Teaching T’ai Chi Chih in a California State Prison

After completing the teachers training in Alameda, CA in June ’95, I conducted a small class for a few friends over the Summer. Then, in December, I began teaching T’ai Chi Chih to inmates at the State Prison where I work. I have taught many different types of classes to many different types of people over the past 15 years, but I find that teaching T’ai Chi Chih to inmates is among the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had. We had an introductory course of eight sessions. The inmates took it very seriously, with many of them exhibiting much poise and skill. Two of the men were oriental and had practiced T’ai Chi Chuan. They both enjoyed the class, sharing some of their wisdom and insights with us. One of our Associate Wardens has a black belt in one of the martial arts. He attended a T’ai Chi Chih class and has given us full support. Fourteen inmates completed the class. Next year I will be teaching four or five groups of inmates a year at the prison.