Introducing Tai Chi at Rhodes University

By Sacrée Kabeya

Feeling tired, stressed, having stiff joints or just in the mood to try something new? How about trying out Tai Chi? The Confucius Institute at Rhodes University recently introduced this martial art form to introduce more people to Chinese culture as well as to learn about a Chinese pastime. Many of the participants who are part of the class wanted to join because they had never done Tai Chi before, and since it is a new activity, many of the people were curious to find out about what Tai Chi is about. Tai Chi is a form of Kung Fu; it has more smooth, slow and controlled movements. The focus is to be aware of all the movements in your body and to keep balance.

According to Mrs Fu Shuyin, the Tai Chi instructor, there are many types of Tai Chi as different parts of China have their own variety. ‘There are many styles of Tai Chi, some make use of fans and sticks, while others do not and use their own forms of performance’, adds Fu.

In the observation of a class, one can see that these classes are open to anyone as the movements are not difficult to perform. Hugh, who is one of the participants, says that he joined the class because he thought it would be very relaxing and calming for him. Tendai, another participant, went on to say, ‘For me this is for relaxation in order to be in cue with my body’.

Fu Shuyin also says that Tai Chi can be used as a form of meditation as you focus on your breathing and the slow movements which you make. Tai Chi is based on the Chinese ancient philosophy of Taoism which emphasises on the natural balance of everything and the need to live in spiritual oneness with nature. Everything has an opposite but these opposites are complementary to one another known as the yin and yang working together to form the balance. Many of the participants recommended Tai Chi, especially because we all go through stressful periods of time; Tai Chi can relieve all the tension we have. The classes are open to anyone and everyone who would like to learn something new. The classes are on a Friday afternoon at 5pm at the School of Languages amphitheatre. People are still able to join the classes now as the movements are not difficult to learn.