We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
David Yao

Tai chi - “Meditation in Motion.”  "One of the best 5 exercises you can ever do"   - Harvard Medical School   Harvard Health Publishing 

The best 5 exercises are:

No. 1  Swimming

No. 2  Tai Chi

No. 3  Strength training

No. 4  Walking

No. 5  Kegel exercises- strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Full article linkage is here.

(health dot harvard dot  edu/staying-healthy/5-of-the-best-exercises-you-can-ever-do )

Read more

Tai chi - “Meditation in Motion.”  "One of the best 5 exercises you can ever do"   - Harvard Medical School   Harvard Health Publishing 

The best 5 exercises are:

No. 1  Swimming

No. 2  Tai Chi

No. 3  Strength training

No. 4  Walking

No. 5  Kegel exercises- strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Full article linkage is here.

(health dot harvard dot  edu/staying-healthy/5-of-the-best-exercises-you-can-ever-do )

If in Chen Style Tai Chi, the original style which keeps many martial art movements, which can give you other benefits that "No. 3  Strength training, No. 4  Walking No. 5  Kegel exercises" can give, would you like to have a try?  Learn a new skill, give your brain a new boost. Take the 30 days challenge to finish this course.

Tai Chi or Shadow Boxing, another school of Kungfu in Chinese martial art culture, was born in Henan Province, 70km north to David Yao's native place.

It’s said that when a fighter surnamed Chen saw the symbol of Tai Chi in a place named Chenjiagou where two rivers flowed together, he then founded the world-famous school of martial art Tai Chi.

After realizing that the universe consisits of Yin and Yang, Tai Chi, because of its combination of Chinese Confucianism Taoism, Oriental Inclusive Concept, and unremitting effort to the unity of nature and man, can help attain the goals of self-cultivation and longevity.

Taiji uses Yin and Yang, dialectical unity of Chinese traditional Confucianism and Taoism as the core ideology, unifies the functions of taking care of one self’s temperament, Physical fitness, Martial arts fight,  and combines the changes of Yin and Yang, the Five Element of earth as mentioned in "The Book of Changes", traditional Chinese medicine's study of channels and collaterals, Ancient guidance (similar to Pilates or Yoga), expiration an inspiration (controlled breath exercise, used in Qigong) and formed a traditional Chinese Martial arts which exercise a combination of internally and externally (mentally and physically) exercises, gentle, slow, agility and grace, strength and flexibility.

Tai Chi Strengthens Mind and Body

Tai Chi’s focus on posture and body placement may add benefits beyond what cardiovascular or resistance-training can provide.

Tai Chi, a moving Yoga, does more than burn calories and tone muscles. It will enable you to gain flexibility and strength, reducing stress and allowing for greater relaxation. It's a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation.

The health benefits of tai chi

This gentle form of exercise can help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance, and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.

Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion, moving Yoga,"  which originated in China as a martial art.  The Chen Style Tai chi is the oldest and parent form of the five traditional family styles of Tai chi. Chen-style is characterized by Silk reeling, alternating fast/slow motion and bursts of power.  The Chen Style is Originated in Hen Nan Chen Jia Gou, 70 KM at north of David Yao's birth place.

There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health.  In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go without pausing through a series of motions.  As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention — as in some kinds of meditation — on your bodily sensations. Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi can be easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery.

Medical Disclaimer

All content found on the  taichifitness dot org, edeo dot biz, our courses in Udemy platform and YouTube etc. related websites, social media, including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website, video or

Reliance on any information provided by taichifitness dot org, edeo dot biz, others represented on the website or related websites, social media, by invitation or other visitors to the website, is solely at your own risk. We are not responsible for any injuries or consequence. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Maintain and improve their health using tai chi
  • Regain health after acute illness, injury or surgery, and manage issues arising from long-term health problems using tai chi
  • Help people regain a sense of control and autonomy with basic tai chi knowledge and movements
  • Basic tai chi knowledge and movements

Syllabus

Build Your Own Tai Chi Routine courses is underway. My places are under full lockdown again from Jan 13 till Jan 26 and my plan may delay little bit as my Club and Gym are not open. Take care all!
Read more

The Chen Style Tai Chi New Frame Routine (XinJia) 1-Full Routine is my favorite among the total 8 sets of Chen Style Tai Chi that I have practiced. This routine is characterized by detailed movements, lower positions, and explosive releases of power, making it the master routine from which other Tai Chi styles, including Chen, Yang, and others, have derived.

