Tai chi, also called tai chi chuan or taijiquan, is an ancient Chinese martial art.  It can be practiced for self defence, but has evolved more commonly as a health exercise.

Tai chi practitioners perform a set of movements that are slow, graceful and balanced. Each movement flows into the next, so that one’s body is in constant motion, achieving better exercising benefits.

Tai chi has various styles, among which the most popular are Yang, Chen and Wu styles. Each style has its own emphasis on certain tai chi principles and techniques.  Some may focus on the health benefits of tai chi, while others may focus on the martial arts quality of tai chi.  On the whole, all forms of tai chi include flowing movements by which the practitioners can attain inner calm, balance and concentration.  It is these attributes of tai chi that are unique in helping the practitioners achieve stress reducing benefits, and improve inner energy circulation.

The intensity of tai chi differs depending on the style practiced.  Some forms of tai chi are more challenging than others.  Tai chi in general emphasizes technique, balance and relaxation over strength and force, and most forms are gentle and suitable for everyone.  Thus everyone can practice tai chi regardless of the age or physical ability.

Ji Hong Tai Chi at Richmond Hill offers tai chi instructions to people living in Richmond Hill and its vicinity, covering Toronto, Markham, Aurora and Vaughan.  We teach Yang, Chen and Wu styles tai chi, tai chi weapons and push hands.  Our goal is to help students enjoy the benefits of tai chi and put the complex tai chi theory, principles and techniques into practice.