Sonoma State Star

Issue date: 2/26/08 Section: Features

Tai Chi is over 2,000 year old and was first practiced as a form of Chinese self-defense. Students can gain both health and relaxtion by taking this Kinesiology 101 course. [Click to enlarge]

Watching students gracefully glide through undulating movements that require posture changes, breathing techniques, and slow rhythms gives simply a glimpse into the ancient Chinese practice known as Tai Chi.
Tai Chi is a kinesiology class offered at SSU each semester, yet many students are unaware of this practice that takes place on campus every Tuesday and Thursday morning.
Similar to the stress reduction of Yoga, Tai Chi offers a wide range of movements such as: Monkey Swimming, Golden Rooster, Punch & Parry, and Crouching Tiger in order to renew stress and instill relaxation through breathing.
"Going into the first class, I was hesitant as to what it [the class] was, but as the semester has gone on, I've realized a huge difference in my demeanor and stress reduction," said sophomore Denise Lund. "It [Tai Chi] includes some crazy movements, yet gives me a sense of relaxation."
Developed more than 2,000 years ago, Tai Chi was first practiced as a form of self defense. The elegant movements, which are done in a slow, continuous style, emphasize a style of technique over strength in the body.
Other than simply reducing stress, Tai Chi improves health for all ages.
"I used to be into drugs, but since I started practicing Tai Chi on a daily basis, it has been more than 20 years since I have been sick," said Professor Katherine Ha during one of her classes. "At one point, I was only given six months to live and look where I am now; I am a woman of 70 who feels like I am 30 again."
Tai Chi doesn't require any mats, pads, or clothing. Many of the students that are enrolled this semester wear a wide range of clothing including: jeans, Uggs, socks, yoga pants, sweatshirts, and baseball caps.
The class takes place in the Field House in the Athletic Building in the back of campus. The lights are lowered in order to emphasize relaxation and the dim holiday lights that hang from the walls add a sense of realism and spirituality.

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