Tai Ji is an exercise routine which is fun to do and promotes health. It is easy to learn and enjoyable to practice, unlike other
exercise modalities which are prescribed to treat illness. When
effectively taught, the movements are readily remembered, do not need
special equipment or clothing to practice and can be done anywhere even
in small spaces. It is also suited to individuals with physical
handicaps, especially as it’s prescribed as the treatment of choice for
arthritis in modern China. Tai Ji is modeled on the natural movements of
various graceful animals such as the white crane. When demonstrated, Tai
Ji looks like a dance performed in slow motion.
An eight week class consists of weekly focused warm ups and
relaxation exercises which are formally defined as "Medical Qi Gong".
Individual Tai Ji movements called forms will then be taught. At the end
of 8 weeks, each student will have a repertoire of at least 10 forms to
do as their daily exercise routine.
The class will be taught by George A. Rhoads who has done Tai
Ji, Qi Gong, stress management and arthritic pain groups in various
venues including martial arts schools and medical clinics. An
entertaining teacher, Dr. Rhoads is a clinical psychologist and Asian
bodywork therapist (Jin Shin Do