ONLINE: Tai chi (taijiquan) is a Chinese moving meditation, martial art, and health exercise. Based on slow, continuous, whole-body movement, it results in increased energy and mental, emotional, and physical balance. Research has verified its effectiveness for many conditions, including arthritis, osteoporosis, balance issues, Parkinson’s disease, and fibromyalgia. The practice encourages a joyful, reflective approach to daily life. We will study the “heart of the art” through exercises designed to produce energetic harmony by embodying the taiji or yin-yang diagram. We will learn a 16-move routine from the traditional Wu Hao style, and body mechanics that strengthen the knees, hips, and back. Beginners and experienced players are welcome. The instructor teaches with playful humor, clear descriptions, and demonstrations. He focuses on details and the big picture, and takes frequent breaks to answer questions. Handouts arrive via email, and video recordings assist practice between classes. | Active Skill Learning.
Max enrollment: 200.
Class sessions are recorded.
Jay Dunbar (M.A., Duke, English literature; Ph.D., UNC-Chapel Hill, education) has studied qigong since 1975 with masters Liang Shou-Yu, Yang Jwing-Ming, Shi Zhengzhong, Paul Gallagher, Lisa O’Shea, and Rose Oliver, among others. He has produced a DVD on the rare "18 immortals qigong" set, and has taught in the Triangle since 1979 and for OLLI since 2003. Jay is director of the Magic Tortoise Taijiquan School (magictortoise.com).