Moving quietly and deftly in unison, the students practice an ancient art in an exercise room in Chemainus.
Fuller Lake Arena offers Tai Chi every Wednesday morning with instructor, Shannon Bellamy.
“I love Tai Chi so I like having the opportunity to work with new students and pass on my love for it,” Bellamy said.
Bellamy, a beginner instructor since 2001, said most of her students join because of the health benefits.
“Tai Chi improves the things we lose as we age, co-ordination, flexibility and balance,” Bellamy said.
More than 20 students gather for two hours once a week to relearn the moves, be social, drink green tea and learn new moves.
For new students like Morna McNair, the pattern and repetition is beneficial.
“It’s making my mind work,” she said. “I’m learning new actions and using different parts of my brain.”
In Tai Chi, there is a set of 108 moves that the students can learn.
Judy Hudson, a 12-year veteran of Tai Chi, said it’s a very cumulative exercise.
“A lot [of moves] are repeated and we do them one after the other,” she said.
She said the practice has given her better balance.
“I’m also much more flexible,” she said. “It works all systems.”
Bellamy said doing each move is an exercise that increases body awareness.
“You take time to be one with your body,” she said. “You become more centred and more grounded.”
McNair, who’s friends encouraged her to join, said the classes are also an opportunity to be social.
“It’s really fun,” she said.
Hudson agrees.
“All the classes are really fun and this one in particular really is,” she said.
Tai Chi is for all ages and abilities, Bellamy said.
“All walks of life, all ages, all sorts of physical challenges,” she said of the 20 to 30 student members.
“Everyone works at their own pace and at their own level,” Hudson said.
McNair said she enjoys the relaxing nature of the activity.
“It’s such a soft, gentle way of learning something.”
Tai Chi is also about energy flow, something that Thetis Island resident, Carol Sowerby feels in class.
“When everyone is doing it you get the energy flow and you can really feel it,” she said.
Bellamy said Tai Chi is accessible for anyone, even those with busy lives.
“The nice thing about the way the society [Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada] works is you pay the initial registration fee and the monthly dues and then you can attend class anywhere,” she said. “It’s portable and flexible.”
Bellamy said anyone interested in joining up to ‘play’ Tai Chi should do so as soon as possible.
“Tai Chi helps fit you back into yourself,” she said. “When everything’s crazy, it gets you grounded.”
Tai Chi is every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Fuller Lake Arena in Chemainus.
For more information go to www.taoist.bc.ca.
