What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi strengthens the natural connections between the body's muscular system, breath and circulation. Practiced for centuries, Tai Chi Chuan cultivates chi, the Daoist term for the inner energy that compels life. Millions of men and women all over the world (of all ages) practice Tai Chi daily as a form of gentle, meditative, stress-reducing exercise. Traditional Chinese belief says that chi or "life energy" is found within and around all living things. Tai Chi Chuan heals the body by guiding chi to all the organs through slow and repetitive movements.

Is it Hard To Learn?

Tai Chi is as easy to learn as a dance sequence and many people begin to experience health benefits almost immediately. Through daily practice the whole sequence of movements can be learned in about 6 months. After that, your goals will determine the time and effort needed in pursuing this art.

Isn't Tai Chi only for the young and athletic?

Not at all. Because Tai Chi emphasizes relaxation, balance and internal strength instead of athletic ability, age is no barrier to learning and practicing Tai Chi. In fact, some of the most respected Tai Chi masters are well into their seventies and beyond!

What are the benefits of Tai Chi?

Among the benefits of Tai Chi that have been documented by medical doctors in China and the U.S. are: improved balance; lowering high blood pressure; improved breathing; strengthened internal organs, muscles and joints; improved symptoms of menopause; and better posture and fewer lower back problems. Tai Chi also improves concentration and focus.

What does the Medical Community say about Tai Chi?

Studies by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), launched in 1990:
Two studies, one by Steven L Wolf, PhD, and the other by Leslie Wolfson, MD, and collegues, found that Tai Chi was effective in improving balance and strength among older people. Older people taking part in a 15 week Tai Chi program reduced their risk of falling by 47.5%.

Who is the instructor?

Machiyo Matsuda Pluksaranun has been trained in Tai Chi for over six years. Originally from Japan she moved to Bangkok in 1994 and accidentally began training in Tai Chi. She began training under the direction of Master Zhou Cuifan in Bangkok practicing the Yang style Taijiqua. Her goal initially was to practice Tai Chi for her overall wellness; as a good way of relaxing and stress management. The result of regular practice of Tai Chi changed her wellbeing for life. Her previous ailments and sicknesses that occurred disappeared when she began Tai Chi. Machiyo greatly increased her flexibility and strength during this time.

In 2005 she moved to Beijing for two years to study a Taiji Training Course within the Wushu Department of Beijing Sport University, where she was trained by Master Huang Kanhui. During her time in Beijing she achieved a gold medal for Chen style Taijiquan friendship competition in Thailand, a gold medal for Yang Style Taijiquan and a silver medal for 42 sword in The 2nd World Traditional Wushu Championships in Zhengzhou, China. Machiyo is a Chinese Wushu 4th Duan Holder.

Since her return to Bangkok in 2007, Machiyo has founded the Japanese-Thai Taijiquan Association. There are currently 15-20 members that participate annually in a Tai Chi performance. Machiyo was previously the director of marketing of the Japanese services at Bumugrad hospital. Also, at Bumugrad hospital she did some community counseling for five years for the Woman’s Health Group. (Japanese community). Machiyo holds a Masters of Science in Rehab from US.