Archive for December 2008
Tai Chi Jordan Oaks in Cary: Progress and Benefits of Practice
Posted on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 9:33 AM by Sifu Smith
Tai Chi and Chi Kung training at the Retirement facilty of Jordan Oaks in Cary NC started over 6 months ago.
The group consists of ladies and gentleman from 70 to 90 years of age, many with a variety of health concerns. Many of these students have made regular improvements in a variety of area's. They have told me:
"I am much calmer during the day"
"I don't worry as much"
"My balance is much better"
"I really need and feel much better with the breathing training"
"Some of it is hard, but I can do much more that what I did a month ago"
We take a one hour tai chi practice session and divide into four 15 minutes segments.
1. Emphasis on standing as long as possible: Chi Kung, joint opening and balance
2. Mostly sitting: breathing training, bone marrow, strengthening, mind work
3. Standing again: Skills of tai chi and kung fu
4. Seated relaxation, chi flow, heart-mind balance, emotional washing, confidence
By the end of a session, the Jordan Oaks participants have exerted themselves, made some gains, then rewarded with relaxation. We have a few that like to wait to just come in for the relaxation in the last 15 minute segment, and that is fine too.
We encourage and promote the use and expanision of Tai Chi and Chi kung for any group. It is easy enough to learn the Reeling Silk Skills and yet challenging enough for everyone to make gains in a variety of areas. The real concern in learning and teaching Tai Chi with our wonderful seniors is being considerate of where they are in their lives. We discuss the issue's that face our senior's such as independence, health status, pain, loss and lonliness, and fear's. With a soft approach to a variety of area's we address these concerns with real exercises, training, just like we do with other students facing other types of issues.
The Jordan Oaks Tai Chi group in cary NC work hard every tuesday morning. They come in ready to go work, play our feng shui music, and get better. We recognize and applaud their effort and gains. We encourage you to practice every day too.
Posted in Raleigh, Stories, Tai Chi
Kuo Lien Ying Original Article 1976
Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 10:28 AM by Sifu Smith
Many students have commented on the original cover that is framed in the kwoon of Kuo Lien Ying. It is from an the article "The Legend of San Fransisco" in 1976.
We have now posted the original article in the Members Area, it is located under the menu item "Members Only Articles".
We plan to get the original cover reproduced with high resolution, so if you desire a copy.
Posted in Tai Chi