What’s to like about T’ai Chi?
By Mary Layton
Angela’s Story
This month I thought I would ask one of our long time students how she got into T’ai Chi and find out What made her like this Chinese Martial Art. This is what she told me : “When I was young I was into Chinese Kickboxing. Boxing was my life. I participated in many competitions. Life was hard and I felt that Martial Arts was a good way to release that hardness, do something with it. I wanted to be strong and tough, be quick on my feet, defend myself. It was a craving. At night I was dreaming about Martial Arts. One day I found out there was something called ‘Shadow Boxing’. Another name for it is ’T’ai Chi Ch’uan’ which translates to Grand Ultimate Fist. I was determined to find out where I could learn this kind of traditional Chinese Boxing with its gentle and circular movements. I found a well known T’ai Chi Master, packed my bags and was heading to San Francisco. As I was driving I heard an ad on the radio about a school called ’T’ai Chi Ch’uan Academy of Modesto’. I turned the car around and called the school. After talking to the Head Teacher I decided to try a class with him. What perfect timing, I didn’t even have to commute to a T’ai Chi Class, there were 2 qualified teachers right here in Modesto! It was a time in my life when I wanted to learn more about myself, do something for my soul. I also wanted to learn the martial arts applications, the discipline and have a different state of mind. I loved feeling the energy and blood flow in my hands, legs and feet. I wanted a complete art that wasn’t just about slamming someone. I appreciated learning about the connection between Chinese Medicine and T’ai Chi Ch’uan. T’ai Chi is like Acupuncture without needles : I could, with regular practice, heal myself. I found that it helped me to lower my blood pressure and anxiety. It gave me clarity of mind. I have been a student at the Modesto T’ai Chi Ch’uan Academy for 23 years. T’ai Chi has improved the quality of my life.” For more info go to taichi4modesto.com or call (209)572-4518
