When many think of Tai Chi, they think of a group of old people performing slow rythmic movements in unison. Well I once thought that Tai Chi was only for the old as well. I gave it a shot and fell in love w/ it. Variations of Tai Chi have been around for hundreds of years. And over the years I have realized that it not only cleanses the body, spirit, and mind, but that there are various forms of Tai Chi. For instance the Tai Chi you see the elderly perform is more on the medical side. THe moves they perform maintain great bodily function. THey will also do various stretch postures of Tai Chi. But there is also a martial art side of Tai Chi. It's not like Karate but more like a Chi Qung style. In other words the martial arts of Karate is about focusing energy and strength where as Chi Qung is about fluididty of movement and reseliance as well as promoting flexibility.

What are your thoughts? Is Tai Chi only for the old? Is Tai Chi a form of meditation? Is it peace of mind?

No, Taichi is not only for the seniors. Actually yes, the media portrays Tai Chi as very slow arts that being used just like the Japanese Taisho. But it's not. Some Tai Chi style, like the Chen style is considered hard hitting. Tai chi also walks along with Hsing Yi Chuan, Ba Gua Chuan and Ba Ji Chuan as the strongest of Chinese martial arts. And some of the palm strikes was deadly. I have a friend that won our national Wushu championship and he's a Tai Chi expert, but he's no pushover, he can sway real smooth, then strike real fast. It's very surprising and deceiving actually.

I've always enjoyed Tai Chi and I like to think I'm not a senior.

Tai chi is deffinately not ONLY for the elderly. WE (lazy americans) need to thank those Chinese for developing such powerful ways for reducing stress while exercising both the mond and body through balance and agility.

Amen Alrael. It gets very discouraging when I am made fun of for practicing an ancient art. Thank goodnes Tai Chi eases and calms the mind. Otherwise I'd still be an angry kid hating the rest of the world for my own actions.