To ensure I am fully prepared for the routine, I always start with a 2km jogging warm-up, which helps me to reach 70% of my capacity. Then I practice Chen Style Tai Chi New Frame Routine (XinJia) 1-Full Routine, which helps me to reach 85% of my capacity, equivalent to a 5km jog or 10 minutes of rope skipping. To track my effort and heart rate during my practice, I use Myzone, a fitness tracking system that provides real-time heart rate monitoring and tracks physical activity. Myzone calculates my maximum heart rate (MHR) from the moment I start training and tracks my effort, providing me with accurate data on my progress.

I believe that Myzone provides a more scientific way to measure the effectiveness of Tai Chi for fitness. By using this tool, I can see how my effort levels increase during my warm-up and throughout the routine, allowing me to adjust my practice to achieve my fitness goals. Overall, I find that the Chen Style Tai Chi New Frame Routine 1-Full Routine is an excellent way to improve my physical health and well-being.

I am excited to announce that I am in the process of creating and uploading all 8 sets of Chen Style Tai Chi routines. My goal is to have them completed by the end of April or early May. However, due to my recent suspected contact with COVID-19, I have very minor symptoms and am currently in self-quarantine.

I would like to thank you for your patience and continuous support as I work on creating better content for you. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, I am committed to continuing to share my passion for Tai Chi and helping others to benefit from this ancient practice.

Please bear with me as I navigate this difficult time and work to bring you the best possible content. I look forward to sharing the complete collection of Chen Style Tai Chi routines with you soon.

20230422

Udemy-The Original Tai Chi Martial Art - Chen Style Old Form One

陈氏太极拳老架一路以柔为主,柔中有刚,其特点是舒展大方,步法轻灵稳健,身法中正自然,内劲以缠丝劲为核心统领全身;动作如行云流水,绵绵不断,一动皆动,一静具静,发劲时松活弹抖,完整一气;在劲力上以掤、捋、挤、按为主,以采、挒、肘、靠为辅。

Chen-style Tai Chi Quan, Old Frame Routine One, emphasizes softness and suppleness, with a blend of soft and hard. Its characteristics are expansiveness, grace, lightness, stability in footwork, and naturalness in body movements. The core of its internal strength is the coiling-silk energy, which leads the whole body. The movements flow continuously, like clouds and water, with every movement influencing the next, and stillness in movement. When issuing force, the body is relaxed, agile, and elastic, with a complete and continuous energy flow. In terms of energy, it focuses mainly on the techniques of warding off, rolling back, pressing, and pushing, supplemented by the techniques of plucking, rending, elbow-striking, and leaning.

Udemy-Tai Chi Chen Style 38 Form -to Sharp Mind & Physical Fitness

陈氏三十八式太极拳,这套太极拳是陈小旺在新架83式和老架74的基础上简化创编的,共分四段38个动作。吸取了传统太极拳的精华,共分四段38个动作。陈氏三十八式太极拳去掉原来的重复和过难动作外,仍保留陈氏太极的技击和缠丝劲的特点。

Chen Style 38-form Tai Chi, is a simplified routine created by Chen Xiaowang based on the traditional Chen Style Tai Chi 83-form and 74-form. It consists of four sections with a total of 38 movements. It incorporates the essence of traditional Tai Chi and retains the characteristics of Chen Style Tai Chi's martial arts techniques and silk-reeling energy, while removing redundant and excessively difficult movements.

