A method that aims at all ages, body type, physical condition and helps maintaining a good health. It requires no equipment and takes place indoors or outdoors.
Tai Chi Chuan is contains slow and repetitive movements and it is based on the coordination and the flow of the motion without any muscular tension.
It improves upper and the lower body muscle strength, flexibility, balance and proprioception.
Studies have shown that Tai Chi Chuan has beneficial effects towards pain and various diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, etc.
Except for the physical benefits, it also helps combating stress and reducing negative emotions. During exercise it focuses on the concentration of the mind, while the memory is exercised through the movement memorization.
Basic Principles of Tai Chi Chuan Wu Family:
- Head leaning backwards
- Straight spine, coccyx retracted
- Feet parallel
- Shoulders relaxed
- Chest soft
- Keeping to the basic principles while performing exercises, you achieve a full integration of the body and the mind
Section of the traditional form of 108 movements of the Wu Family
1 Raise the palms at shoulder level while shifting the weight on finger tips. Foot on the ground.
2 Bend the elbows sideways and put the weight on the center of the foot.
3 Lower the palms on the side of the pelvis parallel to the ground. Keep the spine straight.
4 Bend the knees and put the weight on the right foot. Raise the left heel , keeping the fingers down.
5 Hold the weight on the right side, step ahead while bringing the left heel forward with raised fingers .
6 Raise the left hand like a bow at chest level.
7 Turn the right palm and head to 45 degrees right.
8 Raise the right arm at shoulder level.
9 Turn the head forward and close the right arm from the elbow, joining the palms.
Maintain the body weight on the right side.
10 Turn and press the left foot inwards (internal rotation).
11 Slide the weight on the left leg, holding the pelvis straight. Eyes gaze levelly forwards.
In order to exercise the other side of the body and mind, step with the right foot.
Christina Sakkaloglou, AthensTrainers® Associate
Member of ΗΕLLENIC TAI CHI CHUAN ACADEMY WU STYLE
