Celebration of World Tai Chi Day on UTD Campus a success

05:29 PM CDT on Friday, May 20, 2005

By Contributing Writer

8th Annual World Tai Chi and Qigong Day Celebrated in Dallas, Texas

Almost 100 people gathered on the University of Texas at Dallas campus the morning of Saturday, April 30th to celebrate World Tai Chi and Qigong Day. The event began with a series of impressive Tai Chi demonstrations from each of the major styles of Tai Chi. The Chen Style, known for its martial application, strength and power was presented by grandmaster Wang Tao and his students. They performed empty hand, sword and staff forms with beautiful precision. The Wu style, known for its grace and beauty was presented by Grandmaster Johnny Lee and his students including wonderful sword, saber and push hands demonstrations. Beautifully represented by Sifu Patty Sun and a group of students from Grandmaster Jimmy Wang was the Wu (Hao) style. Sifu Chris Bouguyon, owner of SimplyAware.com and host of the Dallas World Tai Chi and Qigong Day event demonstrated both Yang style Tai Chi (designed to optimize strength, health, wellness) and a unique Sun style Tai Chi program specifically designed for people with arthritis and other joint sensitivities.

Jeff Savage of the Arthritis Foundation who co-sponsored the event expressed the importance of exercise to the group. “Tai Chi is one of the best exercises for managing arthritis” he went on to say that while other programs will help you while you are doing them, the daily, proactive approach taken by Tai Chi training is an “ideal long-term solution for health and wellness”. You learn things in class and can take them home with you there is no need for a pool or a studio to practice Tai Chi effectively.

Chris Bouguyon went on to explain that pain causes tension and tension causes more pain. By learning to relax the tension and move gently through your range of motion with the exercises provided within Tai Chi, one can truly begin to find a more centered, balanced approach to managing life with arthritis. “Tai Chi gently works your body through about 95% of its range of motion.”

For more information about Tai Chi and Tai Chi for Arthritis programs in the DFW metroplex, please visit our web site– www.SimplyAware.com or contact Chris Bouguyon at 214-476-1721; or by email – Chris@SimplyAware.com.
For information about Arthritis, please contact the Arthritis Foundation – www.Arthritis.org or 1-800-568-4045