Tai Chi teacher Don Cirillo
Written by Sheila Smith —
Perhaps you’ve heard about the rising popularity of Tai Chi. Maybe you’ve seen a sampling of its slow-motion movements. Perhaps you’ve heard it has many health benefits. It is the most popular form of group exercise in the entire world. What is it all about?
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is an ancient form of exercise that is comprised of slow-motion martial arts movements. Developed in China almost 1,000 years ago, Tai Chi Chuan is commonly known today as Tai Chi. Over the years, this practice has been handed down face-to-face, teacher-to-student.
The origin of Tai Chi is attributed to Chang San Feng, a Taoist monk, who sought to bring more movement into his contemplative life. While there are many forms geared toward modern lifestyles, including practice that is shorter, faster, involves sitting, and standing stationary, traditional Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan is the most widely practiced worldwide. Brought to this country by the Tung family, Grand Master Tung Kai Ying continues to teach at his Los Angeles-based Tung Academy of Tai Chi, and in workshops all over the world.
Tai Chi Practice
Tai Chi is a martial art and many of its principles and movements are familiar to martial artists, but it is non-combative. It is practiced very slowly in a sequence of 89 movements, done in order from beginning to end. Just learning the sequence is an absorbing mental exercise. One set of Tai Chi typically takes about half an hour. Learning the sequence can take from three to six months with regular study and practice.
Unlike many forms of exercise, Tai Chi is an ongoing commitment to care for oneself both physically and mentally. It isn’t learned well by “dropping-in” occasionally, practicing in front of a television, or while wearing headphones. The benefits of Tai Chi are best achieved in the peaceful, quiet, meditative atmosphere in which it first began. Practitioners of Tai Chi
thrive through the harmony of body and mind as long as they continue to practice, throughout their entire life, as long as they live.
Approach to Tai Chi
Tai Chi at once refreshes the mind and exercises the body. Learned without laborious intellectualizing or study of books or videos, Tai Chi is learned by following a qualified teacher and practicing without stress, strain, force or aggression. Breathing is relaxed, natural and easy, yet the sum total of Tai Chi’s gentle movements and weight-shifting yields a full-body workout.
Tai Chi Benefits
There have been many studies here and abroad that attribute positive results to Tai Chi other than the obvious benefit of improved strength and fitness. The most prominent of those results is improved balance. It is better balance that many older practitioners seek from practicing Tai Chi. In addition, many have also seen improvements in posture, complexion, insomnia, digestion, circulation, metabolism, arthritis, blood pressure, stress, anxiety, back pain, and other conditions. It’s not only those benefits, but attaining an uplifted spirit and a sense of well-being, that keeps Tai Chi practitioners in it for life.
A martial art?
While most of us have seen images of combative styles of martial arts practiced widely throughout the world as recreation, including Karate, Judo, and Taekwondo, Tai Chi is devoid of aggressive, sudden and strenuous movements. Yet, the practice is as or even more effective for combining mental and physical fitness. It is a gentle, full-body workout that uses all the major muscle groups. There is no intimidation, competition or painful milestone to meet while learning or practicing Tai Chi Chuan.
Other Benefits of Tai Chi
Many students have expressed an increased general interest in learning new things while engaged in the study of Tai Chi. Appropriate for any age, Tai Chi is especially beneficial for cognitive thinking. Research has shown that through improving balance, it is an effective intervention for fall prevention.
Tai Chi requires no special equipment and can be performed anywhere, anytime at your own pace. It’s portable. Classes provide a supportive, group atmosphere. Students help each other to acquire new skills, while sharing the group energy and making new friends. Lastly, the deeper benefits are life and soul-affirming, and have been called a “mind/body medicine”.
Testimonials from Local Students
“As a four time cancer survivor, I found Tai Chi has improved my overall balance, strength and outlook. The world of cancer made me feel that I was at war not only with the disease, but my own body. Tai Chi has helped me learn to respond peacefully and mindfully.”
“I have always been active. After passing retirement age and bilateral hip replacements I acknowledged the need for a reasonable means to maintain fitness and flexibility both mentality and physically — one that would not become limiting with age. Yang Family Style Tai Chi Chuan has been my means to that end. It provides a straight forward, non-mystical exercise form that helps with balance, strength and mental discipline. Like any exercise, to get results it takes some time, a willingness to learn and commitment.”
“I have tried meditation at different times in my life and have found Tai Chi to be so beneficial in so many ways. It is a beautiful and graceful meditation in motion that has improved my health and energy!”
How to begin
To begin study of Tai Chi in Oakhurst, Instructor Don Cirillo will start new classes at the Oakhurst Community Center on Tuesday, Sept. 6. The one hour classes will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The cost will be $10 per class. For additional information or questions, contact Don at (559) 642-2582.
