Men & tai chi
Tai chi & men
Tai chi is ideal for
men because it addresses both health and self defence. The soft and gentle nature of tai chi enables any man to learn a martial art without having to suffer harsh training. If your interest is purely health, you can look forward to a steady improvement without undue effort. A daily commitment is all that is required.
Alternative health
Going to the gym, running and swimming is not for everyone -
tai chi offers an alternative. The training is not especially demanding at first but gradually grows in difficulty as you progress. All you need is motivation. You should ache a little when you train but the exercises will not cause discomfort or
pain. If you proceed through the self defence syllabus, the system will become a serious workout in terms of health yet remain relatively easy to perform.
Stress relief
It is important to let go of
stress, to relax and slow down. The pressures of everyday life can easily make you feel tense and
depressed. Tai chi is an opportunity to take a break from how you normally operate. Although the training is restful, it also invigorates you - leaving you feeling calm yet alert.
Coping with confrontation
Another form of
stress occurs through conflict. Taoism adopts a non-confrontational approach to situations and encourages you to address matters in a harmonious way.
Tai chi teaches you how to respond creatively to adversity and hostile encounters. You will not be taught how to fight. Fighting involves trading blows, whereas self defence is only concerned with your safe exit from violence. You will learn new ways to avoid conflict and what to do if you are forced to act in your own defence.