Benefits of Tai Chi - Better Balance

The body systems responsible for balance can be affected by gradual changes due to aging or side effects of medications. There are also a host of health problems that can lead to unsteadiness on your feet. But many stability problems caused by aging or conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis respond well to exercises designed to improve balance.

Simple exercises to improve stability and prevent falls gives you step-by-step instructions for easy, effective workouts that will improve posture, increase muscle strength and speed, sharpen reflexes, expand flexibility, and firm your core. You'll also get tips for fall-proofing your home.   

Tai chi improves balance and, according to some studies, reduces falls. Proprioception — the ability to sense the position of one's body in space — declines with age. Tai chi helps train this sense, which is a function of sensory neurons in the inner ear and stretch receptors in the muscles and ligaments. Tai chi also improves muscle strength and flexibility, which makes it easier to recover from a stumble. Fear of falling can make you more likely to fall; some studies have found that tai chi training helps reduce that fear.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces Chen style Tai Chi, which is the original form of Tai Chi and incorporates martial arts movements for strength training benefits
Focuses on posture and body placement, which may provide benefits beyond traditional cardiovascular or resistance training, such as improved balance and coordination
Explores the philosophical underpinnings of Tai Chi, connecting it to Confucianism, Taoism, and the concept of unity between nature and humans
Presents Tai Chi as a moving Yoga, which combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation for stress reduction and relaxation
Includes a medical disclaimer advising learners to consult with their physician for personalized medical advice, especially if they have a medical condition
Features the Chen Style Tai Chi New Frame Routine, characterized by detailed movements, lower positions, and explosive releases of power

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Tai chi for beginner health & balance

According to learners, this course is highly recommended for beginners seeking to learn Chen Style Tai Chi for health and relaxation. Students appreciate the instructor's clear and patient teaching style, which makes the complex movements accessible. Many found the course easy to follow and beneficial for improving balance and overall well-being. While the video production quality is functional rather than high-end, the content and instruction quality are consistently praised. Reviewers frequently note the step-by-step approach and the focus on the health aspects.
Video quality is adequate but not studio-level.
"The video quality is not perfect, but the instruction is clear enough to compensate."
"While the production is simple, the content delivery is effective."
"Videos are clear enough to see the movements, even if not high definition."
Movements are broken down into manageable steps.
"The breakdown of each movement is excellent, making it easier to practice."
"I liked the step-by-step approach to learning each form."
"He takes it slow and breaks it down step by step allowing you to really get it."
"The methodical way the forms are taught step by step is very helpful."
Course is well-suited for those new to Tai Chi.
"Great beginner's course to learn Chen style Tai Chi."
"As a beginner, I found this course easy to follow and understand."
"Perfect for beginners to learn the basics and start practicing."
"Excellent introduction to Chen Style Tai Chi for someone with no prior experience."
Many students report health benefits like better balance.
"I took the course to improve my balance and flexibility... it has greatly improved."
"I have noticed significant improvement in my flexibility and balance since starting this course."
"It has helped me with relaxation and improved my overall physical and mental well-being."
"A great way to start learning Chen style Tai Chi with health benefits."
Instructor is highly praised for clarity and patience.
"He explains clearly with patience and repeats the movements again and again so it makes it easier for us to follow and try to master it."
"The instructor provides excellent clear instructions, breaking down the moves and making them easy to follow."
"The instructor explains the movements step-by-step clearly and is quite patient in his guidance."
"I find the instructor very patient and clear in his explanations of the tai chi forms."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Tai Chi Chen Style 22 for Beginner-Strengthens Mind and Body with these activities:
Review Basic Balance Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of balance and stability, which are crucial for performing Tai Chi movements correctly and safely.
Browse courses on Balance
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos about balance and stability.
  • Practice simple balance exercises like standing on one foot.
Read 'The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi'
Gain a deeper understanding of the principles and benefits of Tai Chi through a reputable guide.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi'.
  • Read the sections relevant to the course content.
  • Take notes on key concepts and benefits.
Practice Basic Stances and Transitions
Improve your stability and coordination by repeatedly practicing fundamental Tai Chi stances and transitions between them.
Show steps
  • Review the correct form for each basic stance.
  • Practice transitioning smoothly between stances.
  • Record yourself and review your form.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Tai Chi with a Partner
Enhance your learning by practicing Tai Chi forms with a partner, providing mutual feedback and support.
Show steps
  • Find a partner who is also learning Tai Chi.
  • Take turns leading and following each other through the forms.
  • Provide constructive feedback on each other's form.
Create a Short Video Demonstrating a Tai Chi Form
Solidify your understanding of a specific Tai Chi form by creating a video demonstrating its movements and principles.
Show steps
  • Choose a Tai Chi form covered in the course.
  • Practice the form until you can perform it smoothly.
  • Record yourself performing the form.
  • Edit the video and add explanations of key movements.
Explore 'Chen Style Taijiquan: The Source of Taiji Boxing'
Deepen your understanding of the origins and martial applications of Chen Style Tai Chi.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Chen Style Taijiquan: The Source of Taiji Boxing'.
  • Read the sections on history, philosophy, and techniques.
  • Reflect on how the martial aspects influence the movements.
Follow Advanced Tai Chi Tutorials Online
Refine your Tai Chi skills by following advanced tutorials that focus on specific techniques or forms.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online Tai Chi tutorials.
  • Choose tutorials that focus on areas you want to improve.
  • Practice the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials.

