By Hamish MacGillivray

Photo from WRVS Heritage Plus Archive

Photo from WRVS Heritage Plus Archive

Photo from WRVS Heritage Plus Archive

Photo from WRVS Heritage Plus Archive

During May and June 2010 there was a special Tai Chi class for older people taught by Ying Li. She had contributed towards the video ‘Beautiful Chinese Place’ and mentioned at the end of filming that she taught traditional Tai Chi.

The Tai Chi class was held at the WRVS Russell Centre, Eastbourne and you can see some of the movements. See below comments from some of the students. You will see an artwork by Ron Ferry who explains,

“The sketch shown has a significant meaning and is called ‘Magic Bird Spreads Its Wings’. The reason is that for many centuries most martial arts have adopted and adapted learning from observing the behaviour of animals and the Crane has a special place in Chinese culture.”

Chrissie Hutchinson remarks,

“I like to do Tai Chi first thing in the morning. I find that it wakes up my body as well as my mind. Also around late tea time I find it gives me an energy boost.”

Brian (aged 72) observes,

“Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise of soft gentle movements, I have found approaching this with an open mind and a willingness to learn a new discipline helps to exercise both mind and body. A non religious, non political subject where age is immaterial, Tai Chi allows each student to practice their own pace.”

Thanks to Ying Li and students for their assistance with photography.