T'ai Chi and Yoga

What is T'ai Chi?

Tai Chi Ch’uan or “Supreme Ultimate Boxing” is one of the finest products of Chinese culture. A system of rounded, fluid, balanced movements practiced daily for health and peace of mind. When the movements have been mastered, the movements and postures of T’ai Chi can be employed to neutralize aggressive actions directed at the self and to counterattack. Known primarily as a martial art, it is used to improve health. Practicing T'ai Chi is one of the quickest and most effective ways to increase your body potential. As your muscles relax while in motion, they are gently massaged by the bones underneath and the surrounding tissue. Even the internal organs and nervous system is gently massaged and can release stress or tension. We think that only our muscles collect tension, but actually every cell in our body can. Modern physiology research indicates that all emotions are communicated and stored in every cell of the body, carried through amino acid based neuropeptides from brain to body. T'ai Chi's flowing, effortless, loosening motions cleanse rigidity and stress not only from muscles, but also from the mind and heart, or emotional systems. Each cell holds feelings; therefore old repressed or obsessive feelings can be released through T'ai Chi practice.
 

What is Yoga?

Yoga is one of the gentlest and most effective ways of exercising, offering a unique approach that combines both fitness and relaxation. As you practice the exercises and synchronize your breathing, your mind becomes entirely focused on your body’s movements. The result is a body that feels energized and a mind that is calm and relaxed. In short, yoga is a wonderful antidote to today’s hectic life. Developed over 5,000 years ago, Hatha Yoga is a complete system of postures (asanas), breathing practices (pranayama) and deep relaxation, which was originally intended to prepare the body for long periods of meditation. Although still used as such today, in this country Hatha Yoga is used primarily as a way to stay centered, fit, flexible and relaxed. Anyone can practice Hatha Yoga. It requires very little special equipment or space. It is a practice that can be done at any age or physical condition. Because Hatha Yoga is not an extreme activity at the beginning level, results can be measured in such things as increased body awareness, increased flexibility and the ability to deal with stress and tension. With practice will come real physical changes, along with the breathing and relaxation techniques that ensure a calm mind.
 
 

MICHAEL ANDERSON
Practitioner and Teacher Michael Anderson studies and teaches Yang Style T’ai Chi / Chi Kung, and Hatha Yoga. He is a certified instructor through the Universal Life Integrated Health Association teaching “Chi Movement Exercise” - a blend of T’ai Chi and Chi Kung and Integral Hatha Yoga, focusing on the teachings of Yogiraj Sri Swami Satchidananda, and Agni Yoga through the “School of Ageless Wisdom”. Michael has more than 20 years experience in public event facilitating. He has been practicing T’ai Chi since 1993, teaching T’ai Chi/Chi Kung since 1996 and Yoga since 1998. Michael is also a certified Tibetan/Sei Chem Reiki Master Teacher, an intuitive counselor, active in Cymatics, Bio-Energetic and Vibrational Feed back research and Biotuning -  relaxing and balancing the Human Energy System. He is also a certified Hwal Ki Do Oriental Therapist.

LAURA ANDERSON
Former Director for  “Dance and Performing Arts” Studio, Laura Anderson carries a Bachelors Degree from Texas Christian University in Dance, and is certified as a Yoga instructor through the Universal Life Integrated Health Association teaching Integral Hatha Yoga. She focuses on the teachings of Yogiraj Sri Swami Satchidananda who became well known in America after his appearance at Woodstock, and the teachings of Agni Yoga through the “School of Ageless Wisdom”. Laura has been teaching dance and theater since 1982, Yoga and T’ai Chi since 1996. Laura is also certified as a  Tibetan/Sei Chem Reiki Master Teacher, is an intuitive counselor, Numerologist, Feng Shui practitioner and is certified in Hwal Ki Do Oriental Therapy. She has developed the Chi Movement Exercise (CME) program, integrating T’ai Chi, Yoga and Chi Kung, as a  program for seniors, or those with limited movement ability who use it in addition to physical therapy.