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Peter
Age: 34.
Occupation: Assistant Accountant.
Q. How long have you been practising Tai Chi?
I have been regularly practising Tai Chi for the last 10 years. Attending classes once or twice a week. I initially learnt the Yang style before moving onto the Chen style and the Chi Kung exercises. The 1st five years were the hardest as it took a while to build up the necessary strength in the legs but now my balance has greatly improved I can very quickly get into a relaxed ‘flow-like’ state when practising the moves.
Q. How did you get interested in Tai Chi?
I’ve been a martial arts fan since I was 16 when a school friend invited me to join a karate club in my local village.
I loved practising the challenging movements and the found the exercises and sparring sessions invigorating and a fun way to release unwanted tension.
During my university years I joined a jiujitsu and another karate club but found these classes too exercise intensive for me. I wanted to study a martial art that would not put too much pressure on my joints and would help me build up my strength gradually. I thought about joining a kung fu club because I liked the style and flair of the Chinese martial arts and I considered them to be very practical in a self-defence situation.
However soon after my university years began I became ill with M.E./ chronic fatigue or post-viral flu syndrome.
A clairvoyant/spiritual header recommended that I give up alcohol, stop eating meat, eat lots of green vegetables and start practising Tai Chi.
I joined the university Tai Chi class and began on the long road to recovery. Unfortunately the instructor stopped teaching that class 1 month later but I was already hooked. I then discovered the Kam Lau School of Tai Chi Chuan,
I was instantly impressed with his technique and his style of teaching. I’ve been his student ever since.
Q. What health benefits have you gained from Tai Chi?
When I joined a Tai Chi class I found to my amazement that my energy levels were significantly improved after practising the gentle movements. I felt more mentally alert and focused after class and usually in a better mood too.
7 years on after practising Tai Chi every week I have managed to give up my 15 a day smoking habit and recover from my M.E. condition. I have also noticed that my balance, stamina, flexibility and reflexes have all greatly improved
Q. What advice would you give to beginners?
Don’t expect lots of obvious results early on and don’t worry about getting the movements exactly right or learning all the forms. The main benefits are internal e.g. better circulation and boosting the nervous and immune systems.
These health benefits occur with regular practice of the movements and can take years to develop.
The efforts are worthwhile even if only for preventative purposes.
I don’t think I’ll ever give up Tai Chi as I believe a healthy life is a happy life!
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