Willow Tai Chi

Willow Tai Chi is a renowned Tai Chi school located in Emsworth, New Zealand. Led by experienced instructors, the school offers comprehensive classes that focus on the ancient art of Tai Chi and Qigong.

Tai Chi is an internal Martial Art that incorporates Qigong, which promotes health, healing, and vitality through specific exercise systems. The full name for Tai Chi is Tai Chi Chuan, with “Chuan” meaning “fist” or “boxing. ” This form of self-defence is highly effective and cultivates a balanced and evolved body and mind.

Unlike other martial arts, Tai Chi emphasises inner energy application instead of relying solely on muscle power. This unique aspect makes Tai Chi suitable for practitioners of all ages and fitness levels. The gentle, slow movements of Tai Chi act as a moving meditation, increasing mental calmness by redirecting focus away from daily distractions and towards breathing and body movement.

The health benefits of Tai Chi are well-documented. Regular practise can lead to improved posture, increased vitality, and reduced fatigue. Tai Chi also helps in balancing blood pressure, improving breathing capacity, and strengthening core stability. It enhances muscle tone in the back, releases tension in the shoulders, and improves leg strength.

Practitioners often notice immediate benefits such as stress reduction and improved balance. Many report having a better quality of sleep after just a few sessions.

Scientific research conducted by prominent institutions like Harvard Medical Press, Medical News Today, and the BBC confirms the health benefits associated with Tai Chi. Some proven benefits include increased energy levels while improving sleep quality, enhanced flexibility, coordination, posture, and balance (which reduce the risk of falls), improved circulation, and lowered blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Tai Chi also contributes to the prevention of osteoporosis by conditioning and strengthening bones. It has shown positive effects on medical conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive disorders.

In some cases, it has also been successful in reducing pain and symptoms of depression. Tai Chi significantly improves cognitive function and provides an opportunity for both mental and physical activity.

At Willow Tai Chi, the instructors are passionate about delivering these benefits to all practitioners. They believe that learning and practising Tai Chi must be enjoyable to maximise its potential. The school is dedicated to the cultivation of life, health, and the evolution of body and mind. Whether young or old, practitioners of all backgrounds are welcome to experience the slow, gentle movements of Tai Chi that focus on creating a calmer mental state and relieving stress.

With Willow Tai Chi, one can enjoy the physical benefits of improved posture, reduced fatigue, and increased breathing capacity. Core stability, back muscles, and leg strength are all strengthened, while tension in the shoulders is released and overall muscle tone is enhanced. Willow Tai Chi is committed to providing a space where practitioners can explore the transformative powers of Tai Chi and Qigong. Their classes emphasise the holistic advantages of these ancient arts, promoting health, well-being, and self-defence.