Career center

Learners who complete Tai Chi Chen Style 22 for Beginner-Strengthens Mind and Body will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Martial Arts Instructor
Martial arts instructors teach self-defense techniques and physical discipline. This course may directly apply to martial arts instructors, particularly given that The Chen Style is Originated in Hen Nan Chen Jia Gou, 70 KM at north of David Yao's birth place. The course may also give instructors insight into the original style which keeps many martial art movements, which can give other benefits that strength training, walking and kegel exercises can give. The specific routines covered may also be of use.
Stress Management Consultant
Stress management consultants help individuals and organizations develop strategies to cope with and reduce stress. Tai Chi may be a potent tool to manage stress, and thus, this course may be directly relevant. Stress management consultants reading this course overview may find the following concepts useful to share with their clients: meditation in motion, moving Yoga, flexibility and strength, and relaxation. The consultant may directly incorporate Tai Chi or adopt some of the principles into their client recommendations.
Recreation Therapist
Recreation therapists use recreational activities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients. Tai Chi may be a helpful practice for clients, and thus, this course could be very helpful, particularly the sections on improving balance. Recreation therapists often work with individuals recovering from illness or injury, and the course explicitly notes on the potential to regain health through movement and basic Tai Chi knowledge. A recreation therapist may find the discussion of gentle, slow, agile, graceful movements paired with strength and flexibility especially relevant.
Yoga Instructor
Yoga instructors lead individuals and groups in yoga practices. Given that Tai Chi is described as 'moving Yoga', yoga instructors may find this course helpful. The course's description of mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation is exactly what a Yoga instructor would be interested in. The course's attention to detail in movements could be useful.
Geriatric Care Manager
Geriatric care managers help older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging and long-term care. Tai Chi may be an appropriate exercise regimen for their clients, and thus, geriatric care managers may find this course very relevant. Geriatric care managers can apply learnings from this course to advise their patients on how to best manage their health. The course explicitly dives into the benefits of Tai Chi on balance, which may be helpful for older patients.
Holistic Health Practitioner
Holistic health practitioners focus on treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – to promote optimal health. This course may be a valuable addition for holistic health practitioners due to Tai Chi's combination of Chinese Confucianism Taoism, Oriental Inclusive Concept, and unremitting effort to the unity of nature and man. The holistic health practitioner may directly incorporate Tai Chi or adopt some of the principles into their practice.
Mindfulness Coach
Mindfulness coaches guide clients in developing mindfulness practices to improve their mental and emotional well-being. As meditation in motion, Tai Chi may be a valuable practice for mindfulness coaches to explore, and therefore, this course may be pertinent. The course material highlights Tai Chi's benefits to flexibility and strength, but also to deeper aspects of the self. Mindfulness coaches may directly teach Tai Chi or share the underlying principles.
Wellness Coach
