Taiji - Beginner
Taiji, also known as Tai Chi, literally translated means "supreme
ultimate". It is a centuries old Chinese discipline for health,
relaxation, self-cultivation and self-defense.
Beginner students are initially taught forms which are sequences of flowing
pre-arranged movements very much like dance routines. These movements,
based on martial art technique, are performed slowly without any straining
or tension. Also because the Taiji form does not have any extreme
movements and promotes gradual learning, its practitioners avoid the pulled
muscles or other injuries normally associated with other strenuous
activities. As you become older, it becomes tougher to keep up with the
other high-impact exercises or martial arts, but with Taiji there is no
limit to how much softer or slower you can go. In fact, in China there are
many Taiji masters who in their seventies or eighties are still active
performers, and it is not uncommon to find masses of elderly people
performing various routines in the parks.
Taiji is one of the best "load bearing" exercises available. Studies have
shown that the body requires a "load bearing" exercise to properly and
efficiently utilize calcium in the formation of bone mass. In China,
studies have also shown that an 80 year old Taiji practitioner of many
years has significantly more bone mass than someone younger who does not do
any form of exercise. Also the slow controlled movements of Taiji
strengthen the connective tissues of the pelvis, legs and feet.
A study sponsored by the National Institute of Aging (NIA) and published in
the May 1995 issue of the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA),
showed that Taiji was the only exercise to show a significant decrease in
the number of falls among the elderly. Another federally funded study at
the Washington School of Medicine in St. Louis showed that Taiji reduces
injuries from falls by 25 percent in older subjects compared to a control
group of non-exercisers. This is not surprising as Taiji promotes balance,
coordination and strength through gradual learning.
Taiji is an ideal form of exercise because you do not need special
equipment; can be done anywhere; can be performed by anyone regardless of
age, sex, size or athletic ability; and is a no-impact form of exercise.
Instructor: Colman Fink has been involved in the martial arts for over 30
years and has been teaching Taiji and Karate for at least 25 years. He
holds a 4th degree black belt in the Yuishinkai Kobujutsu/Karate system.
* Add Kobujutsu for an additional $20.
Wed @ 7:30-8:15 PM
Room Community Room Gym
Fee: $40. Drop-in fee $10.
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