As the lowest of the “higher belts,” I’m exhibit A demonstrating that anyone can learn tai chi chuan.
It was really hard getting started. I couldn’t relate the moves to anything I knew before: not ballet, modern dance, yoga, ballroom dancing, folk dance … .
Then I learned that this kind of movement relates to nature. We practice moves called White Crane Spreads Wings and Ocean Breathing. We breathe like a tortoise taking a dive, we float our arms like a butterfly, and from a crouch postion, we rise like a phoenix. Now I get it.
For someone who nearly every year discovers that the lower back or a knee or the neck is far enough gone to require physical therapy, tai chi chuan has been a big help. It’s also great for exercising all your muscles and for balance. It’s constantly flowing.
Longevity in the class pays. If you just stick with it, eventually you can do some of the routines moderately OK, and you get to be referred to as a “higher belt” in front of brand-new students. Which is nice, even though you know it won’t last.
Photo: Zhen Ren Chuan
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 