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'Moving Meditation'
By JACKIE RIPLEY
© St. Petersburg Times, ODESSA -- There are few places more appropriate for the practice of an ancient Chinese martial art than an expanse of land off Tarpon Springs Road. It's so peaceful that on a recent evening, a summer shower could be heard pounding its way through a nearby stand of trees. As if on cue, students in Chris Reardon's Tai Chi class stopped their warm-up exercises to make a dash for a covered pavilion. "It's more like a moving meditation," said Melodie Oleson, 54, who has been taking Reardon's class since April. "It's beneficial physically and mentally as well as helping with strength, balance and poise." Tai Chi Chuan is a traditional Chinese exercise form and martial art that incorporates slow and graceful movements and deep breathing exercises. It has been said to reduce stiffness, improve balance and promote mental alertness and has been recommended for those whose joints and bones can't take the jarring effects of other exercise. The Yang style long form has 108 movements, and includes such exotic names as "grasp sparrow's tail," "white crane spreads wings," and "retreat ride tiger." Reardon meets with about half a dozen students every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. for an hour's instruction in the Yang style at the Spirit of Life Unitarian Universality Church, 18412 Burrell Road. "We learn move by move by going over and over and over," said the 55-year-old, who lives in Hudson and also teaches Tai Chi at Wahlum Kung Fu, a martial arts school in New Port Richey. "It's not even one third of the form but at least it's a segment and they have something they can remember, go home and practice and benefit throughout the rest of their lives." In the Taoist tradition, the movements are designed to cultivate mind and body. "It seems like your body's going in so many directions at one time," said Janel Bickerton, 35, who lives in New Port Richey and works in home health care. "I'm driving all day, but just the basic stretch has helped my back feel better." Reardon, who occasionally explains the martial art aspect behind some of the various moves, said people take Tai Chi for a variety of reasons, including its health benefits such as improved circulation, breathing, flexibility, and a stronger immune system. "I have people taking it for osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and others for the martial arts aspect and others for stress reduction," Reardon said. "At the school I have a couple of students in their 80s." -- Jackie Ripley can be reached at (813) 226-3468 To learn moreThe Tai Chi class in Odessa, which is open to new students, costs $25 a month and is part of LIFE, an alternative collaborative learning group. For information call (727) 992-7071.
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