The Very Best Places to Learn Tai Chi in Memphis

Tai Chi is a slow-movement exercise that looks somewhat like karate in slow motion. It is an ancient exercise ritual that has been done all over the world for centuries and is increasingly acknowledged as beneficial exercise by the medical community in recent years. The Western world began to recognize and teach this beautiful exercise form in the 1960s and since then it has increased in popularity. But be careful not to waste money on taking instruction from those who aren't really qualified to teach it. Make sure they're certified and that they have some good experience in teaching a variety of techniques. Some places even target certain populations with health problems so as to use the techniques to relieve symptoms. Arthritis and even osteoporosis may be helped considerably with proper tai chi exercises done regularly.

Tai Chi is mostly practiced in groups, with an exercise instructor leading the movements in front of the group. The exercises are very, very slow and train using discipline and balance. In fact, balance does provide a degree of strength training, albeit not by using weights or machines. Memphis has a wonderful medical center, fortunately.

http://www.utmem.edu/prevmed/pm/news.html
Veronica Engel, a professor at the Colleges of Nursing and of Medicine at the U.T. Health Science Center, is teaching tai chi to interested applicants. The program will focus on training with the gentle movements combined with deep breathing. I was surprised to learn that they can teach methods of tai chi from both standing and seated positions. Interested parties should contact this lady by email to be informed of the dates, times, and costs of this training: vengle@utmem.edu.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
877 Madison Avenue, Room 616
Memphis, TN 38103

The Kang Rhee Studio is not just a place to send kids to teach them karate. The masters here teach yoga, tai chi and Hang Sun methods from Korea to all age groups. They use 108 "artistic movements" to develop flexibility and strength using mind, body and breathing methods all in synchronization. Discipline is at the heart of all oriental body arts and martial arts. In addition to helping with weight loss and boosting metabolism. The following are some of the conditions these exercises can help relieve: "arthritis, backache, constipation, disc problems, headache, hypertension, indigestion, insomnia, nervous system disorders, student myopia or other similar health conditions." They accompany these lessons with sessions of very deep breathing and with meditation techniques. They have day classes on Wed. and Sat., and evening classes are on Tues. and Thur. Call (901) 757-5000 or email them at info@kangrhee.com. They're located at 706 N. Germantown Pkwy. #70, Cordova, TN 38108.

http://www.taoist.org/branches/usa/tennessee/memphis.shtml
More information is useful for just finding out more about tai chi in Memphis. The Taoist Tai Chi Society of North America meets at Tues. and Thurs. nights at 6:30-7:30 for beginning classes and the same evenings at 7:30-8:30 for tai chi practice. These instructions take place at Trinity United Methodist Church located in the midtown neighborhood of Evergreen-Galloway at 1738 Galloway Ave. Call them at (901) 497-8107 or email at memphis.tn@taoist.org.