Park to offer 2nd set of T’ai Chi Chih classes

August 5, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

Weekly, one-hour classes begin next Wednesday.

STAFF REPORT

BOARDMAN — Positive experiences of students completing the first series of T’ai Chi Chih classes at Boardman Park has encouraged the park to schedule a second course to begin this month.

Students completing the first series of classes offered this summer reported the movements of T’ai Chi Chih to be relaxing and enjoyable. The students agreed that better balance and more restful sleep were physical benefits of the practice. Several students with arthritis reported less joint pain.

The T’ai Chi Chih beginners course is eight, one-hour classes from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays beginning next Wednesday at the park. Classes are open to men, women and youths.

Classes are taught by Lucinda Kutsko, who is a certified T’ai Chi Chih instructor. The fee for the eight-week course is $80. Preregistration is required. Call Kutsko at (330) 538-2292 for information and to register.

T’ai Chi Chih (pronounced Ti Chee Chuh) is a westernized version of the 2,000-year-old Chinese art of T’ai Chi. Not a martial art, T’ai Chi Chih is characterized by slow, soft, flowing motions that stimulate the flow of energy around and through the body.

T’ai Chi Chih is new to this area but was introduced in the U.S. in 1974 by Justin Stone, a T’ai Chi Chuan master who taught for many years.

Realizing that traditional forms of T’ai Chi, with more than 100 movements, were too difficult for most people, he developed a much simpler form with only 19 stand-alone movements that can be easily learned and remembered. There is no standing on one foot.

T’ai Chi Chih is for men, women and youths of all ages and abilities. It may be done sitting down.

It is a no-sweat exercise that does not require equipment or special clothing. T’ai Chi Chih improves balance and coordination, enhances sports performance, increases focus, energy and stamina.

Proven health benefits include a significant boost in the immune system, sounder, more-restful sleep and reduced joint pain.