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Tai
Chi is one of the many forms of the “Wushu”
that literally translated means “martial art”.
Therefore, originally Tai Chi is a fighting sport. Nowadays
however it is mainly regarded as a movement art. There are
various styles in Tai Chi, but in the West people mainly
practice the Yang Style. This style is characterized by
slow movements that flow over into one another and that
have a positive influence on the balance between body and
mind. In daily life this balance sometimes is upset, resulting
in fatigue and physical problems.
By regular exercise Tai Chi may help to restore the balance
between body and mind and to combat fatigue, stiffness and
stress. Because Tai Chi is based on balance and harmony,
and not on speed and strength, it is extremely suitable
for elderly people. Tai Chi has a positive influence on
the health and is therefore, to put it in a nutshell, ideal
for both young and old as well as for healthy and less healthy
people. Tai Chi is the Chinese national sport, but also
in the West it has got hold of a good position. |
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Xia Quan Chi Kung |
Xia
Quan Tai Chi sword |
Xia Quan Tai Chi fan |
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In
Tai Chi the movements are made slowly and fluently which stimulates
the blood circulation and results in a better energy flow
through. Muscles and joints are being used but will not be
overloaded. The posture results in relieving the spinal column.
The breathing is calm and relaxed. Learning and performing
the movements requires concentration which is important for
calming the mind and which therefore can be profitable in
daily life. |
The
coordination is improved and the complex movements are healing
for the central nervous system. Because of the specific way
of moving, whereby moving the body weight is required, the
balance may be improved and the risk of injuries resulting
from falling may be diminished.
By moving combined with concentration the balance is improved,
from a physical as well as from a psychological perspective.
And last but not least; it is also just fun to learn something
new and to do something with other people.
The lessons are given in small groups. You don’t need
to buy special sportswear. Comfortable clothing and gym shoes
or sports shoes with a not too thick sole suffice. |
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Scientific
research in China and Europe showed that the health of elderly
people practicing Tai Chi on a regular basis significantly
exceeded the health of the control group.
Amongst other things the blood pressure of the Tai Chi practitioners
was considerably lower and their long capacity higher.
There was evidently less osteoporosis and, very important,
the risk of bone fractures resulting from falling was up to
70% less in the Tai Chi group.
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The mobility
of the spinal column was much largerThe mobility of the spinal
column was much larger.
[ Off course
50+ers can also join a group with various ages.
[
A 50+ group however may also have special advantages.
[
Some elderly people do not want to follow classes
in the evening but instead during the day time.
[ The contact
with people of the same age group can be advantageous.
[
In 50+ groups the level of learning within the group
is more balanced.
[ For elderly
people physical exercise is very important for maintaining
their health, physically as well as psychologically. |
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Tai
Chi les 2004 |
Tai
Chi les 1996 |
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Tai
Chi les 2008 |
Tai
Chi les 2008 |
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“Sifu”
(master) Kong is one of the most successful Chinese great masters
and has more than forty years of experience in the Wushu and
Tai Chi. The Yang Style Tai Chi that is taught by the Institute
in China and in the Netherlands by Sifu Kong has strong ties
with the great masters in the Yang Style. In the Second World
War great master Deng Jing Tao (Sifu Kong’s master) of
the Chinese Institute worked together with great master Yang
Shou Chung, a descendant of the Yang family. This way Sifu Kong
at a young age got acquainted with the original Yang style Tai
Chi.
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