Tai Chi Chaun Is It Just for the Elderly?

As a Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan Disciple at the current age of 26, I can 100% say that anyone of any age can learn and benefit from practicing Tai Chi Chaun. Whether if its for the martial arts aspect and/or the Health aspect. But when you pass by a Tai Chi Class you would mostly see people above the age of 50 in the class, Why is That? That's because they most likely have a health condition or limitation that can be improved by Tai Chi Chaun. Which is good and a perfect reason to take learn Tai Chi Chuan, but the con is that from the outside looking in, it gives off the impression that it mainly just benefits our older group of people(45 and above). That is not the case at all and that's why I made this article to show why it can benefit anyone of any age.

Here are some benefits of learning Tai Chi Chuan from the age of 45 and below:

• Slowing Down The Aging Process
• Preventing Certain Health Conditions and Limitations
• Learning The Martial Arts Applications

There are multiple studies that you can look up and research that show that Tai Chi Chaun can slow down the aging process. I seen proof first hand from my Sifu who is 60 years old but he look like he's in his 40s and move around like he's in his 30s, and my Grand Master Eddie Wu who is also the Head of Wu's Style Tai Chi Chuan is currently in his Mid 70s looks like he could be in his early 50s and moves around like he in his 30s. They both still have the ability to take me down with ease. I don't know about you but I want to look and feel young when i hit 60 years old. I don't want to have to rely on a cane or walker to help me get to the bathroom or wherever. With Tai Chi Chaun it properly stretches the ligaments in your body and that's what keep your body loose and prolong the aging in your body.

No matter which style of Tai Chi Chuan you decide to take up,they each have a complete form you must learn as a beginner. The form they teach you will be considered large perfect Qi-Gong exercise. In Wu Style our beginner form have a total of 108 postures.Our 108 form when done at a steady slow speed will take about 45-30 mins. With just doing the form at least once a day will improve your health substantially. Which will also prevent you from going the hospital as much compared to a average person. And that is a plus for me because I hate hospitals, they just want your money most of the time. With that being said here are some health conditions and Limitation that Tai Chi Chuan can prevent and/or improve:

• Improves Cognition
• Prevents You From Having Arthritis
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Lower Your Chances of Heart Disease
• Prevent Back and Knee Problems
• Reduce and Help Manage Stress

There are many other health prevention that's you can look up research about. It's all been proven by researchers. A funny saying my Sifu have is "If we can sell this in a 6-pack we'd be rich!"

If you decide to start learning Tai Chi Chaun at a younger age (45 and below) you will have more opportunity and time to learn and perfecting the martial arts applications. As obvious as that sound learning the martial arts applications for Tai Chi Chuan is extremely difficult, this is one of the hardest martial arts to learn in this world. That is because Tai Chi is an internal martial art (soft style) while all other martial arts are external (hard style), so its a learning curve with using your internal strength instead of physical strength. My Sifu often say that you need at least 10 years of training to even be decent in Tai Chi Chuan. So the younger you can start the better and it will all be worth it in the long run.

This is one of my main goal with Tai Chi Chuan with showing how great it is for you no matter of the age. And by reading this article an sharing it, you can help me get just a little closer to reaching this goal. If you ever decide to take up Tai Chi Chuan please do some research on the classes or instructor so you can certain that you are being taught properly. Also please do not try to learn through a book or video. you need that instructor to make sure that you are training properly. Books and video are only good for reference not as a main source of learning. If you like this article please let me know in the comment section and I'm open to hearing your comments and questions.