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Tai Chi Raves A "rave" -- as opposed to a "pan" [which won't be accepted] :-) -- is a positive comment about Tai Chi. The idea is to provide a way for practitioners to describe in a few words why Tai Chi is a great exercise, and why others should try it. Doug White I was doing my Tai Chi routine at a park one morning recently when a class of about 20 pre-schoolers descended upon my area. Some ignored me and ran straight to the playground equipment but several stayed and watched silently until their teacher arrived. As they were leaving, I heard one boy whisper "It's magic." I could hardly keep my concentration and not bust out laughing. Glen DelTour It is truly amazing to see the inroads Tai Chi has made in our city! I started Tai Chi because of a lower back problem. The classes were being offered at my office. I had always been curious about Tai Chi and was excited by the opportunity to learn. Sadly, the classes were canceled shortly after I started (was it something I said?). The students were delighted to hear that Dr. Eugene Lin would be picking up the classes. This first step began an adventure that led to exploring Kung Fu and becoming a student of the martial arts. Through my association with the Kung Fu studio, I was given the opportunity to begin teaching Tai Chi. I have delighted in the experience because it has expanded my knowledge of both Tai Chi and Kung Fu. But more importantly, I have seen my students take their first tentative steps and progress through the movements. Their reports of improved health, flexibility and mobility keep me excited about the art, and, hopefully, the excitement keeps my students excited about the classes, which keeps me excited, etc., etc. (Yet another circle.) Annis Cassels (link to extended article by Annis) Our initial introduction to T'ai Chi was on a tour of China. We were offered lessons in a crowded boat as we floated up the Yangtze River. When we returned home and learned about T'ai Chi lessons in Bakersfield, we were truly hooked! Through instruction and practice, we learned how the slow, graceful, weight-shifting movements of T'ai Chi improve flexibilty, balance, and strength. ...I discovered that T'ai Chi helped me eliminate stress and refreshed me while improving my inner balance as well as my physical balance. Anonymous Federation Member #1 (link to extended article) Tai Chi is a truly wonderful form of exercise... More and more research is appearing to show that Tai Chi lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, increases balance, flexibility, strength, and general health and fitness. It has been shown to help with a myriad of health conditions, including arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and balance and mobility problems... I look forward to the day when Tai Chi...will be a common sight in parks throughout the country. Jacqueline Parish It's good exercise! I walk 30 to 40 minutes every morning, and Tai Chi is the only exercise I get besides the walking. I recommend Tai Chi for a lenient exercise, the meditation, and balance. (I'm still working on the balance!) Doug White For me the benefits include: (a) Gaining a better ability to balance. (b) Gaining muscle strength -- especially in my legs. (c) Doing something out of the ordinary. (d) Stretching my memory capabilities (brain exercise). (e) Not having to buy or use any PE equipment. (f) Anyone can do it, at least to some degree, young or old. You don't have to be athletic to do it. (g) It's not aerobic, which is good and bad. Tai Chi is great if you want physical exercise without sweating. One of the negatives is that it has to be taught by a teacher, and that it takes a long time to learn and memorize. I don't see anyone learning it from a DVD only, much less a book. Larry Costner I feel that the benefits of Tai Chi can be summed up in the three words: Flexibility, Balance, and Serenity. As one improves in the form, one's body becomes more supple and flexible. The practitioner becomes better able to maintain balance. As one improves, flexibilty and balance extend from the merely physical realm to the psychological realm: One begins to feel centered physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Of course, such feelings are very subjective, and not easily proven or demonstrated. But the result is often described as serenity. And who couldn't use just a bit more serenity in their lives? Marge Vial [Interview] Editor: What first brought you to Tai Chi?
My doctor! I complained to him that I had a very hard time walking or even standing up. And he suggested Tai Chi because he himself practiced Tai Chi. I was using a cane and in a very short while [after beginning Tai Chi] I could stop using the cane. To me that was just wonderful!
Editor: How long have you been practicing Tai Chi?
It's been four years in September of this year.
Editor: In what ways has it helped you?
It just keeps me moving. Without it, I don't think I would be able to walk very much at all. I really don't. It makes me think. It makes me want to do it. It has helped [my mental processes]. It has taught me to be careful in walking so that I don't fall.
Editor: Do you mind telling us how old you are?
No. I'm 93. Carmelita Valdez [Interview] Editor: How did you first come to Tai Chi?
My daughter brought me. I hadn't even heard of it before.
Editor: Why do you keep coming?
Because I like it! It makes me get up and have something to look forward to. I enjoy the people who come here [to the lessons].
I move around a little bit better, and I know that when I take my [leg] brace off at home, I do a lot better than before. Before I came here, I had to wear the brace 3/4 of the time. Now I'm down to 1/2 the time. I see improvement. It's not only helped my balance, but it helped me in wanting to get out [of the house]. I can actually get away for 2 or 3 hours without putting on the brace. It does help.
For people our age Tai Chi really does help.
Editor: Do you mind mentioning how old you are?
No, I don't. In four months I'll be 81. I'm actually feeling good enough that I'm thinking of doing two days a week of volunteer work instead of one. Jan Stocker My neighbor first brought me to Tai Chi. She had been coming, and she invited me to come with her. It benefits me. It helps my balance and flexibility. When I first came [to class], my bones cracked and I dragged one foot. Now all that's gone away. You should come to Tai Chi. It's a lot of fun. Susie Sholes My husband talked me into taking lessons. I'm so pleased and impressed with it. I think it's helped me in a lot of ways. It gave me an exercise that I really wanted to do. I would recommend Tai Chi to others. It's good for your whole system. It's very gentle, and you'll really benefit from it. I don't think I'll ever give up Tai Chi. Anonymous Member #2
With two herniated discs in my neck, back problems, and other orthopedic problems, I was looking for a low-impact exercise that would emphasize the upper body. Tai Chi has provided that exercise and more. My balance was so bad that I was unaware of why I was unable to do things I had accomplised in the past. Every movement helps me improve my self-awareness. And as a bonus I have met some very nice people who do Tai Chi.
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