Tai Chi Chuan In Parks Everywhere

Ever find yourself sitting in the house feeling sleepy, lazy, or otherwise lethargic? Well, you're not the only one. What would mom have said? How about, go outside! Become invigorated by nature! Well, according to a ABS- CBN News article, every spring Tai Chi Chuan practitioners in New York City do just that at local parks.

In other words, they go outside and practice their craft in public.

"There's more energy in the air outside, especially early in the morning or evening," says George Kormendi, the program director of the New York School of Tai Chi Chuan. "So sometimes I'll bring my students outside to the park."

Tai Chi is a soft martial arts style that is known to improve balance, coordination, and fitness. It places a strong emphasis on internal factors such as understanding the meaning behind the physical movements of the art, as well as channeling energy appropriately. Beautiful, often slow moving forms are a staple of the style. And these forms are what are being witnessed in parks in New York City as well as across the country.

"The slow movement trains our awareness of energy and use of force," Kormendi explained. Thus, from a self defense perspective Tai Chi is designed to use an opponent's force, energy, and aggression against them by deflecting it. This requires a calm mind and emotionless response. In that sense, Tai Chi is quite meditative.

So don't be surprised if you see practitioners practicing their craft when you go out to feed the pigeons on your lunch break. Who knows, maybe watching it all go on will reduce your stress as well!