Chennaiites are embracing Tai Chi to get fit holistically
'Compared to North India, cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad show a much stronger and more enthusiastic response toward tai chi,' shares Sifu George Thomas, who is a sixth generation master and the authentic Yang-style tai chi coach
Chennaiites are embracing tai chi, the ancient Chinese martial art known for its meditative movements and inner energy flow, for its holistic approach — balancing body, mind, and spirit.
Sifu George Thomas, who is a sixth generation master and the authentic Yang-style tai chi coach, states, 'It all began in 1995, when Dr Darel Johnson, an Australian who had come to India to learn traditional Indian martial arts, meditation, and medicine, visited my karate academy in Chennai. I had been teaching karate since 1977. There's a saying, 'When the student is ready, the teacher will appear'. At that time, no one in India was teaching tai chi.
Back in 1983, during my trip to Malaysia and Singapore for karate grading, I witnessed people practicing tai chi in parks. Their graceful, wind-like movements deeply inspired me. That moment planted the seed to bring tai chi to Chennai. Over the past 30 years, I've taught around 40,000-50,000 students across India. In the last decade, I've been quietly teaching a soft form of tai chi. Today, I continue with a small, committed group in Kotturpuram.'
'People with depression, high BP have found noticeable improvements'
'Compared to North India, cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad show a much stronger and more enthusiastic response toward tai chi,' shares Sifu. 'The art form especially resonates with working professionals, as many of them are constantly under stress, and tai chi offers them a calming practice — free from the risk of injuries. People with depression, high blood pressure, chronic stress, and even those recovering from surgery have found noticeable improvements.
Today, many doctors not only recommend tai chi to their patients but also come to learn it themselves,' he says.
'The magic of tai chi is like a full-body healing therapy disguised as an elegant dance'
'My blood pressure became normal, my sleep improved, and my chronic neck pain disappeared after six months of tai chi. No medications, no side effects — just movement and breath. That's the magic of tai chi. It's a full-body healing therapy disguised as an elegant dance.
The world is obsessed with gym bodies and quick results, but tai chi shows that longevity, health, and inner harmony come from gentle consistency. You don't have to break your body to heal it — you can simply flow.
That's why this practice is sacred,' shares S Rajalakshmi, a retired bank manager.
'Practising tai chi has been a journey of self-discovery'
Christopher, who's in the real estate business, informs, 'Practising tai chi has been a journey of self-discovery. The gentle, flowing movements have improved my flexibility and balance. More importantly, focusing on my breathing reduces stress and helps me stay present. The community also provides me with a supportive and caring environment, enhancing both my physical and emotional well-being.'
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