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| Tai-Chi-in-the-Park 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2010 Please join us as we have an informal get-together to practice and promote our favorite activity. Newcomers are especially welcome. You can participate if you wish, but it is also perfectly OK to just watch. We meet in the green space along the river, just west of the intersection of Truxtun and Mohawk. 
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Below is a list of some of our previous actvities: August (2010) Saturday, August 21, turned out to be a cooler than normal day. A nice breeze played off the river and the branches of the mature trees provided a nice shady area to explore the practice of Tai Chi. Four members took the opportunity to exchange ideas and perceptions about the practice and benefits.
Richard Roy discussed the similarities between some of the other martial arts, as well as pointing out some differences. He demonstrated a number of exercises that focused on different aspects of Tai Chi and Qi Gong, such as meditative breathing, push hands, the importance of centering and moving from the center.
A guest showed up and was looking for information about classes. She is suffering from arthritis and heard of the benefits the practice of Tai Chi has had for others suffering from the disease. She found the Federation web site and dropped by while out running errands.
Glen Del Tour led the group in the 24 form. There was some discussion about possible field trips to Monterey Park in Los Angeles. Richard mentioned that every Saturday large numbers of Tai Chi practitioners, and other martial artists, congregate to practice and share information. A car caravan or train trip might be something to contemplate in the future. There is also a very knowledgeable gentleman in Tehachapi, who may be able to visit our group, or another possible field trip.
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July (2010) Hot! Hot! Hot! That was what the forecaster said the weather would be on Saturday, July 17. In spite of the dire predication, several intrepid Federation members braved the weather and showed up for the monthly get-together at the Truxtun Extension green space.
There was a slight breeze coming off the river and a big ol' shade tree that kept things tolerable. Larry Costner provided the group with a demonstration of the compact series of movements taken from the long form.
Glen Del Tour led the assembled gathering in the 24 form Yang style. After the demonstrations there was a discussion about the efficiency of movement, breathing and how it all ties in to the practice of Tai Chi. There was also a review of Chinese culture and a comparison between western and eastern thought and approaches. |
| June (2010) On Saturday, June 19, we gathered for our monthly meeting in the park. The weather was absolutely fantastic -- especially for June in Bakersfield: under 70 and a cool breeze! A small enthusiastic group practiced forms and discussed some of the finer points of balance and weight-shift. We rededicated ourselves to asking friends and neighbors to come next month. Let's hope the word spreads about tai chi and its many health benefits! |
| May (2010) On Saturday, May 15, the Federation met for its monthly Tai-Chi-in-the-Park get-together. We met in our usual spot in the green area along Truxtun Extension. Larry led us through the Yang long form; Glen led us through the Yang 24; and Richard led us through a Bagua practice drill. The weather is starting to get warm, so next month's 'meeting' will be at 9:00 a.m. |
| April (2010) World Tai Chi Day, an annual event held the last Saturday of April each year to promote Tai Chi in sixty countries, was celebrated by the Federation. An enthusiastic group of local practitioners met at Mondavi Park to participate in this world-wide event. World Tai Chi Day's stated goal is to provide a global vision of cooperation for health across geopolitical boundaries, and also to appeal to people worldwide to embrace wisdom from all the cultures of the world. The annual April event is always open to the general public, and was celebrated this year in the earliest time zones of New Zealand at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 24. Tai Chi events proceeded at 10:00 a.m. local time in time zones across the world. The result was a "rolling particpation of Tai Chi" that proceeded across Oceania, Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America, with celebrations in sixty nations and several hundred cities.
