Making News (June 1991)

George Balliet, T’ai Chi Chih teacher in the San Mateo (CA) area was recently featured in the section of The Times called “Roads to Fitness” by correspondent Al Stanbridge. To quote: “The term physical fitness encompasses a variety of forms and methods. Practicing the simple movements involved in a system called “T’ai Chi Chih” can bring about increased energy, improved health, better balance, and a wonderful sense of enjoyment and personal satisfaction.” The article continues with the history of the development of this form and George’s background. George became involved in T’ai Chi Chih while recovering from a serious disabling industrial accident. His physical condition improved dramatically after learning and faithfully practicing the T’ai Chi Chih movements; he then became an accredited teacher so he could share the benefits of this wonderful form.

Balliet states–“The nature of the class centers on “the self.” No special equipment or clothing is required. There is no special meditation involved, and I don’t push Eastern philosophies. Students are simply asked to focus on the movements so that they might fully appreciate and experience the joy and energy which results. Above all, I want to make the experience enjoyable and fun for each student.”

Each class session begins with a general warm-up. Students are encouraged to ask questions and report any pain, injury, or other physical limitations which might affect participation and would then require adjustments or modifications. Then two new movements are introduced and taught after Balliet reviews past movements. This pattern of review, introduction, practice, and further review is repeated during each class session during the 12-week class.

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The FITNESS section of The Albuquerque Tribune of March 4, 1991 had a two-page spread relating to seniors practicing T’ai Chi Chih with teacher Caroline Chavez. The Article was called “Balance of Life”. Three pictures were used and a box announced Justin Stone’s appearance in the Garden Room of Hilton to discuss T’ai Chi Chih.

To quote: “There’s no pulsing beat of songs rattling wall-length mirrors as in aerobics. Instead, the subtle, trickling notes of oriental samisen music fill a gently lit room.

“Gently, easily and slowly,” T’ai Chi Chih instructor Caroline Chavez coaches, as she leads the class through the second of 20 movements–“Bird Flaps its Wings.”

“As a dozen senior citizens follow Chavez’s lead, it takes a mere breath of imagination to see a flock of cranes rustling their wings in a gentle breeze. And with the image comes a perceptible flow of relaxation.

“The ebb and flow of T’ai Chi Chih movements merge gently from one to the next. Together, the slow movements are designed to stretch and strengthen each set of muscles. As with most Eastern arts, such balance is the soul of T’ai Chi Chih. The balance is known as yin and yang, expressed throughout nature in opposites such as hot and cold, light and dark, positive and negative. The return to inner balance is created through the complementary movements of T’ai Chi Chih.”

The article continues with statements by other area teachers Suni McHenry and Carmen Brocklehurst relating to physical benefits and the weaning away from heavy medications. But….

“T’ai Chi Chih is no panacea,” says Chavez. “As with any skill it must become part of the daily routine. Tuning into the body through T’ai Chi Chih is akin to learning to play a musical instrument–there are no shortcuts. You have to do it every day to get the benefits.”