Tai Chi Offered at Park

During the opening ceremonies at the Beijing Olympics, 2008 individuals performed tai chi in perfect unison. Throughout China every day, more than 10 million people practice some type of tai chi, a system of calisthenics involving sequences of slow, controlled movements based on martial arts. Last Friday, at an ongoing tai chi class in the ‘old’ gym at the Palisades Recreation Center, participants began the movements without instructor Matt Rand, who was delayed by traffic for the 10 a.m. class. ‘He said we’re supposed to practice on our own,’ said Joan Graves, who stopped tai chi several years ago after her instructor moved away, but has started again with Rand. Said Chris Van Scoyk, who has been practicing for two years: ‘Tai chi is supposed to help with balance and memory. It took me over a year to learn one section.’ The memory aspect is instantly obvious as exercisers must remember 37 distinct movements and blend them into one another in a seamless fashion. The 12 people in the weekly class had already gone through one section of the slow set (there are two different sets’slow and fast) when Rand arrived. He then led the class through various moves, occasionally showing a participant how a posture should be held. When practiced regularly, tai chi’s slow moving, weight-shifting movements and soothing circular stretches exercise every part of the body without exertion, says Rand, who began practicing tai chi 14 years ago. He has taught for the Department of Recreation and Parks in Pacific Palisades the past four years, and also teaches for L.A. Unified Adult schools and at Stoner Park. ‘I really try to make the class ongoing, so anyone can sign up at any time,’ Rand said. For beginners in the class, he teaches movement by movement. ‘If people are having a good time, having fun, then they keep coming.’ Senior citizen Jack Garrett started classes a few months ago. ‘It is interesting, something to look forward to, and good exercise,’ he said. ‘I first saw it 20 years ago in Beijing in the public parks.’ Van Scoyk added, ‘I did tai chi going on a boat down the Yangtze.’ Tai chi has been described as meditation in motion. The quiet during last Friday’s class was noticeable and refreshing, as participants concentrated on remembering and moving with a smooth flow. Holding movements and positioning them is not as easy as it looks. The next three-month session starts October 3 and the cost is $120. Sign up at the park.