Tai Chi originates from Chenjiagou Village, Wenxian County, Henan province, China during the late Ming Dynasty almost 400 years ago. Following a decorated military career, General Chen Wangtin, retired to Chenjiagou where he formulated an internal martial art that incorporated the ancient philosophy of Yin and Yang, with specialised breathing techniques, and a profound understanding of the internal energy meridians used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

There are five generally recognised styles of Tai Chi. Chen is the original from which developed the Yang style and from that Wu. Other styles include the Sun and Li. Further derivations from these styles are the Hao and Chen Man Ching.

Chen style Tai Chi is a sequence of dynamic, soft flowing movements combined with hard and fast actions, performed in a balanced and natural way. These movements, or forms, adhere to the philosophical Taoist principles of Yin and Yang from the I Ching (Book of Changes). Contained within the Tai Chi framework are spiralling and twisting, unique silk reeling movements, jumps, leaps and explosive energy release actions. During practice the body remains relaxed, the practitioner’s consciousness, breathing and actions are all closely connected.

These unique features enhance benefits to health, fitness and weight-loss, and are just a few of the reasons why so many people, regardless of age or level of fitness, regularly practice Chen Style Tai Chi throughout the world today.

Tai Chi is suitable for people of all ages and levels of physical fitness. The movements can be performed slowly and gently for health benefits or faster and more powerfully for self defence applications.

Tai Chi requires no special clothing or equipment and can be done even in a small space. The best way to learn is in a class from an instructor who can guide you through the positions; the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain holds a register of instructors.

Scientific research has shown that Tai Chi stimulates the central nervous system, lowers blood pressure, and relieves stress whilst gently toning the muscles without strain. The rhythmical movements massage the internal organs and improve their function, enhancing digestion, the elimination of wastes and blood circulation.

Although beginners perform the movements slowly at first, as their general health and ability improve, these can then be performed with lower postures and in a more dynamic manner that provides the same beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system as jogging or high-impact aerobics, but without the stress and strain.

Tai Chi develops flexibility, toning muscles in the lower body, increasing strength of lower limbs - especially the thighs, buttocks and calves to improve balance (thus preventing falls), and since the movements are performed while standing assist in bone formation and strengthening that helps to prevent the onset of osteoporosis.