T’ai Chi For Children
The origins
of T’ai Chi Ch’uan are rooted
in ancient China and evolved out of Chi Kung, an integrated health exercise
system for body, mind and spirit which is thought to date back over 5000
years. The literal translation of T’ai is ‘supreme’ or ‘great,’ while
Chi means ‘ultimate energy’. Ch’uan is also translated
as fist or to have the concentration of power within your grasp.
Adults have been benefiting from
the practice of T’ai
Chi and Chi Kung for many centuries so by introducing their concept and
practice as a fun activity to children means that we are giving them the
best start in life. Childhood is a vibrant time when natural energy (Chi)
and creativity is rising (Yang) and when the eyes and minds are open and
learning is fun, which makes it a perfect time for children to explore and
enjoy its principles. It puts them in touch with their bodies, how their
mind works and introduces them to the study of nature and the natural forces
in and around them. This is primarily aimed at children from 4 to 12 but
it is open to people of all ages to rekindle their sense of fun, and through
understanding its concepts you help to create a strong healthy body, improve
concentration, train the mind and bring about a sense of inner peace and
stability.
As you demonstrate and share T’ai Chi and Chi Kung with children you
will be taking on an active role in their physical, emotional and mental
wellbeing, getting them away from the television, computer and video games
and helping to replace what, in excess, can be potentially harmful, with what
is life enhancing and show them how to unlock their inner powers and potential.
Help them to learn from nature and skills of different animals
Assist them to concentrate and focus the mind
Introduce games to encourage social interaction, co-operation and sensitivity
Enhance listening skills and the ability to follow instructions
Develop awareness of their body and how to manage their health
Link moves and exercises together with themed stories and sequences, and encourage them to make up their own
Breathing exercises that helps help calm or alter moods
Peaceful postures and stillness so they can find quietness
Meridian stretches to balance and unblock their energy
Learning a form or sequence of moves gives them a learning objective
The classes
Vary from 30 – 60 minutes depending on
where they are taught. They consist of warm up exercises, exercises
for health, fun themed classes, partner work and interactive games.
Ending with relaxation, visualization and breathing techniques.
Courses are also run for: Teachers, educators, health
and fitness instructors, therapists and parents, in fact anyone wishing
to explore this wealth of knowledge and to support, teach, share and
enhance the lives children.
For further information on courses throughout the United Kingdom,
Europe and Scandinavia please contact: susan.woodd@virgin.net
