Comox Valley residents can improve their health and energy this fall by attending Wang Tai Chi classes, available at a variety of venues throughout the week.
The classes teach a form of Tai Chi developed by Henry Wang, an internationally acclaimed tai chi instructor who has lived in the Comox Valley for the past 24 years. The instruction focuses on the movement of energy from the feet through the body to the hands.
“We are very fortunate that the Comox Valley is home to a world-renowned Tai Chi master like Henry Wang,” says Heili Garcia, an instructor who has studies with Wang since 1987. “People who practice Tai Chi find that it improves their health, well-being and energy.”
The Wang Tai Chi classes are offered at the following times and locations. Please call to register.
• Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings with instructor James Milne (250-339-3641) at the Chine Medicine Centre, 1671 Comox Ave.
• Mondays, 11 a.m. with instructor Henry Wang (250-339-2255), Comox Recreation Centre.
• Wednesdays, various daytime options, with instructor Ivy Wang (250-338-1000) at the Filberg Centre.
• Fridays, 10 a.m., with instructor Heili Garcia (250-334-3706) at the Valley Dance Centre, 4655A Madrona Pl. in Courtenay.
The local instructors are highly energized following a successful week-long Wang Tai Chi camp on Mount Washington in July. The annual camp draws participants from around the world.
Wang’s technique pays particular attention to teaching softness by utilizing seven principles: Concentration, Centre, Circle, Coordination, Balance, Proportion, and Relaxation. The goal is to become conscious and aware of the movement of one's chi (energy) while moving through the various positions within the form.