By Andrew Walker, MPH; NSGA Director of Health & Well-Being
During the 2008 Summer Olympics in China, the beauty and wonder of Tai Chi Chun were displayed for the world during the opening and closing ceremonies. Often called “meditation in motion,” this martial art utilizes slow, controlled movements that connect the mind and body.
When practiced for health, Tai Chi Chun is known as “tai chi.” This activity has gained popularity among older adults in recent years for good reasons. Tai chi is widely recognized for preventing falls, managing arthritis and helping seniors maintain their abilities. It also provides benefits for athletes in all sports.
Physical Benefits for Athletes
Some professional athletes use martial arts training to enhance their sports performance, and senior athletes should take note. Strong evidence shows that tai chi for health improves sports-related skills like balance, flexibility, mobility and mental focus. Additionally, activities from tai chi warm-ups will help you prepare for any kind of exercise.
Like in sports, self-defense and martial arts skills are developed by repeating basic movements. Tai chi skills are developed by practicing a sequence of hand forms that require a deep body awareness in relationship to things and people in your environment. This creates a refined internal sense of balance and strength, which can benefit any athlete.
Mental Strengthening
Tai chi also helps individuals build strong mental focus, an essential skill in sports. When we practice tai chi for health or martial arts, we develop a deeper sense of how we move and use our bodies to manage external forces. We are more mindful of our movements, which enhances our concentration, resulting in greater mental calmness.
Resources to Get Started
Ready to try it out? These two videos will introduce you to basic tai chi movements.
- Traditional Tai Chi Elements (Harvard Medical School)
- Tai Chi for Beginners (Dr. Paul Lam)
Tai Chi to Debut at the 2025 National Senior Games Competition
As a practitioner, I’m thrilled that competitive Tai Chi Chun will debut as an open sport at the National Senior Games in 2025. That means anyone ages 50+ can participate!
I practice Tai Chi Chun because of how it makes me feel – it creates a deep, abiding sense of calm and relaxation. I can literally feel the circulation changing in my hands. I also enjoy the meditative movement and sense of flow that comes from coordinating my movements, mind and breath.
The benefits of tai chi for health or as a martial art will be displayed during competition at The Games in 2025. This exciting showcase will allow participants to explore and display their martial arts skills. See you there!
