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| Over 50 (2) | ||
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classes qigong tai chi kung fu about us reviews a-z
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Ideal workout
According to the book The Blue Zones it is important to think
of exercise in terms of what you can reasonably do long-term.
The ideal form of exercise is moderate enough that you can do it for the
rest of your life. It needs to be joint-friendly, provide a gentle workout
and be sustainable. This sounds rather like tai chi, doesn't it?
It’s
crazy. I never thought I’d be getting more powerful as I got older!
I used to be able to hit pretty hard in karate but it was 100% effort. More
than a handful of full power hits and I was getting fatigued. With Tai chi
I’m hitting as hard, probably harder but no effort…I could carry on striking
all day! It’s nuts! Also, with karate there was wind up or at least fist at
waist or head so had space to travel before contact. Now I can almost hit as
hard from touching the target!
The fact Sifu Waller has been able to transform my power generation as I age
into my 40’s is all the proof I will ever need of both the art and Sifu as
the real thing. I almost feel sorry for those that continue with slow old
people taichi or wushu style. They are missing the essence!
(Chris Young)
You must get fit
All martial arts require the student to be fit for combat and
tai chi is no exception. There are many lazy tai chi classes in the world.
This is naive in the extreme.
Cross-training tai chi
Our tai chi students train: massage, leg stretches, qigong, neigong, form, partnered work, martial sets & drills,
combat and weapons.
The training is done carefully, gently - in a controlled manner - without
exertion or strain.
Little & often
Tai chi advocates moderation; not taxing or tiring the body. Rather than
train for a lengthy period of time, aim to practice little & often. 20-30
minute increments, with rest breaks in-between is ideal.
Instead of pushing your body hard and putting it under duress, just do a
little exercise. Resting will keep your concentration sharp and offset
fatigue.
Motor learning
For many people, their fitness regime does not take into account 'motor
learning'. Motor learning is about the process of using the body, rather
than simply exercising the body.
Agility, mobility, relaxed spontaneous movement, balance, structure,
alignment, biomechanics, efficiency, ambidextrous body use, joint health,
coordination, skill, emotional wellbeing or psychological flexibility.
Tai chi combines exercise with motor learning.
Learning a martial art
When learning a martial art there are essentially 3 stages:
Technical skill
Most students want to
do stage 3 but flounder at stage 1.
A martial athlete?
Combat is not easy and there is a risk of injury if the student is unfit.
This is true of any martial art. To reach a high level of skill, the student
needs to take a lesson from sport.
They must become a lot fitter, but not necessarily a martial
athlete.
Intelligent combat
A well-balanced 50 year old usually recognises that they do not really want
to risk being injured in combat. They are looking for something milder and
more intelligent.
Yes, they want tai chi skills, and they also want more. They want to feel
fit, calm and comfortable in their own body.
A good class can offer a highly-stimulating training experience without the
risks associated with conventional martial arts practice.
And if the training is too rough for you, why not opt for tai chi for
health instead?
Age range
18-60, providing you pass the eligibility criteria. We don't teach kung fu
to new students under 18 or over 60*.
* If you start aged 59, you don't have to stop when you reach 60.
Kung fu for the
elderly?
Some martial arts schools offer
programs tailored for children or for the over
60's. We do not. Teaching martial arts to those
age groups requires specialised training and insurance cover for this type
of practice. Unfortunately, we're neither trained nor insured to teach
children or seniors. Most adults can train qigong
& tai chi though.
Qigong & tai chi
Tai chi involves simple movements, mild stretches and cooperative
partner work. The onus is upon relaxation, balance, good poise and coordination.
Students learn how to move their body in a healthy, comfortable way without the
risk of injury.
Most adults can study qigong & tai chi. This non-martial approach is
accessible for many people aged 50 and above.
Assuming that you are fit enough to
undertake the training,
tai chi is great. It is a lifetime’s work. You can start
at any time and potentially still be
training for the rest of your life.
To get the most out of
martial arts training, finding a tailored program for older adults is
essential. Some standard features that may be important for older adults
include shorter classes with more repetitions, modifications for those with
disabilities, and instructor certification in geriatric martial arts.
(Graying With Grace)
Page created 19 August 1994
Last updated
14 August 2023