The weather was just perfect, and a great time was had by all! |
| March (2010) A very small but enthusiastic group met for our March 20 Tai-Chi-in-the-Park. It was an absolutely beautiful, warm Spring day. It was exciting to meet two new people who became members. They just happened to run across our website after searching "Tai Chi in Bakersfield" on Google. This is exactly why we meet in the park every month: To be a resource for people wanting information about Tai Chi in our area. The group practiced the Yang Long Form, as well as the 24 Form together. We then we discussed the up-coming World Tai Chi Day celebration on April 24. |
| February (2010) On Saturday, February 20, after a long winter hiatus, the Federation met for an early Spring Tai-Chi-in-the-Park get-together. We met in our usual spot in the green area along Truxtun Extension. The weather was threatening rain, and therefore the group was small -- but enthusiastic! The group practiced the Yang Long Form together, then we discussed the up-coming World Tai Chi Day celebration on April 24. |
| November (2009) Saturday, November 21, was a blustery and cold day for our Tai-Chi-in-the-Park. A few of us brave souls did some Tai Chi movements, had a quick meeting of the minds, and adjourned to warmer climes! Tai-Chi-in-the-Park will be on a winter hiatus 'til early Spring. |
October Home & Garden Show (2009) The Tai Chi Federation of Kern County had a booth at the Home & Garden Show at the Fairgrounds on October 23, 24, and 25. Much thanks to the following people who helped out at the booth: 1) Arthur Davidson 2) Kay Smith 3) Sunny Larkland 4) Linda Hylton 5) Barbara Whitson 6) Kristen Watts 7) Glen Blase 8) Sarah Walter 9) Glen Del Tour 10) Larry Costner
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| October (2009) Saturday, October 17, we had a quick meeting to discuss the up-coming Home & Garden Show. A schedule of booth-workers' hours was established, and preparations were made for demonstration times. We are looking forward to being a public presence for Tai Chi at the show on Oct. 23, 24, and 25. Hope to see you there! |
| September (2009) Saturday, September 19, Richard Roy showed a few of us some elements of his practice. It is always a pleasure to see the variety and richness of Tai Chi in its many iterations. Next month we will meet at 10:00 am, instead of our summer hour of 9:00 am. We are seeking people to 'man the booth' at the Home & Garden Show which will be October 23, 24, and 25. |
| August (2009) Saturday, August 15, was an absolutely beautiful cool day in the midst of a typically hot Bakersfield summer. Several people came with lawn chairs, and observed as they enjoyed a cool breeze in the shade. We practiced Tai Chi together, met some new friends, and discussed our hope to participate in an up-coming "Home and Garden Show" in order to better promote Tai Chi in Kern County. |
| July (2009) Saturday, July 18, the hot, muggy weather scared away visitors from our monthly get-together in the park. Three local teachers of tai chi were there, comparing notes and discussing how to promote tai chi in Bakersfield. A little later, one young man (15 years old) showed up to learn some tai chi movements. The teachers were excited to introduce tai chi to the new generation...and the student got a free "three-on-one" learning experience! |
| June (2009) On Saturday, June 20, the Federation met for Tai-Chi-in-the-Park. Glen led a group lesson on the Yang 24 form, while Larry did some one-on-one instruction on the Yang Long Form. Beautiful weather -- and a great way to start the weekend! |
| May (2009) On Saturday, May 16, the Federation met for its monthly Tai-Chi-in-the-Park get-together. We met in our usual spot in the green area along Truxtun Extension. The weather is starting to get warm, so next month's 'meeting' will be at 9:00 a.m. |
| April (2009) Cool air, warm sunshine, good company, and Tai Chi. What a great combination! The Federation joined in the world-wide recognition of Tai Chi Day on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at Greenacres park. A small but enthusiastic group of people participated in this year's celebration. A few just came to watch, but most joined in. One person came all the way from San Diego! Several people came by the park who were drawn by publicity. They collected information and asked questions. That's exactly what we want!! Our goal is to 'spread the word' about this healthful exercise. |
| March (2009) On Saturday, March 21, after a winter hiatus, the Federation met for an early Spring Tai-Chi-in-the-Park get-together. We met in our usual spot in the green area along Truxtun Extension. The weather was cool and breezy. The group practiced the Yang Long Form together, then we discussed the up-coming World Tai Chi Day celebration on April 25. A good time was had by all! |
| January (2009) Larry Costner presented the "Winter Lecture" at the Arthritis Association Adaptive Aquatics Center on January 10, 2009. He discussed how the basic precepts of Tai Chi can help you maintain balance and flexibility, promote healthy regeneration of the body and reduce the effects of stress. The hour and a half lecture ended with participants learning the beginning movements of the Yang Long Form. A portion of the proceeds was donated to the Federation by the Aquatics Center, and seven new members were added to our organization! |
| December (2008) In a departure from the normal monthly routine, the Federation met at the Aquatics Center to discuss the direction for 2009. Eight intrepid souls gathered around the table and kicked around several ideas on the approach to mediate interface and community outreach, World Tai Chi Day Celebration for 2009, and possible participation in other community events.
