Enterprise Taoist Tai Chi Society celebrates 15th anniversary

October marks the 15th anniversary of the Taoist Tai Chi Society in Enterprise. A satellite location of the Alabama Branch, classes began in October 2005 with one instructor and one class at the YMCA. By March 2020, four instructors were teaching five classes at two locations.

Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese exercise, has long been credited with a number of health benefits, but many doubted such a simple intervention could bring about so many improvements. Now researchers at American universities and medical centers are publishing results of studies showing that regular practice of Tai Chi impacts many functions in a positive way: higher immune functioning, better sleep patterns, better balance, fewer falls, less bone loss, and general reduction of stress have all been recorded for those who do Tai Chi.

Taoist Tai Chi was introduced to North America by Master Moy Lin Shin, a Chinese refugee who found asylum in Canada in 1970. Many forms of tai chi are martial arts, but Master Moy wanted a type of tai chi that would improve health and fitness. With this in mind, he established a form of low impact tai chi designed to emphasize relaxation, stretching, health improvement and stress reduction. This makes Taoist Tai Chi suitable for all ages and physical conditions.

The International Taoist Tai Chi Society, a charitable, non-profit organization, is also celebrating an anniversary this year–its 50th. Master Moy’s vision and way of teaching forms the nucleus of a successful exercise that has helped many people around the world. Taoist Tai Chi has grown from one man teaching classes in a park to classes offered in 26 countries.

All classes are taught by accredited volunteer instructors who use a demonstration method of teaching. Instructors will demonstrate a move, practice it with the class, and then step away to observe the class as the move is practiced. To ensure participants have someone to watch and follow during class, set leaders are placed in the four corners of the set. The instructor selects these students because they have knowledge of the moves.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacted Taoist Tai Chi classes around the world. In response to the pandemic, the Society has made health and safety a priority. The safety of the entire community as well as Tai Chi participants, many of whom are vulnerable to the virus, is a top priority.

Although physically apart, participants across the globe have continued to practice their Tai Chi at home. Tai Chi helps practitioners develop strength, balance, calm, resilience, compassion, and joy as we deal with COVID-19. Contact is also maintained via email and video conferences.