Studies Show Tai Chi is Healthier Than Vigorous Walking

Over 1,000 medical studies have shown Tai Chi to help with over 25 different health conditions.

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🧘‍♂️ Proven Health Benefits of Tai Chi for Adults in North Austin

✅ Improves balance & coordination – Reduces risk of falls (proven more effective than walking or stretching)

✅ Relieves chronic pain – Especially effective for arthritis, joint stiffness, and knee pain

✅ Lowers blood pressure – Supports cardiovascular health naturally

✅ Reduces stress & anxiety – Promotes a calm, focused mind

✅ Boosts immune function – Gentle movement supports lymphatic and immune system health

✅ Enhances flexibility & mobility – Without high-impact strain

✅ Improves sleep quality – Calms the nervous system for better rest

✅ Supports brain health – Enhances memory, focus, and mental clarity

✅ Strengthens muscles & posture – Especially core and leg strength without heavy lifting

✅ Adaptable to all fitness levels – Safe for beginners, seniors, and those recovering from injury

💡 Backed by Research:

Annals of Internal Medicine (2018): Tai Chi improved balance and reduced falls more than brisk walking.

J Am Geriatr Soc (2017): Tai Chi outperformed physical therapy in managing chronic knee osteoarthritis pain.

Harvard Medical School: “Tai Chi is often described as ‘meditation in motion’—but it might well be called ‘medication in motion.’”

Tai Chi and Blood Pressure

“Blood pressure is often treated as a mechanical problem, but Tai Chi reveals it to be a relational one — a conversation between breath, attention, movement, and the nervous system. Our combination of Tai Chi, science-based attentional practices and Chi Kung breathing techniques get results.”

THE SCIENCE

Across randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, Tai Chi has been shown to:

• Lower systolic blood pressure (top number)

• Lower diastolic blood pressure (bottom number)

• Perform as well as moderate aerobic exercise in some populations

• Be especially effective for:

  • Older adults

  • People with mild–moderate hypertension

  • People who don’t tolerate high-intensity exercise well

Typical reductions reported:

• Systolic: ~5–15 mmHg

• Diastolic: ~3–8 mmHg

• A 10 mmHg drop in systolic BP is associated with ~20–30% reduction in stroke risk.

Tai Chi Relieves Stress & Anxiety

Tai Chi is a gentle, mindful movement practice shown to help reduce stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system. Through slow, continuous motion, relaxed breathing, and an open, non-striving focus, the body learns to release unnecessary tension and shift out of constant “fight or flight.” Over time, this creates greater emotional balance, improved resilience to stress, and a quieter, more centered state of mind.

Our students experience these benefits

Brought calmness to my life…

“Before I started tai chi, I was battling anxiety and depression. Therapy was working, but just not completely. After a few classes of tai chi, I started to notice a lot of my anxiety, fear, and worry was dissipating. Learning to focus on breathing, being in the moment, and taking things slowly has brought a sense of calmness to my life I didn’t know was possible. Tai chi has not only opened my eyes, but opened my heart to how enjoyable life can be.”

Neal, December 2025

A grounding daily practice for me

“I started tai chi earlier this year, and I’m so grateful I gave it a chance. I was dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety and really needed a way to help manage it. Tai chi has become a grounding daily practice for me – a way to manage stress, find calm, and center myself. It’s helped me find balance both physically and mentally, and the positive, welcoming community makes it a space I truly look forward to.“

Allison, December 2025

“At 75, after two near falls and reflecting on past injuries—a broken hip, a severe motorcycle accident, and a pacemaker—I knew I needed to act. I found Austin Kung Fu & Tai Chi and began classes in April 2025. Five months in, attending twice a week, I have no regrets. Master Joe, Master Sheryl, and the advanced students have been incredibly supportive. The pain in my left shoulder has eased, and my balance has significantly improved. I now move with more deliberation and control, something I am truly grateful for.”

Bill G. 8/2025

Step into a space where time slows down and every movement reconnects you to something deeper. Tai Chi is more than exercise—it is a centuries-old art of internal transformation, guiding you toward balance, strength, and peace. With roots in ancient wisdom, this practice invites you to soften stress, build energy, and move with intention. Whether you’re seeking clarity of mind, relief from tension, or a return to your body’s natural rhythm, Tai Chi meets you right where you are. The path begins not with force, but with a simple choice: join us for a free introductory class and experience the quiet power that lives within.

A Complete Internal Chinese Martial Arts Curriculum

Our Tai Chi program is more than a single form — it is a full internal-arts curriculum designed to develop your body, mind, spirit, and energy over time.

Year One: Foundation in Yang Style

You begin with the Yang 24 Posture Form, followed by Yang Straight Sword, and then a longer Yang family sequence.
This early training develops:

• Calm, steady movement

• Clear intention

• Smooth, continuous energy flow

• A grounded, balanced nervous system

This is where you build the clarity and stillness that makes all higher internal work possible.

Pa Kua (Bagua): Flow, Mobility & Circular Power

Alongside your Yang training, you learn Pa Kua, a rarely taught art based on circular walking and continuous spiraling energy. The movement is based on 4 animal characteristics (Tiger, Dragon, Eagle and Monkey)
Pa Kua helps you:

• Move smoothly in all directions

• Coordinate the entire body as one unit

• Develop mobility, grace, and fluid power

Pa Kua is the perfect complement to Tai Chi’s slow control — it teaches you to flow.

Chen Style Tai Chi: Power, Spirals & Fajing

Once your foundation is strong, you progress into Chen family Tai Chi and begin learning to release stored energy in short, focused bursts known as Huajing (Fajing).
This stage deepens:

• Whole-body power

• Spiral mechanics

• Expressive martial energy

• The unity of softness and strength

It is the bridge between internal cultivation and outward expression.

Xing Yi (Mind-Form Fist): Pure Intention, Direct Power

At higher levels (Black Sash and above), you study Xing Yi, the second great internal art.
This training teaches you to:

• Channel a clear mind into direct movement

• Harmonize intent and action

• Generate incredible power through simplicity

Xing Yi transforms intention into motion.

Liushing (Meteor Fist): Heart-Driven Expression

Your final internal art is Liushing, a rare system that harnesses emotional energy as fuel for movement.
Here you learn to:

• Use heart, passion, and spirit as power

• Integrate all previous training into one expression

• Move with true internal freedom

This is the culmination of the entire internal journey.

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