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Tai chi in general can help anyone no matter what their level of health and physical ability. But don't just take it from us, listen to the voices of our real students:
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"[I have already gained] strength in my legs. Just jump right in and try new things."
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--Gail Koga, 3 weeks
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“I have seen and felt an improvement in myself. I notice that my legs are stronger and I think my balance is better too. I would tell a new student… don’t give up. It may seem difficult at first and you may feel a little awkward at times, but it’s only because it’s something new. In a few weeks you’ll feel your body getting stronger, especially your legs. It’s hard work, but it’s fun!
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--Trisha Yoshida, 4 mo
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“What I like mostly about TCPC is that the instructors stresses heavily on stance. I am a firm believer in maintaining a good stance. By maintaining a good solid stance I'm more likely to move more freely from the hips up.”
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--George Ganal, 4 mo
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“I enjoy how it relaxes me. I also need to do exercise that do not further hurt my left foot, [and] I believe Tai Chi is one of the reasons that my blood pressure has returned to normal.”
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--Christine Asuka, 5 mo
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“I have definitely seen an improvement in my personal being. 1) For one thing, I have a permanent numbness on the left side of my face due to an elective surgical procedure that alleviated a nerve pain in my face. When I am in tai chi class, and a few minutes after, I actually don't feel the numbness. I feel like my face has feeling and energy is flowing. 2) Another improvement has been an awareness of my physical posture and balance, and also the importance to stretch my muscles. 3) Still another improvement is my understanding of the art of tai chi, how important it is to be grounded and the appreciation of ‘hara.’ I love Tai Chi Pearl City because you all have given me the opportunity to learn and experience the benefits of tai chi. [There] are excellent instructors and mentors. I gain by repetitiveness, so when the instruction is slow and we repeat the form several times, it helps me to remember.”
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--Meredith Omura, 6 mo
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"I was having lots of arthritic and shoulder discomfort, and I heard that tai chi would help. My knee has gotten stronger, and I feel more energized."
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--Lorraine Antonio, 7.5 mo
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"I know there are other places that teach tai chi at no fee, but I don't mind paying for learning it correctly, to have Sifu Paul be particular with stances and movement. I like the explanations and the additional exercises that help us understand what tai chi is about. I have seen myself with better posture! I am so grateful for that! My balance has improved and my legs are stronger. As Sifu Paul says, 'Be aware of your own body; know your own body.' I feel stronger!! I also lost a pants size! Mahalo!"
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--Janis T. Saiki, 1 yr & 4 mo
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"Give tai chi a chance -- stay with the program at least 3 months before deciding what to do. Practice your stances at least 5 minutes a day, listen to instructions by Sifu Paul because he is knowledgeable and experienced, so ask questions. Don't feel you need to know all the steps -- it will take a very long time to master them. Take your time and enjoy the class. The class is very enjoyable and there are always new things to be learned. The explanations are very clear and helpful. The dedication by Sifu Paul towards the improvement for each student is terrific and greatly appreciated. I look forward to each class -- there is a fun, friendly and family feeling."
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--Sheila Fukuda, 1 yr, 8mo
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"I have better physical and mental condition now. My breathing and movements are more fluid."
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--Jimmie Paulino, 6 yrs
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"My knee problem has improved and I notice a general sense of well-being. I'm more aware of my body, aware of weak areas/illness. It's relaxing, uplifting, and energizing. Thank you for the diligent and fun teaching. We learn in a positive, non-stressful environment."
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--Harriet Carmody, 7 yrs
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- Set back foot first before stepping forward in stance.
- Weight distribution ratio is front 60% and back 40%.
- Shift your weight completely off your back foot.
- Turn foot out 45 degrees to where you are facing.
- Shift all your weight into the foot.
- Bring feet together, making sure you have 4" space between feet.
- Step out 2 shoulders long. Keep hips straight when stepping.
- Extend stepping foot out without placing weight on it. Keep weight on back foot.
- Place stepping foot heel on the ground.
- Make sure foot is pointed in. Outside of lead foot straight.
- Place weight on lead foot.
- Knee should be in like with webbing of the foot.
- Check back leg for "big" bend. Should face out to side.
- Keep back straight.
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- Set back foot first before stepping forward in stance Weight distribution ratio is back 70% and front 30%.
- Shift your weight completely off your back foot.
- Turn foot out 90 degrees to where you are facing.
- The outside of foot forms a 90 degree angle to where you are facing.
- Shift all your weight into the foot.
- Bring feet together, making sure your lead foot is inside of back heel.
- Step out 2 shoulders long. Keep hips straight when stepping.
- Extend stepping foot out without placing weight on it. Keep weight on back foot.
- Place stepping foot heel on the ground.
- Make sure foot is pointed in. Outside of lead foot straight.
- Place weight on lead foot.
- Since all the weight basically is on the back leg, the front knee should face straight to the sky.
- Back hip should be back and 45 degrees to front.
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- Set back foot first before stepping forward in stance Weight distribution ratio is back 90% and front 10%.
- Shift your weight completely off your back foot.
- Turn foot out 45 degrees to where you are facing.
- Shift all your weight into the foot.
- Bring feet together, making sure lead foot is inside of back heel.
- Place all your weight on back foot.
- Extend the lead leg straight out.
- Place foot on ground with toes pointed in or outside of foot straight.
- Front foot resting only on big toe, in line with knee.
- Hips should be 45 degrees.
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- Weight distribution ratio is 50:50.
- Extend leg out to side 2 shoulders wide.
- Outside of both feet should be parallel; facing straight.
- Drop weight down; head height same as front stance.
- Push hips in and back straight.
- Open both knees out wide, pressure on outside of thighs.
- When standing in this position, your knees will fall inside the feet, should not be in line with feet.
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