About The Group
Our informal Tai Chi Group at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) was established in 2003 so that students who had completed the formal Tai Chi classes could continue to meet and practice together when the formal classes were not in session. We also meet during the summer months when no formal classes are offered. Our group is made up of UMSL students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others. The group is also a diverse mix of ages and ethnicities.


When We Meet
In general, this group meets two evenings a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) when the formal Tai Chi classes are not in session. We also have occasional weekend practices to accommodate those whose schedules don't allow them to attend during the week. For date, time, and location information see the Tai Chi Group Calendar using the Calendars link at the top of this page.

The number of people attending any one practice session can fluctuate greatly, so e-mail is used as our primary means of communicating whether or not people can attend. Any time that at least two people say they can attend, a practice session will be held. If only one person can attend a session, it will be cancelled. E-mail is also used to communicate upcoming special events.


To Join Our Tai Chi Group
Anyone who has completed the formal Tai Chi class offered at UMSL is welcome to join us. To join the group, please send your e-mail request to Linda Gatson. Because of the prevalence of SPAM, be sure to put the words TAI CHI GROUP in the subject line.


Formal Tai Chi Class Information
Eight-week Tai Chi instructional sessions are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters through the Campus Recreation Office at UMSL. Mr. Sam Lin moved out of state in early 2008 but has returned and will again teach the formal Tai Chi classes offered on campus beginning this Fall (2008). Mr. Lin has been practicing Tai Chi for more than 30 years, teaching Tai Chi in the metro area since 1992 and at UMSL since 2002. He will be assisted by one of his students (Linda Gatson) who taught the Spring 2008 class during his absence. Linda has practiced and studied Tai Chi under Mr. Lin for over five years, assisting him with the classes for the past two years.

In the class you will learn a modified Yang style Tai Chi 24 Form as well as the 18 Motion Tai Chi Qigong. The slow, controlled, flowing movements of the form are good for stress reduction and help to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Please see the Campus Recreation website for dates, times, and costs associated with the classes. Per Campus Recreation...you may show up for the class and register and pay at that time, or call them at 314-516-5326. Their office is located in room 203 of the Mark Twain Building on the UMSL campus. Please be aware that class size is limited to a maximum of 20 students per session.

The Fall 2008 formal Tai Chi class schedule has been set. Please see this PDF flyer for details.


Midday Tai Chi Qigong Sessions
A midday Tai Chi Qigong practice session was instituted in 2007. This is a 20 to 25 minute Qigong practice that students and employees of the University can incorporate into their lunch break. The hope is to be able to provide a Qigong practice five days a week. At the present time the sessions are being led exclusively by Linda Gatson and as such are subject to her availability. For date, time, and location information see the Qigong Daily Practice Calendar using the Calendars link at the top of this page. To be added to the Qigong e-mail notification list, send your e-mail request to Linda Gatson. Because of the prevalence of SPAM, be sure to put the word QIGONG in the subject line.


Tai Chi Health Benefits
There are many different claims of health benefits associated with the practice of Tai Chi. In order to prevent overburdening the website with an exhaustive list of links, I am providing only a few. The first link is to a Mayo Clinic Article. This second link is to the Tufts-New England Medical Center Analysis.

This final link is to the Tai Chi & Health Information Center. Their website is hosted by the American Tai Chi Association (ATCA) and provides a lot of useful information about Tai Chi as well as the health benefits. They also offer a free subscription to their Tai Chi Living newsletter.


Balance
On the RealAge website there is an article entitled "Are You Losing Your Balance?". The article includes steps for measuring your level of balance against a comparative age equivalency. If you are interested in testing your balance, you can find that article on the RealAge website at this Are You Losing Your Balance link.

In the September/October 2007 AARP Magazine there was an interesting article entitled "Watch Your Step" about balance training. It includes a progressive set of balance exercises that (along with your Tai Chi practice) can greatly improve your balance. You can find the article at this Watch Your Step link.


Liability/Assumption of Risk Statement
Individual participants should be duly aware and acknowledge that participation in recreational programs and activities involves an inherent risk of physical injury. Individuals assume all such risks by voluntarily electing to participate in recreational programs or activities. The University of Missouri-St. Louis assumes no responsibility for individual injury or property damage incurred in connection with use of facilities or participation in programs. Individuals are reminded that they are responsible for their health and should have medical approval prior to engaging in activities in the UMSL facilities. It is highly recommended that individuals have medical insurance. UM-St. Louis does not carry insurance to cover patrons.