Tai Chi

Quick Links: What is Tai Chi | Who Can Do it | About this style | Timetable | What to wear | Enrolment Form

According to Chinese legend a man named Zhang San Fang founded the art of Tai Chi about eight hundred years ago after observing the movements of a snake and a magpie in combat. Zhang created a wondrous style of martial art that focussed on the powerful element of softness. Today Zhang's principles and methods of training have been handed down as Tai Chi.

Courses are available at various Christchurch City Council Venues

Timetable

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi involves a series of gentle movements and techniques that are performed in what appears to be slow motion. Tai Chi is practised by 20% of the world's population and is fast becoming the most popular exercise in the world today. Tai Chi is excellent for strengthening the body on many levels.

The slow paced, gentle movements help the body strengthen bone mass and connective tissue and improve the natural functions of the internal organs.

Regular Tai Chi practice reduces stress, increases breathing capacity and improves balance and co-ordination.

Who can do it?

Because of its gentle nature Tai Chi is accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities. Many people with mobility problems and ailments practice Tai Chi as therapy. Tai Chi is particularly suited to older adults and those new to exercise. Its gentle and supple movements promote good health and total well being.

About this style

Conventional forms of Tai Chi consist of 80 or more movements. These forms take a considerable amount of time to learn and perform. China's Physical Culture & Sports Commission created a shorter form called "Simplified Tai Chi" based on the contemporary Yang Style which traces its origins back to Master Zhang. Christchurch City Council Tai Chi Classes are the revised form which involves 13 techniques within 24 moves.

What to wear

Tai Chi can be performed in any comfortable loose fitting clothes, either with or without shoes.

Please arrive 5 minutes before the class begins.

Enrolment

Cost: $48 for 8 weeks, $54.00 for 9 weeks, classes are for one hour

Maximium of 20 participants per class. No classes on Public Holidays. Classes are subject to change

The Enrolment form is available to download and print as a PDF.