Shaolin Culture

Just over two years ago I decided that I needed to exercise more. However, I soon become bored with exercise regimes and my staying capacity has never been good. For many years I had practised Karate and was even considering starting again, but I felt that to return to such a strenuous activity after 25 years of absence was not the wisest thing to do.

One evening I was reading a newspaper article which recommended Tai Chi and so I decided to investigate further. I had been put off by Tai Chi in the past because it looked too ‘soft’. Anyhow, I did an Internet search and learnt that a new club was starting in Bromley, and that an introductory demonstration was to be given. This I attended, and despite some reservations, decided to give it a try.

I attended the first lesson given, liked it and came back for more. Two years later I am still coming back for more, and have found that the more Tai Chi I do the better I like it. This is so for a number of reasons:

1. it is not ‘soft’ at all, particularly the Chen Style taught at the club – there are kicks, punches and jumps;

2. it is a great challenge to remember all the moves;

3. it is a challenge to get the moves right (and I am only starting to do this now);

4. it is both relaxing and, at the same time, fairly strenuous;

5. it is possible to get better at it as you get older, something that is precluded from most other sporting activities;

6. and, since it is a martial art, there is an inherent logic in all the moves.

So Tai Chi is great for a number of reasons, not all of which I have mentioned here. I feel really fortunate to train under a Master who is so skilled in his knowledge, and in the practise, of Tai Chi.

Dan Taylor