Tai Ji Quan
Moving for Better Balance
What is Tai Ji Quan?
Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® (TJQMBB) is a research-
based balance training regimen designed for older adults at risk of
falling and people with balance disorders. It is functional therapy
that has evolved from Tai Ji Quan martial arts principles into a
non-competitive, 8-form, contemporary activity.
This development makes it ideal for people of various ages who
wish to practice for leisure, mindful nurturing of well-being, enhancing
physical fitness, prevention or slowing of disease progression and
relief from symptoms of disease.
Research shows that people who complete the program are half as likely to fall and are less fearful of falling.
TJQ integrates motor, sensory and cognitive components to improve postural control, gait and mobility.
TJQ transforms martial arts movements into a therapeutic regimen aimed at improving postural stability, awareness and mindful control of body positioning in space, functional walking, movement symmetry and coordination, range of motion around the ankle and hip joints, and lower-extremity muscle strength.
TJQ includes 24 one-hour sessions (2 sessions/week for 12 weeks) for a small group led by a trained facilitator. This nationally recognized program was developed by Fuzhong Li, Ph.D., a Senior Scientist at Oregon Research Institute.
During the class, participants learn 8-forms of Yang style Tai Chi adapted for fall prevention.
The 8-forms of Yang style Tai Chi are:
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Hold a Ball
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Part the Wild Horse's Mane
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Single Whip
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Wave Hands like Clouds
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Repulse the Monkey
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Brush Knees
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Fair Lady Works at Shuttles
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Grasp the Peacock's Tail
Who Should Attend a Tai Ji Quan Class?
The program was designed to benefit community-dwelling older adults who:
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Are concerned about falls
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Have sustained falls in the past
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Restrict activities because of concerns about falling
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Are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength
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Are age 60 or older, ambulatory and able to problem solve
Anyone can participate. Seated, standing or both. Movements are slow, smooth and safe.
What Participants Say About Tai Ji Quan:
“The class helped me be able to use old muscles I have not used in a while. Now I can stretch my arms up very high.”
“I was walking with a cane for a couple of years. After I joined the class I am able to walk without a cane.”
“This exercise program helped me a lot with emotional stress and physical improvement.”
To find out more information about these Community Classes contact the Dancing Sky Development Team.
