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Public Invited To Explore Tai Chi

Photo from Michele Meriage

Classes are offered seven days a week for beginners and advanced students at the Brandon branch of the International Taoist Tai Chi Society on Bryan Road.

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By LAURA FRAZIER

lfrazier@tampatrib.com

Published: February 4, 2009

BRANDON - Susan Schuler has practiced martial arts for the past eight years, but the form she favors involves gentle, graceful stretching motions instead of the high-impact, fast-paced moves employed in other methods such as karate and kung fu.

They aren't breaking any boards at the Brandon branch of the International Taoist Tai Chi Society, where 175 members who range in age from 14 to 93 practice the ancient Chinese art. Tai chi is said to develop flexibility and coordination and relax and strengthen the body and mind.

Schuler turned to tai chi to relieve stress in 2000, when the Brandon center was on Oakfield Drive. Now president of the branch, which moved in September to Bryan Road, she said the benefits she has reaped the past eight years exceeded her expectations.

"I had some bursitis, and it took care of that, but it also made me much calmer and less anxious about things," Schuler said. "I am definitely stronger, more flexible and in better shape than I was eight years ago."

Members will hold a grand opening Feb. 14 at the center's new location, 911 Bryan Road, Brandon. The free event will include tai chi demonstrations, displays and traditional Chinese vegetarian fare.

The grand opening coincides with the center's annual international workshop. Every year, groups in 25 countries invite instructors and students from other nations to visit their centers. Visitors from Canada and Costa Rica will attend this year's workshop in Brandon. The idea, Schuler said, is to promote a cultural exchange and encourage worldwide uniformity in teaching tai chi.

The Brandon center offers sessions for beginners and advanced students seven days a week. Satellite classes are held weekly in Palma Ceia, Sebastian, Sun City Center and Temple Terrace.

Ann Hipson of Seminole Heights takes two classes a week in Temple Terrace and one on Sundays at the Brandon center. She has practiced tai chi regularly for about six years and enjoys mental and physical benefits from the exercise.

"I wanted to calm that incessant internal dialogue, you know, when your mind is always going a mile a minute. Tai chi does that," Hipson said.

The exercise also helps her with balance problems she has had all her life.

"I just feel more centered," she said.

Although tai chi is not as intense an exercise as weightlifting or running, she said, it is more of a workout than people think.

"It's not just standing there waving your arms in a pretty little fashion," Hipson said. "Every part of your body is used with intent. Others can't see that, but you can feel it."

The Brandon center also offers specialized health recovery classes for seniors and others with health conditions and disabilities.

Schuler said, "We have people doing it in chairs because their health does not allow them to stand."

She recalled one man who came to the Brandon center a few years ago in a motorized wheelchair. He told Schuler he was recovering from a stroke he had two years earlier and was unable to walk.

"His daughter was getting married in a month," she said. "He worked really hard, and in about four weeks he was able to use a walker and walk her down the aisle."

GRAND OPENING

WHAT Grand opening of the Brandon branch of the International Taoist Tai Chi Society includes tai chi demonstrations and displays and a traditional Chinese vegetarian lunch.

WHEN 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 14.

WHERE 911 Bryan Road, Brandon

COST Free

DETAILS: (813) 685-1211 or www.taoist.org.

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 657-4523.

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