Saturday April 30 was World Tai Chi day, a day which many organizations around the world practiced their martial art and demonstrated for the public. Here in Michigan, the Michigan Tai Chi Center, headed by Han Hoong Wang, held their demo at the gymnasium of Keller Elementary School in Royal Oak.
The demonstration drew approximately 100 people, all of differing ages, and focused on displaying the multiple styles of Tai Chi. The audience also got the chance to participate in the action when they were invited onto the floor to try it out.
Tai Chi is a martial art originating in China that uses fluid and smooth movement until the moment of a strike. In popular practice, the slow, fluid movement is emphasized both as a way to practice the art in detail as well as to bring a sense of inner peace and health to the practitioner.Han Hoong Wang was kind enough to answer some interview questions.
With its increasing popularity in the USA, has there been any changes to the way Tai Chi is taught or practiced?
Yes, there have been many changes. In the past 15 years, the major styles’ grand masters have been invited to the USA to teach American students. As more students gain this teaching, as well as travel to China to share their experiences, changes and influences have evolved Tai Chi into a deeper understanding of theory, improved technology, unified teaching requirements and standardized routines.
Also, Tai Chi draws those interested in the martial arts but don’t necessarily want the stress or rigors of more martial systems. Tai Chi allows them to maintain or improve their health. In fact, there are even several schools available for special needs individuals
What do you see as the future of this martial art in the upcoming 20 years or so in this country?
Tai Chi will continue to develop in the USA. Scientific research and studies have shown Tai Chi Chuan provides effective health-enhancing benefits for a variety of medical conditions. Tai Chi has been promoted by a number of health- organizations that include the Arthritis Foundation, American Heart Association, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health the American Cancer Society, and the Harvard Medical School and as well as other medical schools. This April, The University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida, Institute has produced the film "Tai Chi Quan and human health", a scientific documentary.
Some key groups that are coming to practice Tai Chi are the Baby Boomer population, younger aged people, other martial artists, those with physical disabilities, and patients and physical therapists. I hope Tai Chi will soon be promoted in schools. More qualified Tai Chi instructors will be needed.
Who should we contact if we want to become involved in a Tai Chi program?
The Michigan Tai Chi Center's website is: http://michigantaichi.com/Home_Page.html
And I can be contacted here:
Han Hoong Wang
Director, Michigan Tai Chi Center
P.O. Box 99194
Troy, MI 48099
P: (248) 680-8938
E: hantaichi@sbcglobal.net
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