TV station films and broadcasts San Antonio, TX teacher training course

Course Host

What comes to your mind when you hear “San Antonio”? The Alamo? Not for long! Soon it will be known for its prolific classes in T’ai Chi Chih.

The camera rolled on Wednesday, June 14, 2000, as FOX TV filmed an interview with Ed Altman, Head of TCC and director of the Teacher Training, and Ann Sollars, teacher candidate. Reporter Cynthia Lee asked poignant questions, none of which stumped the experts. After the interview, Cynthia joined in the practice while the photographer rolled the film. He took pictures of the practice from every conceivable angle. At 9pm that evening, Fox TV’s feature, “The Edge,” aired an excellent show. The results would make you proud. Ed and Ann spoke quite clearly about TCC. The practice group, under Ed’s lead, looked very smooth. People were invited to call a designated number for more information about classes. We received a few calls and hope to get more.

How did that happen? One of the students asked a friend in public relations (who had just moved to Austin) to send some Press Releases out regarding the Teacher Training. She did and Fox TV responded. Now we have a short demonstration video and a whole lot of momentum.

At the Saturday graduation, everyone received their certificate, signed by Justin Stone, and a list of all participants in the training course. Teachers Auditing: Caroline Guilott and Bitsy LeBlanc of Lake Charles, LA, and Jo Trautmann of Georgetown, TX.

At the Graduation on Saturday, friends and families of the graduates, other students of TCC and Sr. Geri Kline, local teacher, enjoyed a practice together, followed by a light lunch. All visited and enjoyed each other’s company.

On Sunday, the graduates who reside in San Antonio met at the Center for Spirituality and the Arts and gave birth to SARA of TCC (San Antonio Regional Association of T’ai Chi Chih). This group pledged to practice regularly, to meet monthly and to assist in the staffing of a Saturday on-going open practice at the Japanese Garden. They also agreed to teach classes at the Center, beginning in July. They will assist each other in the teaching process. We pray that Sara of TCC will have a long and happy life spreading the CHI.

The Press Release

T’AI CHI CHIH TEACHER CERTIFICATION
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
JUNE 12-17, 2000
CENTER FOR SPIRITUALITY AND THE ARTS
CONTACT: SISTER ALICE HOLDEN, CCVI

Thirteen students are hoping to be certified as teachers of a new form of T’ai Chi, called T’ai Chi Chih (pronounced Tie-che-chuh). Certification class will be conducted by Ed Altman of San Rafael, CA, appointed head of T’ai Chi Chih.

STUDENTS

From San Antonio:
Renza Baker
Penny Bowen-Oliver
Vivian T. Chicca-Sikora
Stella Jaidar
Sophie Roland
Bonnie Susan Simons
Ann Sollars
Eugenia A. Stell

From out of town:
Andrew J. Anderson, Illinois
Roberta J. Anderson, Illinois
Carla Kelley, Oklahoma
Larry Sava, Texas
Alejandro Rodriguez, Mexico

T’AI CHI CHIH was originated in 1974 by an exceptional man named Justin Stone. Mr. Stone lives in Albuquerque, NM and is still personally involved in this form which, within the past 25 years, has spread across the world. An instructor of T’ai Chi Ch’uan, the ancient form, Justin went to the Orient in search of a greater understanding of the philosophy, culture and spirituality of the East. His genius was to create an entirely new form which is based on the principles of the ancient form, but is incomparable to that form as T’ai Chi Chih is NOT a martial art. None of the movements has any martial application whatsoever. Rather, it is often referred to as a “moving meditation.” When practiced regularly, it serves as an aid in balancing the Chi, or Vital Force, within a person. Results reported from practitioners of the form are outstanding.

Twenty soft, flowing, continuous movements are each repeated nine times and followed by a rest where the chi is grounded and the energy balanced. This results in a renewed spirit, mind and body. As the circulating of Vital Energy or Chi continues throughout the practice, participants feel a diminishment of pain and a clarification of mind. It needs to be experienced to be believed.

Some of the beneficial effects of faithful practice include: increased energy, reduced tension, weight and blood pressure control, acceptance of reality, increased creativity, spiritual attunement, serenity, joy.

Classes are now held at The Center for Spirituality and the Arts, 4707 Broadway in San Antonio. With new teachers, the hope is that there will be more sites available. If any club, church, business or other organization would like a free 20 min. demonstration of the form, call the Center for scheduling.

Graduation from the Certification Class will be held on Saturday, June 17, after a Practice Session (11:00-12:00) to which all are invited. It will be held in the dance studio in the Agnese-Sosa Building of the University of the Incarnate Word, Broadway and Hildebrand.