Tai Chi-New fitness association to boost health and peace of mind |19 October 2011

The association is headed by Seddick Fanny Al Abdullah, who along with fellow instructor Jocelyn Cupidon attended a six-week intensive training programme in the art of wushu in the Chinese province of Qing Dao, last year. So far, over 180 members have registered and more people are showing an interest in joining.

As part of its induction programme, the association is organising a series of free Tai Chi sessions which is presently taking place at the National Sports Council (NSC) multipurpose hall at Roche Caïman.

Conducted by Zhang Jianyong, a 41-year-old vice professor and Wushu teacher at the Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, the sessions will run until Friday.

According to Mr Cupidon, Tai Chi – which he described as martial arts in slow movement – is the ideal physical and mental therapy, easy to learn and also suits all ages.

He added that feedbacks from those taking part in the induction programme are positive, while the concept of the art is being well assimilated. He also said they will start with the basics, enabling everyone taking part to follow.

Registration fees for the sessions which will begin as from next week are R100 for adults, and R50 for under 18-year-olds.

Mr Cupidon explained that the money collected will be used to purchase proper garments and shoes which are very important to properly practice the art.

Researchers have found that intensive Tai Chi practice shows some favorable effects on the promotion of balance control, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.

It has also shown to reduce the risk of falls in both healthy elderly patients and those recovering from chronic stroke, heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attacks, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and fibromyalgia.

R. D.