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Dell Maxwell is a Tai Chi enthusiast who loves practicing and teaching Tai Chi.  She began learning Tai Chi in 1991, beginning with the long form, which has 108 moves.  For the past 8 years she has been practicing the 24 forms.  Dell began holding Tai Chi classes on Mayne Island in the fall of 2005.  She has also taken Qigong classes in the past so will include some Qigong exercises for the class.  A nice way to begin and close each session.

A message from Dell:

Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise.  My instructor always said that Tai Chi massages the internal organs improving health and balance.  It is appropriate for everyone and I hope that you will join us.

• New classes will begin in April.
• The fee is $20 for a ten-week session, or $4 as a drop in fee.

Tai Chi A short History:

Tai Chi is a Chinese ancient martial art based on Qigong an "internal" or soft style.  There are several styles of Tai Chi-Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun and others.  Tai Chi was first created in the 15 Century at the end of Ming Dynasty by Chen Wang Ting.  The first Tai Chi style is known as Chen style because it was first practiced in a Chen village. 

The founder of Yang style Tai Chi was Yang Fu Kui (1799-1872), also known as Yang Lu Chan.  Yang Lu Chan built a new style Tai Chi from the Chen style old frame. This new style of Tai Chi is known as "Yang family Tai Chi Chuan" or Yang style.  This style passed through reform and improvement during the first two generations.  The Yang style postures became wide and comfortable.   Yang style is more suitable for common people with no martial art training.  In Yang style Tai Chi the body is upright, and the movements are smooth, light, agile and rooted. 

Within a style of Tai Chi there are variations in the number forms or steps.  The Yang style 24 forms was created in China in 1956.  It is a simplified form with the repetition removed, but contains all the essential principles.  This shorten form reduces the time required to complete the exercise and is thus suitable for people with busy life styles. 

For more information call Dell at 539-3351.