Tai Chi

I went for a Temple Style Tai chi – Level I workshop organized by Sevangi to a nearby hill station in Lonavala. Our Tai chi teacher was Sir Christopher Fernandes.

Personally, I felt that Tai chi had a very tranquilizing effect on me. It demands high level of concentration and one pointedness. In fact, the beauty of this technique is that it does not allow you to get distracted for even a moment. The focus comes in very naturally while practicing the movements. It’s an amazing combination of breath, body and mind.

(Jeenal practicing different Tai chi movements)

Tai chi chuan is an internal Chinese martial art often practiced for health reasons. Tai chi is practiced as a soft martial technique and to keep good health and fitness levels. Tai chi means Supreme Ultimate force or fist. Today, Tai chi has spread worldwide. Now a days both traditional and modern form of Tai chi exists, aiming for the same above mentioned benefits.

(Jeenal and Daniel with thier Tai chi teachers and students)

I learnt the Tai chi walk, Tai chi kick and the basic of Tai chi form in the first session. The slow graceful movements are quite surprising as they cause sweating and an increase in the heart rate. It’s various forms are really powerful and extremely beneficial. I personally felt my flexibility improving in the first day itself. Apart from it there was a feeling of lightness and well being at the end of day.

I am sure that my sleep was deeper and wholesome. Western science says that Tai chi is beneficial in controlling high blood pressure, in reducing stress, to increase bone density, strengthening the immunity. Tai chi helps in delaying degeneration, bringing energy and vitality. People having stiff joints, low libido, low energy levels and poor concentration levels can be benefited from Tai chi.

(Daniel practicing Single Whip)

(Daniel Practicing the step of punching the opponent's ears)

(Press)

(Recoil)

Coming back to the various forms, I and Daniel learnt some forms like- Grasping the Bird’s Tail, Brush knee Twist Step aside, Wave Hands like Clouds, Snakes creeps low, Kick and Double punch, Fair lady works at the Shuttle and Repulse the Monkey. It was not just fun, but a great learning experience. I felt that the these various forms were having a great impact on my stamina .

(Jeenal practicing the closing form, Lifting the Kun Lun Mountain)

(Jeenal trying to recorrect her posture, Brush Knee step aside)

(Jeenal practicing Left Heel Kick)

(Jeenal practicing Repulsing the Monkey)

(The complete video of Jeenal practicing the entire 24 Steps Combined Beijing Short Form)

Apart from this we practiced Chi harnessing and Chi cultivating early morning during sunrise. It involves step by step instruction to sense the Chi, Chi gathering, Rolling the Chi ball, Pushing the Kun Lun Mountain and a few more.

It's not yet over!Have a look at my next post!!