Going to gym is not always a good topic for everyone, which is why a lot people have become more open to new suggestions and ideas to keep in shape. Some people relate better to the unexpected option of Tai Chi, because you can get fit in a unique and fun way.
A fitness activity that has become popular is martial arts. Many Asian forms of art are taking over and becoming quite a trend in South Africa.
So we can say konnichiwa to Tai Chi and exploring a few places that are introducing this art to Joburgers.
But before we even go there...
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is the art of strengthening the body, mind and spirit. This ancient Chinese art form is great for health, fitness, and body awareness. Another benefit is the tranquility that it allows you to tap into and how strong you become.
Now let's take a look at what Joburg has to offer...
Red Dragon Tai Chi & Kung Fu Academy
Their studio is situated at the Fairland Walk Mall and the words "Red Dragon" make it quite clear as to where Tai Chi originates. With that said, this academy offers classes in Kung Fu, Chi Kung and meditation - absolutely great way to find calm and relaxation.
We encourage everyone to try this sport, it's different and you will probably learn a new type of discipline that will help you balance and perfect certain things while getting your fitness on.
Mings Martial Arts
Mings Martial Arts is a cool spot situated in Parkview and Midrand depending on the class you want to attend. They have a lot of super cool offerings like Kobujutsu karate, Tai Chi and self-defense.
Leo Ming, the instructor of these amazing classes has mastered the art of teaching people ways to get fit and strong both physically and mentally. You can find him at the venues below:
- Parkview Junior School and Parkview Senior School for karate
- Sagewood School in Midrand for karate
- Parktown Girls High in Parkview for tai chi and karate
They have options in martial arts for the kids and corporate industry; so if your company wants to implement extra mural culture or maybe try something new for team building. Contact Leo Ming.
Songshan Kung-Fu Executive Academy
If you are looking for a spot that will provide one of the best beginners class, Songshan is the place to be. They have a few branches in and around Joburg including Bryanston (HQ), Boskruin and Edenvale.
This academy has been around for over 20 years now and offers loads worth of experience to students and we all know, we live in a world where sometimes you need certain skills to help you defend yourself. Sad but true so the best way to do so is joining their classes which will open the door to discipline and defense.
Now that we have checked out some spots, Jozi. Let's go!
Xiexie Ni
Capoeira is one of those sports that are really not that big in the country however has great potential to grow. Many people still do not understand what exactly it is and what benefit they can get from taking it up as a sport or extra mural.
What Is Capoeira?
First and foremost, Capoeira is originally from Brazil and was invented by Africans who were enslaved in Brazil. This form of martial arts has elements of acrobatics, dance with touches of yoga as a form of dance and martial arts.
Although I have mentioned martial arts, a lot of people would expect it to have the same amount of intensity as general martial arts, and no; don't get me wrong - it can most definitely can be used for self-defense.
Why Capoeira Is Just What You Need?
This form of martial arts allows you to learn a lot about your body and about how you can defend yourself. It allows for you to move at a slow pace almost like smooth dancing. You really get to a point where you can actually concentrate your muscles and build strength through your movement, even the art of balance.
It is definitely what I would consider; an exercise of the body and mind. Plus if you are not really into gym, it is an amazing way to squeeze in a good workout.
Who Can Do It?
Anyone can do it, age is just a number and any breathing thing can participate. Just like you don't need to be French to eat French toast, you also don't need to be Brazilian to capoeira, honey!
Capoeira Valente
Capoeira Valente is situated in Sandton at the Sloane Square Shopping Centre. Their classes allow you to unwind and learn more about flexibility.
This school is all about togetherness and growing together as a community. They are all about development and learning about yourself and the people around you. they have mastered the art of being able to help you be rid the feeling of insecurity.
They also host amazing capoeira festivals from time to time so do check them out.
Casa Da Capoeira
Casa Da Capoeira is available in Benoni, University of Johannesburg as well as Pretoria so you can be part of any of their classes at a facility of your choice.
As proud as they are about capoeira, they also bring in the holistic culture of this martial art - bringing in the music elements. Those who are familiar with this art know that the music really sets the tone and plays an significant role in setting the rhythm too.
How you can join them? Just simply contact one of their instructors.
Last Move...
I think it's always great to try something new and one way to go about it is to really try something that is not so common so open up your avenues and try it...what's the worst that can happen.
{Featured Image By Casa Da Capoeira}
Going to gym is not a thing for everyone which is why a lot of the people in the country are becoming more open to new suggestions and ideas plus other people relate better to the unexpected options such as Tai Chi because these allow them to become fit in a unique way and still have fun.
One of the forms of fitness activities that people are starting to participate in is martial arts. Honestly! Many of the Asian forms of art are taking over and becoming quite a trend in the South African market.
This is the start of saying konnichiwa to Tai Chi and exploring a few places that are introducing this art to Joburgers.
But before we even go there, let's first understand;
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is the art of strengthening the body, mind and spirit. This ancient Chinese art form is great for health, fitness, and body awareness. One thing that everyone loves about it is the tranquility that it allows you to tap into and how strong you become.
Now let's take a look at what Joburg has to offer...
Red Dragon Tai Chi & Kung Fu Academy
I think the words "Red Dragon" really make it pretty clear as to what nation Tai Chi from; with that said, this academy offers classes in Kung Fu, Chi Kung as well as meditation.
Their studio is situated in the west of Johannesburg, at the Fairland Walk Mall so convenience for grabbing a few stuff after a good session is of easy access. I'd encourage everyone to try this kind of sport, it's different and you will probably learn a type of discipline that is on a whole new level.
Mings Martial Arts
Mings Martial Arts is a cool spot situated in Parkview and Midrand depending on the class you want to attend, offering Kobujutsu karate, Tai Chi as well as self-defense.
Leo Ming, the instructor of these amazing classes has mastered the art of teaching people ways to get fit and strong. You can find him at:
- Parkview Junior School and Parkview Senior School for karate
- Sagewood School in Midrand for karate
- Parktown Girls High in Parkview for tai chi and karate
They offer martial arts for adults, kids and for the corporate industry; those who want to try something new for team building.
Songshan Kung-Fu Executive Academy
If you are looking for a spot that will provide one of the best beginners class, Songshan is the place to be. They have a few branches in and around Joburg including Bryanston (HQ), Boskruin and Edenvale.
This academy has been around for over 20 years now and offers loads worth of experience to students and we all know, we live in a world where sometimes you need certain skills to help you defend yourself. Sad but true so the best way to do so is joining their super cool classes.
Now that we have checked out some spots, Jozi let's go and enjoy ourselves!
Xiexie Ni