T'ai Chi
Structure & Movements
Body Structure and T'ai Chi
- Erect and upright but not stiff
- Relaxed but not flimsy
- Particular attention to alignment and angles of major moveable joints
The Movements in T'ai Chi
- Continually spiraling, coiling, and flowing
- Gentle and firm
- Rising and sinking
- Contracting and expanding
- Body moves as a whole unit
- Combined with natural deep breathing and full mental intention (yi)
How long does it take to learn?
- Practice, practice, practice is the key
- Basic physical aspects of the form can take 6 to 12 months
- More details get added
- Mental intention (yi) aspect of T’ai Chi takes longer to learn and requires commitment
- Did I mention that regular practice is essential?
Can anyone learn T'ai chi?
- Requires physical and mental effort
- Generally not suitable for children
- Develop at your own pace
- Regardless of physical condition
- Not a competition
T'ai Chi vs. Qigong
- Physical aspects of T'ai Chi (the form) take longer to learn than shorter Qigong exercises
- Mental intention (yi) aspects of Qigong are focused on more immediately
- Qigong and T’ai Chi classes at OMHS are designed to integrate with one another
- Both have similar health goals and benefits