MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: An ancient Chinese practice is a new rave in the U.S. The rising popularity of Tai Chi, it stretches from colleges campuses to health spas. CNN's Alexa Lee explains how this once little-known martial art is finding a footing right here in American culture.</s>ALEXA LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Tai Chi, an ancient martial art, has long been considered a national treasure in China. In the U.S., the practice, based on slow, circular movements is becoming increasingly popular. The L.A. Lakers began working out with Tai Chi early in the season. College students are taking the classes for credit. More than 40 percent of health clubs and corporate gyms now offer it, and for those trying to relax, Tai Chi in fitness resorts. What's driving the appeal? Tai Chi grandmaster Tingsen Xu points to a growing body of medical research on balance and the elderly, as well as stress relief.</s>TINGSEN XU, EMORY UNIVERSITY: People getting old, or even middle age, you know, for prevention, for health.</s>JEREMY BRAMWELL, TAI CHI STUDENT: It has a meditative type quality, it really does.</s>LEE (on camera): Another reason why Tai Chi has become so popular: easy to learn and easy to practice. Its origins go back more than 300 years. (voice-over): In a small Chinese village, martial artists created Tai Chi from the teachings of a revered philosopher. Over time, it developed into several different styles. The most popular, Tai Chi Chuan.</s>TINGSEN: So, the move should be a weight shift, from one leg to another leg. Always keep body straight.</s>LEE: The Chinese martial artists used Tai Chi to train for hand- to-hand combat. Similar postures have been embraced by practitioners from San Francisco to Atlanta and all around the world. Alexa Lee, CNN.
Tai Chi Gains Popularity in the United States