In this busy, time-pressed world, many people find that they don't have time to attend tai chi classes. At Aikitaiji.com, we offer the opportunity to study online in an interactive way that allows you to receive individualized corrections, a very unique facet of our program. But first, you are probably asking, "What is tai chi, and why is it good for me?"

Tai Chi Chuan is an internal martial art form that was developed by the Chinese as early as 700 years ago. It is based on a philosophy commonly shared by many Chinese doctors, who believe that illness is prevalent when the flow of the body's internal energies, called "chi" are either blocked or unbalanced. The practice of tai chi can improve balance, coordination, grace and flexibility. It can also relieve the symptoms of migraines, hypertension and asthma.

The Arthritis Foundation also recommends tai chi practice as a suitable exercise form for sufferers of arthritis. The continuous coordination of breath with fluid movement makes tai chi an excellent technique for people who deal with chronic anxiety. A study performed in Atlanta in 1996 involved elderly people practicing tai chi for 15 weeks. They reduced their risk of falls by 47.5 percent! Participants in this same study also lowered their blood pressure.

The integration of health benefits, meditation in motion and martial arts training makes tai chi a valuable form of training.