Tai chi is fun!

 Hello everyone, Happy New Year! Here’s to new challenges in the new year.

Last year, I shared about my morning walks. This year, I’d like to talk about starting Tai Chi. I’ve actually wanted to try it for a long time, but never quite had the opportunity until recently. Last summer, I heard there was a Tai Chi club at the Aji Community Center and decided to go check it out. I was deeply moved by the warm welcome from the instructor and the members.

The Aji Tai Chi group has about 15 members. At 67 years old, I was told—surprisingly—that I’m actually the youngest! The instructor teaches us with great care. As a beginner, I’m currently learning "Introductory Tai Chi" and "Ten-Form Tai Chi." The movements may look simple at first glance, but they’re surprisingly challenging to master. Each movement has a poetic name inspired by animals or nature, like "Parting the Wild Horse’s Mane," "Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg," "Cloud Hands," and "Playing the Lute," which makes it even more interesting.

We practice once a week, and every session leaves me feeling energized and looking forward to the next one. I also try to practice at home (almost) every day. In early December, I participated for the first time in a performance of "Ten-Form Tai Chi" at a health and wellness festival held at Hottopiano.

Tai Chi itself is incredibly enjoyable, but what makes it even more special is the camaraderie among the members. Everyone is cheerful, and the atmosphere during practice is so relaxed that jokes are often exchanged. Members also actively engage in a kind of "barter system," swapping items like fish, sudachi (citrus), snacks, cucumbers, bell peppers, winter melon, basil, persimmons, and more.

Tai Chi at the community center is truly a joy. I hope to continue with it for a long time to come.