Function of communication for the health of the new generation toward Tai Chi’s

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative research were to (1) study the Tai Chi approach between the new generation and instructors, (2) study the role and function, and (3) study the meaning of Tai Chi of the new generation and instructors. The population in this research was a group of instructors and the new generation of people practicing traditional Tai Chi in Bangkok. The sample group selected through purposive sampling included (1) two traditional Tai Chi instructors with 5 years or more teaching experience;  (2) new generation of people practicing traditional Tai Chi for more than 1 year in Bangkok and aged between 15-30 years.  Data were collected through formal and informal in-depth interviews.

Research results showed that (1) regarding communication, the message senders played an important role in the transfer of knowledge. The message senders or instructors should have more than 10 years of experience in order to communicate with least obstacles.  Learning by listening directly to the instructors saved learners from injury and enhanced the learners' good health. (2) For role and function of Tai Chi, it was found that original Tai Chi function would maintain and improve the health of learners, under the condition that they had to practice the exercise for at least 3-5 months and perform the movement correctly. As Tai Chi expanded to the new generation of people, the choreography, music and performance area were adapted to suit the new generation with fun and beauty in this activity. (3) The meaning of Tai Chi exercise was found that at first people perceived the meaning according to what was seen and perceived by people close to them and according to the movie media. But the meaning after having direct experience with Tai Chi, the learners trained themselves with the benefit meaning for health.