Tai chi chuan (also spelled taijiquan) is one of China's three big internal arts. Frequently practiced in slow motion, it's thought to date back to the 1700s when Chang San-feng began observing the movements of a crane and snake. Tai chi chuan training emphasizes rooting, or connecting ones chi (internal energy) with the earth; sensitivity, or being able to detect an opponents movements before they're completed; and relaxation.

Senior citizens are often drawn to tai chi chuan because of the myriad health benefits the training offers. It's said to improve balance, coordination, concentration, breathing, circulation and overall health.
Tai chi chuan currently exists around the world in many forms, including chen, old chen, wu, yang, chang and sun.


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