Gentle art on offer

By Kath Gannaway
TAI CHI is now being offered at the Yarra Centre in Yarra Junction.
Tai chi, a gentle, rhythmical set of slow moving exercises, is designed to improve coordination, balance, strength and overall health.
It combines aspects of Chinese medicine, martial arts and chi gong – an ancient exercise designed to promote health and longevity.
Tai chi practitioner Lee Johnstone has recently returned from the 8th Tai Chi and Wushu (Chinese martial arts) Games where he represented Australia.
The games were held in Hanoi, Vietnam, in December.
“The experience was amazing. It has taught me much about competing on an international stage.
“Just being around the Chinese athletes was an unbelievable experience; learning the intricacies of performance and seeing the skill level of the best in the world up close,” he said.
“China is still in a league of their own and will remain so for some time but the rest of the world is slowly catching up,” he added.
Mr Johnstone said tai chi is practised the world over by many different people for many different reasons.
“Some (practise) as a competitive sport but most just practise to enjoy the health benefits of this ever growing art form,” Mr Johnstone said.
Classes are conducted on Thursday mornings at the Yarra Centre and cater to both the advanced and novice alike.
Each class is taught in a relaxed manner allowing the student to move at his or her own pace.
For further information contact the Yarra Centre on 5967 1675.