Benefits of Tai Chi from Time Magazine

It's always nice to see Tai Chi get publicity, although I have a problem with the way it's described. This is a martial art, people.

However, because it does combine slow movement with balance, stretching, and a building of leg strength and other movements that promote flexibility, Tai Chi has been noted as something different.

My claim is that any activity that offers adults and seniors similar type of movement and "calming" would have similar health benefits. There is nothing magic about Tai Chi.

Here's the article: http://wellness.blogs.time.com/2009/10/05/treating-vertigo-and-dizziness-with-tai-chi/

Comments

[jim criscimagna]

Ken,

Well, it started out as a martial art, but these days, Taiji isn't taught as a martial art most of the time. Most practitioners couldn't use their art (as in a fight) and practice mostly form, some light push hands, and a weapon or two (not really knowing how to use the weapon). I see Taiji more as a cultural dance for most people that study the art.

As a result, it has become popular as a health art here in the west with some new aged stuff thrown in there. Few people are dedicated enough to study Taiji as would be required for it to be called a martial art, IMHO.

Even the visiting Chinese masters don't teach it as a martial art when on their yearly seminar tours. How often have you seen a seminar offered on applications, qin na, or useage? Seminars center on form choreography and postural corrections. That says something to me about the direction Taiji in the west.

I appreciate your point of view, Ken, and what you are trying to do. Good luck in your attempts.

[Ken]

Yeah, maybe I should change my target. Perhaps there's a windmill nearby I could attack. :)

Do you think any of the folks like CZL do more during their Western tours? It seems that Chen Bing did more in 2008 but I didn't hear anything similar from his 2009 tour.

[jim criscimagna]

he he (windmills)

CZL might, as he is known for his martial teaching in Chen Jiagou. I wonder if once he has come here, he would do more of what his cousin, uncle, and father have been doing though, after seeing the age and level of practitioners?

Chen Bing taught standing, silk reeling, basic push hands routines, and forms in San Diego and Seattle this year. I am not sure about other locations, since I don't get out much these days. Just enjoying being retired and out of the fray. :)