Spiritual Niagara Insights Issue 1 July 2017 | Page 7

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SEEK-WITHIN
INTUITIVE ART & WELLNESS
TAI CHI JOURNEY - A MEDITATIVE FORM OF
MARTIAL ARTS
BY CHARLENE GLAW
My focus had completely shifted gears. I later rented a studio
apartment that was attached to her lovely, waterfront log
home, and continued to train everyday. After a year, I taught
my first class which we called “The Young Boys Group”. My
students were of the ages 55-85 years old. I adored them. I
eventually moved on to Weapons, and trained in Tai Chi Sword,
and later, Kung Fu Fan. I eventually was asked to do solo
performances, or in groups with our school at the time.
I strongly believe that my Journey with Tai Chi is the reason
why I am exactly where I am today… In 2009 I ended a
chapter of my life that would have likely destroyed me. It
was a dark and lonely place of pain, abuse, negligence and
reckless behavior. Nonetheless, it was this chapter that
showed me the Light, but that’s for another article…
I finally decided, enough was enough, and I wanted change.
In 2009 I joined a local wellness center, and began working
on my physical Self. I remember looking at the board of
classes, wondering what would be best for me. I noticed
there were Tai Chi classes offered. Having never tried it
before, I decided to give it a shot. I have always love Eastern
Martial Arts, and grew up watching Bruce Lee movies; which
I still enjoy to this day.
After my first class I knew that I had found a calling. I didn’t
know to what extent Tai Chi would change the course of my
life at the time… I love it.  I never missed a class! My Sifu
(teacher) Guo Cheng, from Beijing, took a liking to me and I
began to train everyday. 
in 2010 I had relocated, had a child and later opened my own
studio in Yakima Washington. Long story short, here I am now
in St. Catherines, Ontario, continuing my teaching journey with
Tai Chi.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is often referred to as “meditation in motion” because
the slow and steady sequential movements help in assisting
spiritual cultivation, accumulation of Qi (Energy), and initiates
connection of the mind and body. Each posture flows into the
next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant
motion. Though its roots are found in the ancient art of Qi
Gong, it is a non-competitive martial art known for both its
defense techniques and its health benefits. Presently, Tai Chi
has evolved into an effective way to reduce stress, among
many other health benefits.
Tai Chi is only about 400 years old. Qi Gong on the other hand,
as far as we know, dates back 4,000 years to Ancient China. It is
less focused on combat and offense/defense movements, and
more so on meditative breathing and movements which all
work in unison to accumulate and send Chi to various organs of
the body. It has been proved that the practice of Qi Gong
improves the respiratory system, limb strength, and flexibility
of the joints, and fortifies the nerves, as well as enhances the
general balance.