A wellness coach guides clients toward healthier lifestyles. This course on Tai Chi Chen Style 22 may be beneficial for a wellness coach since Tai Chi is a mind-body practice that has value in treating or preventing many health problems. Wellness coaches often incorporate mindfulness and movement practices into their programs, and knowledge of Tai Chi, including its focus on posture and body placement, may add benefits beyond what cardiovascular or resistance-training can provide. The course's attention to detail in movements could be useful.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help patients recover from injuries and illnesses through exercise and rehabilitation programs. This course may familiarize physical therapists with Tai Chi, a low-impact exercise that can maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. This gentle form of exercise could be the perfect activity for the rest of their life and for their patients. Physical therapists will find the course's content on posture and its ability to be easily adapted helpful when prescribing exercises.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help people develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. Tai Chi may be a helpful practice for occupational therapists to recommend to their patients, and, therefore occupational therapists may be interested in this course. This course's discussion of how basic Tai Chi may help people regain a sense of control and autonomy could be especially relevant. The course content about flexibility and strength is very pertinent.
Corporate Wellness Specialist
Corporate wellness specialists design and implement programs to improve employee health and well-being. Introducing Tai Chi into a corporate wellness program may be a valuable addition and therefore, this course may well be relevant. The course material that highlights Tai Chi's benefits may allow a corporate wellness specialist to create and pitch a new wellness program. The corporate wellness specialist may gain some actionable ideas.
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers specialize in preventing and treating injuries for athletes and those engaged in physical activity. This course on Tai Chi may be helpful, especially the course's focus on posture and body placement. Tai Chi's gentle movements may allow athletic trainers to advise athletes on exercises that can help with flexibility and balance. The discussion in the course on how Tai Chi can be easily adapted may be beneficial for athletic trainers.
Personal Trainer
Personal trainers work with clients to achieve their fitness goals. By learning Tai Chi through this course, a personal trainer may incorporate a new dimension of mind-body fitness into their training programs. This may enable them to meet a wider range of client needs. The course's coverage of Tai Chi's benefits for flexibility, strength, and balance may well be useful to a personal trainer.
Dance Instructor
Dance instructors teach various dance styles to students of all ages and abilities. Since Tai Chi has graceful movements, a dance instructor may find this course surprisingly relevant. A dance instructor may pick up applicable knowledge about balance, strength, and flexibility. Given Tai Chi’s status as a total mind-body workout combining strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing and meditation or relaxation, it may be a new area for a dance instructor to explore. The course's attention to detail in movements could be useful.
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists treat clients by manipulating the soft tissues of the body. Learning Tai Chi through this course may deepen a massage therapist's understanding of body mechanics and energy flow. The course provides some knowledge of channels and collaterals, from the perspective of Chinese traditional medicine. This may give a massage therapist an alternative model through which to understand the human body.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Tai Chi Chen Style 22 for Beginner-Strengthens Mind and Body.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Tai Chi, including its history, principles, and health benefits. It valuable resource for understanding the underlying concepts of Tai Chi and how it can improve physical and mental well-being. The book is commonly used as a reference by both beginners and experienced practitioners. It adds depth to the course by providing scientific evidence and practical guidance.
Delves into the history, philosophy, and techniques of Chen Style Taijiquan, the original form of Tai Chi. It provides a deeper understanding of the martial arts aspects and the underlying principles of movement. This book is valuable as additional reading for those interested in the origins and evolution of Tai Chi. It adds breadth to the course by exploring the historical and cultural context of Chen Style Tai Chi.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser