New Jersey students initiate practice sessions in local park

In the spring of 1997, when a T’ai Chi Chih class taught by Edie Budney in Montclair, NJ was about to end, a group of students decided that we didn’t want to go the entire summer without meeting for practice sessions. Edie volunteered to meet us in Brookdale Park on Tuesday mornings, and announced to all her classes that a practice group was forming. We met throughout the summer enjoying the opportunity to have practice sessions outdoors.

In the spring of 1998, Edie announced that when her commitment to her classes ended she would be joining her husband who had recently been transferred to Brazil. All of her students were sad to hear we were losing our wonderful teacher. But, we decided to go ahead and continue to meet in Brookdale Park during the summer. Marion Mascone, a dedicated T’ai Chi Chih student (and now a candidate in the teacher preparation program), suggested we meet every weekday rather than once a week. Victor Viereck, an accredited T’ai Chi Chih instructor, provided guidance for anyone needing help. And, in July [1998], Linda Sercarz and I became accredited T’ai Chi Chih instructors.

As the summer went on, we were joined by a number of people who, while exercising saw us and decided they would like to learn T’ai Chi Chih. A number of these people are now enrolled in formal T’ai Chi Chih classes. Marion decided there might be more people interested in learning about T’ai Chi Chih and arranged for a local news station [to] do a segment on the group. As Victor and Sister Antonia Cooper (who is not a regular member of our practice group but an advisor to many of us) were interviewed by the newsman, the rest of the group did T’ai Chi Chih in the background. It was a fun experience for all of us.

As the summer came to an end, we decided we wanted to continue with the practice group. Once again, Marion waved her magical wand and arranged for us to use space in a community room three days a week. Now, as winter approaches, we are still meeting two days a week in the park and three indoors. Every week we all become more and more committed to T’ai Chi Chih. Everyone in the practice group comes from different walks of life. But, through T’ai Chi Chih we have formed a special bond to one another, and I know that wherever our paths take us our practice group will always hold a special place in our hearts.

I write this in the hope that other people will consider forming practice groups either, in parks, on the beach, or indoors, and by doing so will join us in their commitment to T’ai Chi Chih and to the group.