Stand tall and deliver

by | Aug 22, 2016 | Information | 0 comments

Photo of a woman in tai chi post, fending off two approaching statues

Stand tall and deliver

No matter what you’re confronted with, always maintain an upright body posture.  This is one of the four essential tai chi principles.

But… what does upright body posture mean?  Well, it’s not that old-fashioned walking with a book on your head.  That’s a recipe for stiff muscles plus a sore neck and back from trying to move so rigidly. What’s more, even if you did move like that the book would still probably fall off your head.

Upright posture and alignment means NOT leaning or hunching – whether forwards, backwards or sideways.  Imagine if the top of your head was suspended from a golden strand of silk – this is a magical thread because it doesn’t cause any pain. Suspended like this, gravity helps the joints in your spine move into alignment so they are stacked sweetly on top of each other, like they’re meant to be.  Your tail bone is centrally positioned at the base of your spine and slighted tucked under. You feel balanced and comfortable.

Imagine that you are now gently lowered to your feet.  Take the weight evenly on both feet and keep your knees soft (slightly bent, not flexed straight).  This will keep your tail bone and buttocks tucked under and your spine neatly stacked.  Keep your head upright (but not tense or rigid) with your eyes looking straight ahead.  This might feel a little strange at first but in time it will feel more comfortable.

So, why is all of this important?  Because, with your head upright and with correct body posture and alignment you are more likely to:

  • Release tension and pressure caused by bad posture
  • Reduce stress and pain on the back and knees
  • Reduce the chance of falling
  • Increase your muscle strength and balance
  • Improve your martial art (you will be much harder to be pushed/pulled off balance)
  • Increase the Qi/energy flow, as this flows better in an aligned body

So, kia ora/say hello to upright posture and body alignment. They’re heaps better than just walking with a book on your head.

Black and white photo from 1950s with two women balancing books on their heads and doing tai chi

How not to do tai chi

 

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Cartoon with a woman sitting down reading with a big YES above her. Another woman is shown crossed out with the word NO. She has a book on her head

Put the book in your head, not on your head

 

 

New tai chi classes start in August 2016

by | Aug 13, 2016 | Information | 0 comments

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This is a post from August 2016.

Contact us to find out about current tai chi classes

Say hello to better health with these new Kia Ora Tai Chi for Health classes starting on Monday 15 August 2016, 6.30pm in Manurewa. Ideal for beginners and suitable for adults of all ages and high school students.

Timetable for 2016: Six weeks of classes for beginners, as follows::

  • 1st week: Monday 15 and Wednesday 17 August
  • 2nd week: Monday 22 and Wednesday 24 August
  • No tai chi: Monday 29 and Wednesday 31 August
  • 3rd week: Monday 5 September (no class on Wednesday 7 September)
  • 4th week: Monday 12 and Wednesday 14 September
  • 5th week: Monday 19 and Wednesday 21 September
  • 6th week: Monday 26 and Wednesday 28 September

Find out more:

 

Free tai chi lessons in 2016

by | Jul 25, 2016 | Information | 4 comments

Clayton 2Please note: This is a post from 2016.

Please contact us to find out about current classes.

Free tai chi lessons: Monday 8 and Wednesday 10 August 2016,

Are you tired or stressed? Have trouble sleeping? Need to get fitter? If you’re bored with the gym and hate wearing lycra then say hello to tai chi.

Come along for FREE 1-hour tai chi lessons on Monday 8th and Wednesday 10th August 2016 at 6.15pm, with Jocelyn Watkin, a qualified tai chi instructor. Jocelyn is a Manurewa local and has been practising tai chi for nearly 14 years. Adults of any age and high school students are all welcome.

Described as “moving meditation”, tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines mental focus with deliberate and relaxed movements that are gentle on the joints. Regular practice of tai chi can help to lower blood pressure and improve strength, health and balance. More information on the health benefits of tai chi.

Jocelyn will be teaching tai chi on Mondays and Wednesdays in Manurewa. After the free lessons, a new beginners’ class will start on Monday 15 August and Wednesday 17  August 2016. Students are encouraged to attend both nights rather than just one class per week.  Click here for more information or contact us or phone or text Jocelyn on 027 493 9851.