Another hot topic was production of DVDs as a demonstration vehicle. Discussion including possible placement in health food stores, senior centers and assisted living facilities. A suggestion was made to call on the membership to determine what resources are available in terms of production material and software and to explore access to media sources. If we are able to tap the combined talents and ideas of the members at large, it would be hard to imagine any obstacle that could not be overcome.
The more the Federation is out in the community, the more the word gets out about Tai Chi, one of the stated goals of the Federation. 2009 looks especially promising for the Federation and Tai Chi in Kern County. We continue to grow and expand. The word about the benefits of practicing Tai Chi continues to spread. |
| November (2008) Unseasonably warm weather on November 15 made for a pleasant Tai-Chi-in-the-Park event. The turnout was small - but enthusiastic - as Glen Del Tour lead the group in an analysis of how the concepts of balance and foot-placement applied to various movements of the Yang 24 form. Glen emphasized the concept of "going from balance to balance" throughout the form. Two new members signed up! |
| October (2008) The Federation met Saturday, October 18. About a dozen folks showed up, and several of them were new to Tai Chi. That's what we like to see!: Newcomers learning about what Tai Chi has to offer as a healthful and fun activity.
Glen Del Tour led us in some warm-up exercises, and explained some of the fundamental precepts of Tai Chi. Then Larry Costner led the group through the Yang Long Form's 108 movements. Glen Del Tour ended the session with a review of the 24 form. |
| September (2008) On Saturday, September 13, the Federation met for its monthly Tai-Chi-in-the-Park get-together. We met in our usual spot in the green area along Truxtun Extension. The weather was cool and beautiful. Next month we will meet at 10:00 in the same place [instead of our summer 9:00 hour]. |
| August (2008) On Saturday, August 9, the Federation met in the green area along Truxtun Extension. A group of about 40 showed up. Many new, smiling faces greeted us. Some had learned of our meeting from seeing recent TV interviews of our members. Some were encouraged to come after seeing the opening ceremonies of the Olympics on TV the previous night [specifically, a demonstration by 2008 people doing Tai Chi in the Beijing stadium]. |
| July (2008) On Saturday morning, July 19, the Federation met in the green area along Truxtun Extension. A small group of us sought out a shady spot where Larry Costner led some warmup activities, and then presented some visualization techniques that help one to allow the "qi to sink to the dantian". He then led the group in a series of movements from the Yang Long Form. |
| June (2008) On Saturday, June 21, the Federation met in the green area along Truxtun Extension for another Tai-Chi-in-the-Park get-together. Glen Del Tour led a sizeable group in warmup activities, and then gave this group of primarily newcomers a lesson on the opening movements of the 24 Form. Afterwards, a group from the Arthritis Association class practiced a Yang Long Form routine. Although it was a hot morning, we found a very comfortable and large patch of shade in which to practice. |
| May (2008) On Saturday, May 17, the Federation met in the green area along Truxtun Extension for one of our periodic Tai-Chi-in-the-Park events. Larry Costner taught a lesson about using visualization techniques to help with body alignment. |
April 26, (2008) This year's celebration of World Tai Chi Day ["Bakersfield Edition"] was held on April 26 at Greenacres Park. At least 70 of us gathered together on a beautiful morning to share this wonderful exercise, and to promote its practice in the homes and parks of Bakersfield and Kern County.
Mayor Harvey Hall was in attendance, and he presented a Proclamation from the City of Bakersfield, naming April 26, 2008, as "World Tai Chi Day" in Bakersfield. Various groups then demonstrated Tai Chi. We saw the Yang Long Form, the Yang 24 Form, and the Wu Form, as well as a Sword Form. After the demonstrations, we had a potluck meal.
