TaiJi

(Tai Ji cHUAN)

There are now two TaiJi classes and a Qigong class to choose from, both taught by Brian McKenzie. The TaiJi morning class meets three times a week and the evening class meets once a week. The Qigong class meets Thursday morning.

In a pleasant and friendly atmosphere at Senior Center, Inc., TaiJi classes start with 15 to 20 minutes of stretching TaiJi exercises. They are a simple set of stretching movements everybody should know how to perform, but seldom do. (Flexibility and balance are enhanced through the practice of TaiJi!) It's certainly more fun to do it together and it is a great way to begin or end your day.

The morning classes start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 9:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Fee is $36 per month for members and $49 per month for non-members (for up to 12 sessions when attend 3 times per week).

There is also an evening class each Wednesday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. This is a great way to relax after a hard day, as this class teaches calmness in addition to balance and flexibility. Fee is $25 per month for members and $35 per month for non-members.

Qigong (Tai Chi Meditation) 
Thursdays, 8:30-9:00 a.m.

Pronounced chee-gong, this practice combines the slow movement of tai chi, the breathing of yoga, and the relaxation of transcendental meditation. Designed for all levels of fitness, adaptable to fit mobility abilities, and simple enough to practice at home. The 20-minute routine consists of a series of slow movements, self-massage, special breathing techniques, and seated meditation. For more information, contact instructor Bryan McKenzie at 978-7271. Sign up at the Front Desk. For Qigong only: $25 per month for members; $35 per month for non-members. (NOTE: Included in fee for our Tai Chi classes.)

At Senior Center, Inc., taijiquan or Tai Ji (alternate spellings of tai chi chuan and Tai Chi), has been offered for 14 years. The teaching method allows participants to learn health aspects of the discipline, its connection to Chinese medical theory, meditation techniques for relaxation and to bolster the immune system, and even self-defense techniques. The system is based on the Three Emperors style of martial arts taught by Wang Zhenhua, a former coach at Beijing University. The Senior Center program was initiated by Mr. Wang’s student, John Alton, Charlottesville resident and someone recognized by the Chinese government as an expert in Chinese health practices. Lei Xilai, an instructor who came to the states from the Beijing area, taught advanced classes at the Senior Center and introduced new forms to the class. The current instructor, Brian McKenzie has taught for the past 12 years. Brian is a student of Mr. Lei and Mr. Alton. Brian leads the TaiJi group with a clear mind, with firm hands and a warm heart, and above all with gentle words. He has a great sense of humor and no pretense at all.

The exercise is simple – in a series of movements based on a Taoist martial art, participants slowly relearn how to balance, purposefully shifting weight from side to side and then increasing the difficulty of the movements. The slow movements not only redefine balance, but also provide a workout similar to the old Charles Atlas "dynamic tension" exercises for muscle development. Participants currently range in age from 50 to 94 and allowances are made for personal stamina, strength, medical history and ability. The atmosphere is relaxed and easy-going; participants running late for class are welcome to join in whenever they arrive. For more info, call instructor Bryan McKenzie at 978-7271.

Come and join us, you'll be glad you did.

Call the Senior Center at (434) 974-7756 for more information.