posture, circulation, immunity, mood, cognition, and more. To start practicing Tai chi, you can find a qualified instructor or a reputable online course that suits your needs and goals. You can also find some free videos and apps that introduce you to the basics of Tai chi.
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Tai Chi
as a hobby
Tai chi does not mean oriental wisdom or something exotic. It is the wisdom of your own senses, your own mind and body together as one process.
Chungliang Al Huang
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Helpful content to start tai chi as a hobby
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Tai chi originated from China more than 300 years ago as a form of martial arts. It later evolved into a health-promoting exercise that combines physical movements, mental focus, and breathing techniques.
📜 Terms
Basic lingo for orientation.
- Chi: Also known as “life energy”, chi is the life force that pulses through your body and keeps you vital. It is also the energy that you cultivate and manipulate in Tai chi.
- Meridians: Also known as “energy pathways”, these are the channels in your body through which chi flows. They connect your organs and systems and affect your health and well-being.
- Dan Tien: Literally meaning “elixir field”, this area is located approximately between your navel and pubic bone and is a storehouse of body energy. It is also the center of gravity and balance in Tai chi.
- Ba Men: This term stands for “eight doors”, referring to the eight basic motion patterns in Tai chi. They include: Peng (ward off), Lu (roll back), Ji (squeeze), An (push), Cai (pluck), Lie (split), Zhou (elbow), and Kao (bump).
- Chin Na: This term refers to the locking and controlling of joints. The techniques here are designed to force the opponent’s muscles, tendons, and joints to move in ways that inflict pain. They are part of the grappling skills in Tai chi.
- Kung Fu: Also spelled as Gong Fu, this means hard work, energy, patience, and time. It is not a style, but a term that refers to things that require dedication and effort.
- Laogong: This term stands for the acupressure point located at the center of your palm. It is used when practicing moves. There is a belief that chi is released and absorbed here.
- Tui Shou: This means “push hands” and is a technique designed to help you develop better sensitivity to your surroundings and envision an oncoming attack. It also helps you get your opponent off balance and apply other techniques, such as locking joints, knee wrestling, and takedowns.
- Ba Shi: This term stands for “eight stances”, common in Tai chi. The technique is practiced to help in the development of strong legs.
- Jing: This means essence, and according to traditional Chinese medicine, it is used by the body to produce chi. It is also the manifestation of chi in physical strength and power.
- Qigong: A system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used for the purposes of health, spirituality, and martial arts training. It involves using exercises to optimize body, mind, and spirit energy.
❗ How to start tai chi as a hobby
First moves for getting acquainted and breaking the ice.
You can start practicing Tai chi at home, by yourself, and without any equipment. You can use YouTube tutorials, books, apps, or online courses.
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Tai chi is practiced by millions of people around the world as a hobby or a lifestyle choice. It can be done anywhere and anytime with minimal equipment or cost. It can also be enjoyed alone or with others as a social activity.
🪜 How-tos
Step-by-step tutorials.
📄 Articles
Further reading.
🌐 Websites
Go-tos for information.
Tai chi has been proven by scientific research to have various benefits for physical and mental health, such as improving balance, flexibility, strength, coordination, posture, circulation, immunity, mood, cognition, sleep quality, energy level, stress management, pain relief, disease prevention, and longevity.
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❓ FAQS
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What is Tai chi?
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow, graceful movements, meditation, and breathing exercises. It is a form of martial arts that also promotes health, well-being, and harmony.
What are the benefits of Tai chi?
Tai chi can improve your physical and mental health in various ways, such as enhancing your balance, flexibility, strength, coordination, posture, circulation, immunity, mood, and cognition. It can also help prevent or treat many health conditions, such as chronic pain, stress, anxiety, depression, heart disease, and cognitive decline.
Who can practice Tai chi?
Anyone can practice Tai chi, regardless of age, fitness level, or health status. Tai chi is a low-impact and gentle exercise that does not put much stress on your muscles and joints. It is especially suitable for older adults and people with limited mobility or joint issues.
What equipment do I need to start practicing Tai chi?
You don’t need any special equipment or clothing to practice Tai chi; just wear something comfortable and loose-fitting that allows you to move freely.
How can I start practicing Tai chi?
You can start practicing Tai chi by finding a qualified instructor or a reputable online course that suits your needs and goals. You can also find some free videos and apps that introduce you to the basics of Tai chi. You don’t need any special equipment or clothing to practice Tai chi; just wear something comfortable and loose-fitting that allows you to move freely.
What are the different styles of Tai chi?
There are many styles of Tai chi that have different origins, characteristics, and emphases. Some of the most common and popular styles are Yang, Wu, Chen, Sun, and Hao. Each style has its own forms (sequences of movements), techniques (ways of executing movements), and applications (martial or health purposes). You can choose a style that appeals to you or try different styles to find your favorite one.
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Tai chi is suitable for people of all ages, fitness levels, and health conditions. It is a low-impact and gentle exercise that does not put much stress on the muscles and joints. It can be adapted to different needs and goals by modifying the speed, intensity, duration, and style of the movements.
💡 Tips
Additional advice for beginners.
Additional information
| Activities | |
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| Fields | Fitness, Personal Development, Spirituality, Sports, Wellbeing |
| Locations | |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Adaptability, Agility, Attention to Detail, Attention to Health, Balance, Concentration, Core Stability, Flexibility, Hand-eye Coordination, Mindfulness, Motor Coordination, Physical Fitness, Self-defense Skills, Self-esteem |