Tai-Chi trains all parts of the brain. This is most easily demonstrated through doing the form. When we do the form, we are supposed to engage the 3 senses: Visual, Audio and Kinesthetic. We are supposed to focus our attention on the cue tip of the index finger tip of the Yang hand (the hand that is being directed and has purposeful movement) with a relaxed gage, while having visual awareness of the rest of our body and what is beyond the finger tip. This engages our peripheral vision. We are supposed to listen behind, which engages our peripheral hearing. We are supposed to be aware of our center and the edge of our skin, which engages our peripheral kinesthetic sense. When all three peripheral senses are engaged, our bodies can relax and function at a much deeper state. It is a state where you see the details yet see the big picture. It is a state where your mind has clarity, is conscious and mindful, free of thought.
The form also requires you to pace yourself at a constant speed. It also allows you to train to be at a consistent rhythm as you do the form. Also because it is a long sequence of coordinated moves put together, it trains you to use your memory, your sequential brain, which trains your left brain. This is one of the reasons Tai-Chi is speculated to help with Alzheimer's disease. Tai-Chi practice requires you to seek oneness with the universe as you practice it, not to be caught up in your own self, and this trains your right brain. Tai-Chi is practiced in calm and quiet, to practice peace. As you learn how to quiet your thought and guide your mind to the awareness of your body, your mind starts being in the now, and as your mind is brought into reality to your body, there is mind body unification. As your mind quiets, it trains your high brain, your cerebrum. It trains you to become aware of your emotional state as you learn how to bring peace to your heart, and thus trains your mid to low brain since your emotions are governed there. Tai-Chi is a practice where you become aware of the sensations of your muscles, joints, bone, and skin as you move and not move. It brings awareness to your senses, which trains your lower brain.
Tai-Chi is an exercise that trains both the right and the left brain. It trains you from the high brain all the way down to your low brain. It trains your whole body, and your whole mind. It is a complete exercise. It is a way of being, it is a practice of being.
Testimonials
"My health has improved, and even more importantly, this profound feeling of relaxation has rippled through my life, as resistance and struggle melt away like snow flakes dissolving into a still lake... Sang Kim and DojoKitchen are ambassadors of the Universe's wish that our lives become permeated with true joy and delight."
- Alexis Neuhaus
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"Learning Tai Chi from Sang and Joseph has been a true blessing. I used to have a lot of lower back and knee pain, especially after a long day of field work as a local organic farmer or else slouching in front of a computer. Now I know how to use my core strength and kinetic chains of muscles in my body and standing tall has become an effortless pleasure... It's the best way to start the day."
- Jeff Tenza
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"Tai-Chi with DojoKitchen has not only helped me manage my stress, but has also improved my physical strength. What I didn't expect was that in addition to my emotional and physical well being was the practical application of the movements for self-defense... Since joining the class I feel more emotionally balanced with a greater understanding on how to handle life's ups and downs.
- Anne Reinstein
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"I came to DojoKitchen to expand my horizons within the martial arts and to gain a feeling of well being. Although I do not understand all of the forms as of yet, what I have learned even further is the mental and physical reservoir of power that lies beneath the surface."
- Jim Isakson
"I overnight went from being a pessimist to being an optimist and saw a drastic increase in my quality of life immediately."
- Nickolas Teller