Like music, tai chi has many styles. Two are taught in Salmon Arm, both by long-time residents who have loved and practised the art for decades.
Jim Clark, a local veterinarian, teaches Taoist tai chi, while Kim and Heather Arnold teach tai chi ch’aun.
“One misconception about tai chi is calling it tai chi,” explained certified instructor Kim. “Tai chi means ‘grand ultimate.’ There can be tai chi rice or tai chi karate. Tai chi ch’uan means ‘grand ultimate boxing.’”
Tai chi ch’uan movements, or forms, are not always done at a slow speed and are quite circular, said Kim. Tai chi ch’uan is no-impact and can improve body balance, breathing, core muscles and memory.
“There is a meditative quality to it. It uses the total body,” said Kim, who has taught with his wife for over thirty years. Arnold, now retired from BC Hydro, began tai chi as a student in Vancouver in 1966, when many martial arts clubs were closed to non-Asians. A Chinese friend took him to a tai chi ch’uan club. He has been practising ever since.
“It gets to be a lifestyle. It doesn’t matter what age you are.”
The Arnolds teach both empty-handed forms and those with swords, canes and staffs. Forms are a series of poses that can take a long or short time to complete, depending on the student.
Tai chi is referred to as one of the eternal arts that uses inner energy, said Kim.
“The older the student, the more soft and flexible they become. Speed comes from softness.”
The Arnolds have about 15 to 20 students in their classes at South Broadview Elementary.
“Teaching also teaches you. You can learn a lot from teaching.”
Classes are Thursday nights. To learn more, the Arnolds can be reached at 250- 832-8229.
Jim Clark has practised Taoist tai chi for about 18 years. A local vet well-known for his skill and compassion, Clark was captivated when he watched a video of Master Moy Lin-shin, a Taoist monk who founded the art when he moved to Canada from China.
“I thought, ‘Wow, I have to do that.’ It’s so beautiful.”
the Taoist Tai Chi Society is an international non-profit organization, run by volunteer instructors. As a member, one can be part of a class anywhere in Canada, or in 25 countries worldwide.
“It’s very portable,” said Clark. “It’s non-competitive, and there’s no belt system. It’s a moving meditation based on health.”
108 moves are practised over and over, in a sequence that takes about 20 minutes. Taoist tai chi is practised in silence, with students learning by watching and copying the instructor.
“Like a flock of birds or a school of fish, the whole group moves together. You learn from the teacher, but also from the group. You observe and move without engaging the thinking mind. It’s peaceful and relaxing.”
About 30 people attend classes for beginners and ongoing students.
Though a teacher, Clark still refers to himself as a student.
“What I love about this is there is no end point. You never learn it all.”
Taoist tai chi classes happen every Tuesday night at the new Elks Hall. Beginner classes are from 5 to 7 p.m. and ongoing classes, from 7 to 9 p.m. Clark can be reached at 250-832-9038 or go to www.taoist.org for more information.