The Federation took in 17 new members! |
| April (2008) April 12 Debra Dunn-Yonke set up a booth at the Golden State Mall Street Fair to promote the Federation. Glen Del Tour's Tai Chi group demonstrated the 24 movement Yang Form. Larry Costner demonstrated the 108 movement Yang Long Form. Debra demonstrated both forms. |
| April (2008) April 3 and 10 Glen Del Tour presented an introductory Tai Chi course at State Farm for their employees. He shared infromation about the advantages of membership in the Federation. |
March (2008) March 15, Glen Del Tour represented the Tai Chi Federation at the State Farm Health Fair. Over 50 people dropped by the booth during the two hours that Glen was there. |
March (2008) On Saturday, March 29, the Federation met in the green area along Truxtun Extension for one of our periodic Tai-Chi-in-the-Park events. We discussed preparations for the up-coming World Tai Chi Day, and then practiced in small groups. |
March (2008) On Saturday, March 15, Larry Costner represented the Federation as he gave a talk and demonstration at the Cal State Bakersfield "60Plus Club" annual "Young at Heart" seminar. |
February (2008) On Saturday, February 23, the Federation met in the green area along Truxtun Extension (in the parking area just east of Mohawk) for an enjoyable time of Tai Chi practice and fellowship. We all awoke that morning to a cloudy, rainy day -- but by the time we met, the clouds had parted to reveal a warm sun. |
Tai Chi Lecture by Dr. Yeh (December, 2007) On Thursday night, December 13, Federation member Dr. Cheng-Tsung Yeh, MD, gave a lively and informative presentation on Tai Chi at CBCC [Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center]. Dr. Yeh outlined the many ways in which Tai Chi excels as "the perfect exercise". He showed evidence of Tai Chi's ability to reduce or prevent illnesses such as congestive heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and many other ailments. According to Dr. Yeh, slowly but surely the medical community is coming to realize the importance of the mind-body connection in health maintenance and disease prevention. |
Successful November (2007) Seminar Glen and Larry presented a special three-hour seminar on Saturday, November 17, at the Arthritis Association Adaptive Aquatics Center. It was a small but very enthusiastic group who particpated in this study of the differences and similarities between the Yang Long Form and the Yang 24 Form. A good time was had by all!
October (2007) Tai chi in the Park On Saturday, October 20, 2007, the Tai Chi Federation met at the Park at Riverwalk. As always, the event was open to the community. Several new people joined us to learn a few Tai Chi movements. The new Federation visors were available for sale.
September (2007) Tai Chi in the Park On Saturday, September 15, the Tai Chi Federation held it's first Tai Chi in the Park activity. We met at Yokuts Park. The park was abuzz with activity due to a concurrent dog show, and many people were drawn over to find out what we were doing. We look forward to having these events on a regular basis.
August (2007) Planning Meeting At our August meeting, held at the Aquatic Center on August 18, 2007, we discussed our philosophy and vision, and finalized the basis for our organization. We chose the name Tai Chi Federation of Kern County. We discussed the possibilty of having a Tai Chi event in a local park.
First Meeting On July 21, 2007, an organizing meeting was held at Fighting Dragons to establish an association to promote Tai Chi in Kern County.
Our Origin In May, 2007, on World Tai Chi Day, Glen Del Tour brought his class to perform at Greenacres Park. His open invitation to the community to celebrate this day resulted in various Tai Chi players meeting each other for the first time. It was decided by those present that it would be a good idea to initiate some kind of Tai Chi organization for Bakersfield and the surrounding area. Dave Woods, owner of Fighting Dragons, offered his establishment as a place to meet for initial planning.
Join to get e-mail notification of activities. In the future, the Federation intends to have other "Tai Chi in the Park" activities, such as demonstrations by groups and individuals, information tables, food and music, etc. Members/supporters will be notified by e-mail of any activities. Send us your ideas! If you are a director of a health organization, and wish to inquire about a special demonstration of Tai Chi for your group, please let us know. We can try to facilitate arrangements on your behalf with one of the intructors or Tai Chi schools who are members of the Tai Chi Federation of Kern County. Business owners or managers who are interested in Tai Chi as a way to improve the well-being of their employees are encouraged to contact us as well. Tai Chi is a perfect solution for businesses who are searching for a low-impact, stress-reducing exercise to improve the health and productivity of their employees. | |
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