Free
Tai Chi classes are being offered at the Rio Grande campus.
The ancient art has been practiced for over 350 years, according to
historians. However, there is a Chinese legend that reveals that Tai
Chi, literally meaning, grand ultimate fist, originated in the 10th
century.
In the book Tai Chi by Danny Connor, Tai Chi is, “philosophy
in movement, a unique system of exercise based on principles of relaxed
breathing, and rhythmical movement and balance. It also serves as
a method of self-defense.”
RG
campus philosopy professor, Robert Ferrell, along with others practiced
the ancient
Chinese martial art of Tai Chi.
Photo
by Angelica Manukian
Dr.
Tony Juarez, a psychology professor at the RG campus, has been teaching
this class since Jan. 31. After graduating from UTEP in clinical psychology,
he practiced for over 30 years at the Sun Valley Hospital and the
Child’s Guidance Center. During this time, Juarez also studied
many styles of martial arts, in addition to tai chi.
When asked what the benefits of practicing Tai Chi were, Juarez replied,
“You acquire a peace of mind and improve health-mentally and
physically.” Juarez also commented that this is a holistic practice
that benefits all parts of the body, including the internal organs.
When asked about the difference between Yoga and Tai Chi, Juarez said,
“Yoga, a linear practice, involves sustained positions for long
periods of time. Contrarily, Tai Chi is a circular practice that entails
continuous, fluid movement, from one position into the next.”
Plus he mentioned that it’s more beneficial to learn Tai Chi
due to its self-defense mechanism. One of the basic positions that
he teaches is called the Single Whip. The student bends the knees
outward, as if sitting on a horse. Both arms are raised and placed
out to the side. The right hand is positioned as a crane’s curved
neck, with a bend at the elbow. The left hand creates a ‘stop’
gesture with no bend at the elbow. This classic posture is one of
the foundations for the 108 Tai Chi positions.
Juarez gave insight on the three things a person needs to do before
doing Tai Chi. “Relax, relax and relax.” He also teaches
martial arts, which is a kinesiology credit course at the Valle Verde
campus, and Tai-Chi on Saturdays in his studio at 1 p.m. Prices for
his Saturday class are flexible.
The RG classroom, also used for dance instruction, has linoleum flooring,
clear lighting and walled mirrors. Sometimes New Age music is used
to create a more relaxing atmosphere. Students are encouraged to wear
loose, comfortable apparel and walking shoes.
Joshua Daniel, one of the participants, took this class because he
heard that “it’s relaxing and a stress deterrent.”
A student of philosophy, he noted after his second class that, “it’s
a pretty involved process.”
Another participant is a mathematical professor at the RG campus.
Dr. Don Harvey has been taking Tai Chi since last fall and said, “The
challenging aspect is the complexity of sequenced positions.”
He also stated that, “there’s a need to relax, yet concentrate
at the same time, while moving.”
The classes are being held every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in
RG room A-117 with a maximum limit of 15 students.
