Amador County's World Tai Chi and Qigong Day Celebration 2014

This is just a reminder that World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is coming up at the end of April.  Everyone is welcome to join us for this fun event and we certainly hope to see you there!  :)

For more info about our World Tai Chi and Qigong Day celebration visit This Page

They Did It!!! :D

Today was the day that three of my students tested for their White Sash Rank.  The test lasted for 2 hours and they worked like crazy demonstrating the skills they have learned over the past year.  I am very pleased to announce that after 2 hours of demonstrating (and explaining everything they were demonstrating in detail) they passed their first test and have each reached the rank of White Sash!  :)  Congratulations to each of them for this achievement!

Below are some pictures of them receiving their sashes and certificates:

 Paula receiving her Sash and her "Sash Speech"

 Just after Kathy received her sash.  :)

 Just after my dad received his sash.

 Here is where everyone is learning to tie their brand new shiny sashes. :)

 Offering a helping hand.  :)

 There's everyone with their new sashes!  :)

 Paula receiving her Rank Certificate.

 Kathy receiving her Rank Certificate.

My Dad (Pete) receiving his Rank Certificate.

It doesn't get much cooler than that.  :)

I want to extend my thanks to these students for all the hard work they've put into their training to reach this point.  They've really been wonderful and I'm completely thrilled that they have made this step in their training.  Good Job Gals and Guy!!!

3 Students Preparing for Their White Sash Test

I'm very pleased to announce that 3 of my Tai Chi students will be testing for there white sashes next week.  They have been training for a little over a year at this point and I'm very proud of them for all their hard work.  I'm also very excited that they are about to take this next step in their training.


Below is a list of all the things they will be tested on and will need to show proficiency in to pass the test:

• Zhan Zhuang Qi Gong (Standing Like a Tree Qi Gong)
• Correct movements into posture, correct posture, and correct closing movements as well as an understanding of what you should be focusing on during this Qi Gong

• 8 Fundamental Stances – Static  (Ji Ben Ba Shi)
• Able to hold each Stance for 30 seconds 
• Horse Stance
• Bow & Arrow Stance
• Sitting on Crossed Legs Stance
• Four-Six Stance
• Tame the Tiger Stance
• False Stance
• Rooster Stands on One Leg Stance
• Squat Stance

• 5 Stepping Practices – Solo and with a partner
• Stepping Forward
• Stepping Backward
• Stepping to the Left – Inside and Outside
• Stepping to the Right – Inside and Outside
• Keeping the Center

• Yang Tai Chi 24 Postures Form

• Tai Chi 10 postures Qi Gong

• Basic Off-Balancing Concepts
• Explain the concept of the “3^rd leg of the triangle”
• Demonstrate where to lead someone to take them off balance from Horse Stance, Bow & Arrow Stance, and Four-Six Stance

• Correct Wushu Salute and Its Meaning

Many of these things may sound very simple when just reading the titles, but each section of this test requires a great deal of attention to detail.  There is a reason it has taken these students a year to prepare for this test, but all their hard work has definitely earned them the right to take part in this examination of skills.  :)


Stay tuned for pictures and updates from the test and the ceremony.  :) 

Can Tai Chi Benefit People with Fibromyalgia?

The following is a short article from the National Center of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM); I think it is awesome and I think you all will enjoy it too: 

Tai Chi May Benefit Patients With Fibromyalgia

People with fibromyalgia may benefit from practicing tai chi, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by muscle pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. People with fibromyalgia have chronic widespread pain, as well as "tender points" on areas of the body, which hurt when slight pressure is applied. Although exercise appears to be an important part of fibromyalgia treatment, many people with fibromyalgia need medication to control symptoms and are unable to maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.

Researchers, funded in part by NCCAM, evaluated the physical and psychological benefits of tai chi (which combines meditation, slow movements, deep breathing, and relaxation) in 66 people with fibromyalgia. The participants were assigned to one of two groups: an attention control group that received wellness education and practiced stretching exercises, or a tai chi group that received instruction in tai chi principles and techniques and practiced 10 forms of Yang‑style tai chi. Both groups met in 1‑hour sessions twice a week for 12 weeks and also practiced daily at home. Tai chi participants used an instructional DVD to continue practice for 12 more weeks.
Compared with the attention control group, the tai chi group had a significantly greater decrease in total score on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire at 12 weeks. In addition, the tai chi group demonstrated greater improvement in sleep quality, mood, and quality of life. Improvements were still present at 24 weeks. No adverse events were reported.
The researchers concluded that these findings support previous research indicating benefits of tai chi for musculoskeletal pain, depression, and quality of life. The underlying mechanisms are unknown, and the researchers noted that larger, longer term studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of tai chi for patients with fibromyalgia.

References

• Wang C, Schmid CH, Rones R, et al. A randomized trial of tai chi for fibromyalgia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;363(8):743–754.
• Yeh GY, Kaptchuk TJ, Shmerling RH. Prescribing tai chi for fibromyalgia—are we there yet? New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;363(8):783–784.

Additional Resources

• Tai Chi
• Fibromyalgia and CAM: At a Glance
• Fibromyalgia (NIAMS)

Journal Publication Date: August 19, 2010
http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/081810.htm


If you're interested in learning Tai Chi in Amador County visit our Class Schedules and Locations page to find out what classes will work best for you.  :)