Mountain River & Sony's PlayStation 2 EyeToy - Kinetic
Exclusively for the EyeToy Kinetic - Mind Body & Spirit zone an abridged form of Tai Chi is presented. So that players can sample Tai Chi in the comfort of their homes. Minor changes have been made to allow players to see themselves as they go through the workout. Keith hopes that people will understand the need for these adjustments to the standard movements, and allowances will be made for any mistakes which are purely his own!
Tai Chi Chuan is often translated as Supreme Ultimate Fist but is more commonly renowned for it’s relaxation, body toning and calming benefits. Recent scientific studies confirm the benefits to peoples health, stating that the bodies of those who regularly train are less likely to suffer in their old age. Akin to moving meditation; meridians, pathways, sinews and tendons are changed over time and internal energy is developed to replace external muscular force. Each person who embarks on the program, potentially, can gain real value for themselves.
Tai Chi offers us a route to learn about ourselves and how we interact with other people. Exercises including the Form and pushing hands provides us with tools to re balance how we move and react / respond. Later on additional forms (formal routines) which can include weapon training and two person work broadens this scope. Underlying principals are gradually applied to them. Thus providing us with a total / lifetime workout regime.
As we train the body the internal signals are refined so that we become more responsive to our needs. Energy and the circulation thereof becomes the goal. Quietening the mind and relaxing the body (joints, muscles and connective tissue), gives us the freedom to utilise all the body in a coordinated and structured way. Until we can release tension, we cannot listen well, nor use all parts in the chain to provide the dynamics that make us capable of extraordinary things.
We refine our minds as well as bodies to re-create automated motion which can provide an impetus or force available at will. By re-coding the muscles, and by massaging the internal organs etc. blockages free up and the entire being becomes connected. It is this higher goal that sets Chinese Martial Arts and Tai Chi in particular apart from sport training.
A little stress is good for us, and Tai Chi training provides an excellent vehicle to cope with small stresses. So we can build up our natural resistance to change and move on. Growth is symbolised in Chinese culture as Yang and small losses can be thought of as Yin. As we try to accumulate new input and paste these into our very being, little by little we make progress towards our goals.
Want to re balance today’s stresses and get fit for life? Like to use ancient eastern wisdom to become more centred, calm and relaxed? Tai Chi is a gentle exercise discipline which promotes peaceful mind and body whilst raising vitality. This non aggressive martial art has helped many thousands to become more healthy and so to live better lives.
Tai Chi is suitable for individuals across a very broad spectrum. From the very active to those less energetic. Often recommended by doctors, osteopaths and phsyio's for back pain. Whilst it is unlikely that Tai Chi can cure all ills, it is fair to say that most practitioners claim many benefits. For example students with M.S., find Tai Chi helps their balance. People recovering from strokes and heart attacks feel that Tai Chi is a lifeline. Scientific studies have found that elderly practitioners fall less often, and have better joint mobility.
Tai Chi is available to help those who want to change for the better. Offering exercise, relaxation, self cultivation and timeless wisdom within a fascinating self defence system.
