Taijiquan is not only a martial art, but a healing method as well. It connects fighting techniques with the circulation of qi energy, breathing, stretching and relaxation. The yin-yang rule and the theory fof five elements is at the base of taiji training.

Regular practice of taijiquan helps to maintain a good flow of blood and circulation of energy throughout the body, which prevents forming of illnesses. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on removing hypothetical problems, before any symptoms of an illness may appear. The regular practice of taijiquan helps to make regeneration of vital forces faster, helps to overcome stress and improves health. The Polish Praying Mantis Kung Fu Society has run taijiquan (Yang Taichi Chuan) trainings for many years.

Primarilly, the taijiquan training programme run by our society is based on the 24 movements form from Beijing. Later, the practitioners move on to the 85 movements form, as taught by master Fu Zhongwen. The next step, after completing the long form is the pushing hands exercise - tui shou. It's practiced either one handed, without stepping, with stepping, Da Lü or freely.

How often should one practice taiji? The best would be twice a day - once in the morning and once in the evening. An optimal place for practice is a quiet place in a park or an empty training room. You should avoid damp, windy or dark places, to minimize the possibility of catching a cold.