TAIJIQUAN is often mistaken as a form of exercise only for the old.

However, more and more young Singaporeans are realising the health benefits - and difficulties - of learning the seemingly languid martial art.

Just ask freelance multimedia designer Kenrick Goh, 29, who has been practising taijiquan for 10 years.

He told my paper: "Taijiquan seems slow and easy to learn. But there's a lot more to it. It requires a lot of muscle control and coordination."

He is a student at Xin Ying Wushu Training Centre at Waterloo Street, which conducts taijiquan and qigong courses.

It also offers wushu classes for adults and children, and holds corporate courses for companies.

The centre has seen a 30 per cent spike in the number of working adults aged between 20 and 40 signing up for taijiquan.

It has more than 80 participants now, an increase from 60 last year.

They come from various industries, such as the IT and banking sectors, said Master May Tan Mui Buay, who founded the centre in 1993.

A taijiquan teacher for about 20 years, she won a South-east Asia Games wushu gold in taijiquan when the event was held in Singapore in 1993.

According to Xin Ying's project manager, Mr Li Yunxiu, 27, the centre has almost 500 members.

Master Tan said: "Taijiquan strengthens one's immune system. Hence, practitioners are less likely to fall sick."

She added that a practitioner can see an improvement in his overall well-being as early as one month after taking it up, if he practises properly.

Practising taijiquan also helps in relaxation and de-stressing.

According to Mr Goh, he could concentrate on his work better while feeling less stressed by it, after taking up taijiquan.

Student Luey Bing Lun, 18, also found it easier to cope with stress after he picked up the martial art two years ago.

"When practising taijiquan, I'm disciplined (in) emptying my mind in order to relax. Now, when I get stressed about schoolwork, I would also empty my mind to relax," he said.

He added that he used to be an impatient person, but can now better manage his emotions.

However, Master Tan was quick to point out that practising taijiquan alone is not enough to ensure an illness-free life.

"Some people have the misconception that learning taijiquan will prevent them from falling sick. That's not true," she said. "Your lifestyle and dietary habits play a part as well."

She added that working people tend to suffer from tight shoulder muscles and necks because they work too hard without proper rest.

She urged them to have balance - the fundamental principle of taijiquan - in their lives.

Her advice: "Don't just work and work. You need time to relax as well."

jtchen@sph.com.sg

MARTIAL ART TALKS

Taijiquan martial art

A workshop on Hunyuan Tai Chi, a form of taijiquan that helps to relax one's body and mind and strengthen the immune system, by Master May Tan. Conducted in English, with key Chinese terms highlighted.

When: Saturday, 2.30-3.30pm
Where: The Plaza, National Library

Wing Chun martial art

A demonstration and workshop on Wing Chun, a form of close-range martial art which develops a person's intrinsic energy, by Master Chua Kah Joo. Conducted in English, with key Chinese terms highlighted.

When: Saturday, 4-5pm
Where: The Plaza, National Library

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Related:

What is Hunyuan tai chi?