I originally dismissed tai chi, when I first considered it three years ago.
I was looking for a replacement for the karate I was doing. At that stage, I didn't believe it was possible to learn tai chi as a martial art in New Zealand. I hate to think now, what I could have missed out on.
Fortunately, I didn't find what I was looking for with other martial art forms, and I came back for another look at tai chi. I discovered Sing Ong Tai Chi - a disciplined, holistic approach to a martial art, taught with respect for ancient traditions, and in a way that provides mental and physical balance.
Like everyone, I have a busy life and career. At times I rush into class with barely enough time to gulp dinner, throw on my uniform or even just get there. Within five minutes, whether at home or in the class, I have de-stressed and am into the rhythm of tai chi. My mind clears out the "babble" of the day and my shoulders lose their tenseness. However, I wouldn't want to give the impression that tai chi is simply a relaxing, arm waving exercise. When I finish a class or my own session, I can feel my blood pumping. Tai chi is a real work out.
As well as a healthy form of exercise, every move in tai chi can be used for self defence. Sing Ong Tai Chi is the thinking person's martial art. Subtle shifts in balance, weight, arm and hip movements can be used to deflect and overturn an opponent, even one much bigger and stronger.
Such skill takes time to learn and high levels of concentration. But the class times seem to flash by. After three years, I am still only at the early stages of my tai chi journey. The benefits, though, have already started. I feel fitter and healthier than I have from any other martial art or exercise. And, I have never sustained an injury from tai chi.
I plan to still be doing tai chi when I am 90 years old, and I look forward to having the movement, strength and flexibility of a 20 year old, at that time.
I originally dismissed tai chi, when I first considered it three years ago.
I was looking for a replacement for the karate I was doing. At that stage, I didn't believe it was possible to learn tai chi as a martial art in New Zealand. I hate to think now, what I could have missed out on.
Fortunately, I didn't find what I was looking for with other martial art forms, and I came back for another look at tai chi. I discovered Sing Ong Tai Chi - a disciplined, holistic approach to a martial art, taught with respect for ancient traditions, and in a way that provides mental and physical balance.
Like everyone, I have a busy life and career. At times I rush into class with barely enough time to gulp dinner, throw on my uniform or even just get there. Within five minutes, whether at home or in the class, I have de-stressed and am into the rhythm of tai chi. My mind clears out the "babble" of the day and my shoulders lose their tenseness. However, I wouldn't want to give the impression that tai chi is simply a relaxing, arm waving exercise. When I finish a class or my own session, I can feel my blood pumping. Tai chi is a real work out.
As well as a healthy form of exercise, every move in tai chi can be used for self defence. Sing Ong Tai Chi is the thinking person's martial art. Subtle shifts in balance, weight, arm and hip movements can be used to deflect and overturn an opponent, even one much bigger and stronger.
Such skill takes time to learn and high levels of concentration. But the class times seem to flash by. After three years, I am still only at the early stages of my tai chi journey. The benefits, though, have already started. I feel fitter and healthier than I have from any other martial art or exercise. And, I have never sustained an injury from tai chi.
I plan to still be doing tai chi when I am 90 years old, and I look forward to having the movement, strength and flexibility of a 20 year old, at that time.
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