A Relaxing Afternoon With Tai chi

Originating from China, Tai chi is an exercise that promotes mental and physical health. While the martial art helps to develop one’s defensive skills, it can also serve as a form of meditation and stress-relieving. Last week, we had the opportunity to learn more about the martial art when Master Shan visited our campus to give a presentation on Tai chi.

Beginning his presentation with a captivating performance, Master Shan demonstrated Chen Style Tai chi through fluid movements. He then went on to say that Tai chi is the “perfect exercise,” justifying his claim with the “three zeros”: zero foundation needed, zero discrimination, and zero investment needed. He explained that firstly, people do not need to have any prior experience with Tai chi in order to start practicing it. Secondly, the exercise does not discriminate against anyone, which means that everyone—women, men, old, young—can start practicing Tai chi; it also does not require anyone to have a certain set of skills. Lastly, it is a very inexpensive hobby to pursue. Providing the example of him practicing Tai chi in the confined courtyard outside of his master’s house, Master Shan stated that you can practice Tai chi anywhere, anytime.

Master Shan added that you are not only improving your physical health, but also the control of your inner circulation with Tai chi. The exercise is meant to “care for our beings” and help us develop maintain our health—both physically and mentally.

In the increasingly stressful atmosphere at AISG, Tai chi is an appealing option for students who are in dire need of a novel way to relieve stress.

On that note, to all of the Rams who are overwhelmed with stress: don’t hesitate to experiment with Tai chi! Whether it is effective or not depends on each individual’s own experience with Tai chi. However, considering the potential health benefits that it brings, Tai chi seems like an option that is worth checking out. After all, it never hurts to try.