What is Tai Chi?

Most people aren't sure what Tai Chi is, or they think it's that thing they've seen videos of old people doing in the park. Or you may have heard Tai Chi is:

• A series of slow, smooth, continuous movements.

• Good for improving health and wellbeing.

• An internal, or "soft", martial art (not practiced for self-defense).

• Something my doctor said I should do to improve my balance.

• Sort of like yoga, but not really.

• A series of movements that promote the increased flow of Qi throughout the body, slowly bringing your body back into a more healthy balance.

• A fun class.

• A series of movements that balance body and mind.

• A way to move my body when I can't do most other forms of exercise.

• Tai Chi is moving meditation.

Tai Chi is all these things. But the only thing that matters is what Tai Chi is to you.

We tell students to give Tai Chi a try. Find out for yourself what Tai Chi is to you and whether or not it's right for you. After all, our classes are free. But Tai Chi isn't for everybody. In fact, only about half the people we see the first day stay in class for the entire eight weeks.

Give Tai Chi a try: What do we mean by give it a try? Give Tai Chi time. Try one class. Eight weeks, once a week. Start experimenting daily for a minute or two with a movement you learned in class. You wouldn't judge the value of a vitamin or supplement after taking it one time. The same goes for Tai Chi. Tai Chi subtle. It takes time.

What is Tai Chi? It is many things. But again, the only thing that matters is what Tai Chi is to you.