Tai Chi: An Ancestral Practice for All

Here, we explore the ancient art of Tai Chi, also known as TaiJi, and how it can enrich your life both physically and mentally.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a Chinese practice that combines gentle, flowing movements with breathing techniques and meditation. It's a discipline aimed at harmonizing the body and mind, based on the principles of Yin and Yang and the circulation of Qi (vital energy).

What are its benefits?

• Physical Health: It improves flexibility, balance, muscle strength, and coordination. Recent neuroscience studies have shown it can benefit brain function, including memory and attention.

• Mental Health: It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting a sense of peace and well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized Tai Chi as a healthy practice for rehabilitation and well-being.

• Longevity: Regular Tai Chi practice has been linked to a longer lifespan and an overall better quality of life, aspects highlighted by the UN in their promotion of healthy lifestyles.

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What is it used for?

Two main aspects:

• Self-Defense: Tai Chi Chuan (as a combat martial art): Originally, Tai Chi was developed as a martial art for self-defense. Here, the fluid movements are applied in combat techniques where softness and strength are balanced to neutralize an opponent efficiently with the least energy expenditure possible. It uses the opponent's energy, diverting and redirecting it. There's no resistance but rather the ability to create a void so the received attack finds no target.

• Health: Tai Chi Cao (for health): Focused on health and well-being, this aspect of Tai Chi utilizes the same fundamental movements but emphasizes healing and maintaining health, enhancing Qi circulation to prevent disease and promote vitality.

Who can practice it?

It is accessible to people of all ages and physical conditions. From children to the elderly, everyone can benefit from this practice, adapting to individual capabilities to ensure a safe and enriching experience.

At Austral Kung Fu, we specialize in the Yang Style of Tai Chi Chuan. This is the most popular and practiced style worldwide, known for its slow, continuous, and gentle yet firm movements that facilitate meditation in motion. The Yang Style is ideal for both beginners and advanced practitioners, offering an accessible entry into the world of Tai Chi while maintaining depth in its martial and health expressions.

Our Traditional Lineage

We are practitioners of a traditional lineage that you can explore in more detail in our "Masters" section. This lineage ensures the authenticity of the teaching. It's crucial to know the origin and correct transmission of knowledge since otherwise, health could be negatively affected; and for martial art practitioners, the techniques might prove ineffective in real-life scenarios. The lineage ensures you learn effective techniques with a method that has been perfected over hundreds of years by true masters.