What are the benefits of Tai Chi & where to learn in Singapore

Offering health benefits such as less stress and a stronger heart, Tai Ji Quan is great for your wellbeing and it comes steeped in history

Text: Tiff H

If you are an early riser, it’s likely that you spot Tai Chi fans in the parks in Singapore. They’re all moving slowly and dynamically in perfect unison. While deep in concentration, their faces look serene, the moves are executed with elegance, and they appear to be in a state of bliss. The art of Tai Ji Quan, also known as Tai Chi, is a recognisable one. What’s more, it comes with so many benefits that it makes us at The Soothe want to get out of bed before 8am.

There are diverse stories about the origins of Tai Ji Quan. However, most agree that it’s a form of martial art derived out from the Taoist martial art lineage and heavily tied to Taoist philosophy. “There are currently five main schools of Tai Ji Quan recognised throughout the world — Chen, Yang, Wú, Wǔ and Sun school of Tai Ji Quan,” explains Bernard Sew from Rennie Chong Tai Chi Training Centre. “Tai Ji Quan was first brought out from the Chen family and exposed widely in China by Master Yang Luchan (1799 – 1872). It was spread widely around the world mainly by disciples of the Yang School of Tai Ji Quan.”

What are the health benefits of Tai Chi?

While Tai Chi was traditionally practised for the purpose of self-defence, recent simplification has made it easier to adopt with a focus on promoting physical and mental health, enhancing general wellbeing, preventing chronic diseases, and being an effective clinical intervention for diverse medical conditions. 

Indeed, traditionally Tai Chi was infused into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It’s also documented for its treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma. Harvard Medical School has done extensive research into the health benefits of Tai Chi and confirmed the following:

1. Improves bodily balance and reduces the risk of falls

2. Helps bodily pain conditions such as back and neck pain, and osteoarthritis

3. Builds a stronger heart

4. Reduces stress

5. Improves cognitive and mental health such as a sharper mind, and reduces depression and anxiety

6. Improves self-efficacy

Combine these benefits with slow, relaxing, flowing and well-choreographed movements, and it’s no surprise that Tai Chi has gained the description of “meditation-in-motion”.

How to get started

While many people opt to enjoy Tai Chi as the sun rises, you don’t have to set your alarm for the crack of dawn. “You can practice Tai Ji Quan anywhere with an open space with at least an area of 6ft by 4 ft,” says Bernard. “It’s important to select an area that provides good shade, and to avoid places that are too warm or overtly dark or damp. Many practitioners prefer to practice outdoors in quiet and serene surroundings to quiet their mind down faster to focus, but it’s not a necessity.”

Botanical Garden and the major reservoirs of Singapore contain many shared spaces that are ideal to carry out your practice. “As you progress and reap the benefits of Tai Chi, any place can be a good place to practice,” Bernard says.

Credit - Jing Wu Shu Academy

Where to learn Tai Chi in Singapore

1.    Rennie Chong Tai Chi Training Centre

The Rennie Chong Tai Chi Training Centre in Singapore offers Taijiquan classes for beginners to advanced and intensive coaching for large and small groups. The centre was founded by Master Rennie Chong, who is one of the most experienced Tai Chi masters living in Singapore today. He was born in 1939 and has been teaching since he was 19 when he began helping his father to teach and later took over the classes.

Address: 462 Crawford Lane #02-43, Singapore 190462

2.    Jing Wushu Academy

Jing Wushu Academy aims to promote traditional Wu-Style Tai Chi for a healthier lifestyle in Singapore. The school strongly believes that respect and humility play an important role in all martial arts learning, and this is key to harmonious living and a gracious society. Offering beginner and intermediate Tai Chi classes, these are suitable for those who want to improve health and are in the process of rehab and recovery from illness or injury. The Tai Chi Beginners course is offered as a one-year (twice per week) programme, or a two-year (once a week) programme.

Address: Block 178 Bishan Street 13, #08-201, Singapore 570178

3.    Risen Wushu

Risen Wushu is a Singapore-based wellness centre that focuses on oriental-styled internal martial arts, encompassing routines revolving Tai Ji Quan, its related weaponry and Qi Gong. Founded by Chief Instructor Ms Jasmine Koh in 2008, the centre strives to be an all-welcoming institute for students. The centre offers levels of classes, from beginner to advanced, and focuses on Yang style Tai Chi.

Address: 375 Clementi Avenue 4, Singapore 120375

---