Health & Mobility

The health and mobility aspects of martial arts have long been championed by practitioners – especially regarding Tai Chi – and this is an aspect increasingly of interest among older non-martial artists.

Historically it seems clear that in the synthesis of Tai Chi many existing known elements of health, traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and body usage were taken into play as a foundation to enable Tai Chi practitioners to develop their martial skill. These included Taioist Phylosophy, Qigong, Daoyin and the Chi meridian concept of internal energy flow from TCM. It is these elements of health and good body usage that today many people focus on when looking at their Tai Chi practice.

“It’s all about the movement” – with beginners and older students it is important to practice the characteristic way of moving that is inherent in Tai Chi.

Tai Chi movement emphasises relaxed vertical posture with poise and balance. The movement is integrated, working segmentally from the centre with focus on good physical structure and so ensuring optimal use of joints and muscles. In particular there is much interest globally in Falls Prevention – an area where Ian has worked for some years. For a whitepaper on this please click here. There are many sources extolling the benefits of Tai Chi simply for this aspect – and it is good to have feedback from people seeking these benefits in their old age.

This has been exemplified from classes run specifically for people over 60 years and from regular Tai Chi classes, with comments like these:

  • I hold myself a lot better
  • I find it much easier to bend and move about
  • I am more aware of my posture – by doing the exercises it has helped with my backaches. My knees are also much improved….I have suffered pain for several years.
  • I feel more relaxed and my posture is better
  • I am more aware of how my body works and I can do things the correct movement way.
  • I am more aware of the correct way to bend, sit and stand and have learned how to control balance.
  • I feel more agile.
  • Knowing when my posture is bad it reminds me to straighten up, relaxation which can be done at home and also feeling better in my body.
  • The classes have taught me to sit, walk and generally hold myself up properly. They have helped to ease tension especially in my back and to relax my body.
  • Good relaxation and feel good.
  • Better movement in lower back.
  • After a fall years ago, I have developed difficulties with balance and I now walk with a stick. These classes have enormously developed my sense of balance. It follows now that, instead of expecting a near future of less and less mobility, I anticipate to be mobile as long as I live.
  • Since I started Tai Chi I have been doing standing Chi Kung for 20 minutes each day and my sciatica has gone (so no more regular visits to the sports physio at £50 per month). Also my insomnia has gone.
  • I have had a bad back for years – but it hasn’t hurt since I started Tai Chi – and I saved money on a Physio.
  • I don’t need to hold onto the bannister rail now when I go up or down stairs.
  • The other day I ran upstairs like I used to – for the first time in years.
  • It has taken away the fear of falling.
  • My handwriting has improved – my hand used to shake but it is much steadier now.
  • I make time for myself
  • I feel better in myself that I was able to do T’ai Chi.
  • The classes relieved stress and I am less irritable, just doing the exercise.
  • After doing the class I feel calm and able to cope better with stress.
  • I am more relaxed and less stressed.
  • I feel more relaxed here.
  • It had helped me to focus on my body and mind and taught me how to relax more and not focus on everyday problems.