Three For One

TCC For Diabetes & Chronic Conditions

After more than a decade of including T’ai Chi Chih in self-care programs across the nation for people with COPD, I moved to Hawaii in 2000. Several of my friends here with COPD also had diabetes, and I was fortunate to connect with Warriors Against Diabetes, a support group affiliated with Bay Clinic. After a few months of teaching some TCC movements at the monthly meeting and potluck, we added a weekly class on Banyan Drive, overlooking beautiful Japanese-style gardens and Hilo Bay.

We now promote the class to people with any chronic condition. Pearl Kadota, a “Warrior,” and other continuing students keep the class going when I am on the mainland. On Memorial Day weekend, we had more than 20 people moving together, some from foreign countries. I recently added a Seijaku introduction after the regular class, and when I complete Seijaku after the conference (for the 4th time), I plan to teach a regular eight-week session.

TCC Teaching Tools For People Without Arms?

Marty Mimmack and I co-teach an “Adaptive Exercise” session the first and third Fridays in his home and independent living facility in Hawaiian Paradise Park to a cross-disability group of adults. We incorporate a TCC segment in the program. Because many of our participants are infirm or in wheelchairs, we use the guidelines for seated TCC. But since Marty was born without arms and an increasing number of returning veterans have lost limbs, we are looking for materials that adapt TCC for people without arms.

2012 TCC Accreditation In A Low-Cost Setting? 
Marty has a room in his home large enough to accommodate 16 people doing TCC. He also has two bedrooms, a covered lanai space, and plenty of yard space for pitching tents. I could accommodate two teacher candidates. Please let me know if you would be interested in attending a 2012 teacher accreditation with such simple accommodations. Bed and breakfast and hotel facilities would be 12 miles away for those wishing to rent a car.