About Tai Chi Exercises for Kids
Introducing children to Tai Chi Chuan is simpler than expected. Children approach these old concepts with open minds and excitement, anxious to try new things. Choose exercises within the ability of the entire group to encourage success and continued interest.
Other People Are Reading
-
History
-
Traditional Tai Chi training began during childhood and was sometimes not the child's choice. A closely guarded family martial art, Tai Chi passed from father to son and training was often brutal.
Modern Approach
-
Tai Chi can be learned as a game and a pleasant exercise, with emphasis on balance and coordination rather than fighting. For children, good choices include the simpler chi kung exercises and warm-up movements.
-
Chi Kung
-
Although stance training is one of the most difficult parts of the Tai Chi kung fu, children enjoy playing with the concept. Choose a simple fundamental posture such as horse stance and don't go overboard on duration or details.
Warm-ups
-
The Eight Brocades are the simplest kung fu movements and the most familiar to Western minds. Easy movements combining stretching and rotation; the exercises are within the ability of most beginners.
Moving Forms
-
Learning the 107 Movement Long Form of Yang Style usually takes a year or more of intensive practice and is beyond the reach of many children. Choose left and right alternations of simple movements like Wild Horses Share the Mane and be sure to give children individual help and attention.
Story Time
-
Keep the class entertained by telling Tai Chi stories during breaks. The history of Tai Chi Chuan is filled with legendary tales of the feats of masters and stories of how students persevered and even stole the secrets of their teachers.
-
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo from Wikipedia Commons at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Yang_cheng_fu_single_whip_application_2_75.jpg
