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From his serene dojo in Koramangala, Bengaluru, ShiFu Avinash is leading a quiet revolution
In an unlikely fusion of ancient wisdom and modern sport, Tai Chi is finding a new home—not in the quiet corners of a dojo, but on the high-energy pitches of cricket grounds.
At the heart of this movement is ShiFu Avinash, a veteran Tai Chi practitioner with over 50 years of experience. From his serene dojo in Koramangala, Bengaluru, ShiFu is leading a quiet revolution—teaching elite cricketers how to harness the slow, flowing energy of Tai Chi to enhance their performance.
“Tai Chi brings together mind, body, soul, and spirit,” says ShiFu Avinash. “It enhances performance in any sport—and cricket is no exception.”
Cricketers under his guidance are not just stretching or meditating; they’re learning to connect breath, body, and energy flow through movements derived from an ancient Chinese martial tradition. ShiFu even uses a cricket bat in place of a Tai Chi sword, helping athletes experience how internal energy—or qi—can make the bat feel lighter and movements more fluid.
“Our weapons are heavy, but qi makes them feel lighter,” he explains. “What normally takes 100% effort now needs only 70%. That remaining 30% becomes your reserve—your edge.”
And the results are showing. ShiFu’s students report greater focus, reduced injuries, enhanced timing, and a deeper mind-body connection. Slow-motion drills with the bat help players internalise movement patterns, allowing for greater precision and calm under pressure.
But it’s not just about batting. Bowlers and fielders are also benefiting. According to ShiFu, Tai Chi improves accuracy, swing, and reaction time, and fosters a kind of instinctive movement on the field. “It’s like earthing,” he says. “The body connects to the bat, to the ground, to the moment.”
His recommendation? Two hours of Tai Chi daily, for at least three months. “Within one month, players begin to see results. By six months or a year, the transformation is evident.”
In a world where speed, power, and technology dominate sports training, ShiFu Avinash offers a compelling counterbalance—one rooted in stillness, breath, and internal energy.
As one batsman recently put it, “When I’m at the crease now, everything slows down. I see the ball earlier. I feel grounded. It’s like time bends a little.”
From the quiet halls of a Bengaluru dojo to the roaring stadiums of cricket-crazy India, Tai Chi is proving that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to slow down.
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