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 one evening a week (Tuesdays) when the formal Tai Chi classes are not in session. We also have one Saturday practice a month to accommodate those whose schedules don't allow them to attend during the week.

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 department at UMSL. The slow, controlled, flowing movements of Tai Chi are good for stress reduction and help to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. In the class you will learn a slightly modified version of the Yang style Tai Chi 24 Form plus an 18 Motion Tai Chi Qigong. Class size is limited to a maximum of 20 students per session.

Mr. Sam (Shuhan) Lin has taught this class on the UMSL campus since its inception in 2002. During a temporary move out of state and then again during an extended trip to China, one of his students (Linda Gatson) taught the course in his absence. Linda has practiced and studied Tai Chi under Mr. Lin since 2003, assisting him with the classes for more than three years. She also taught the Spring 2008 and Fall 2009 classes.

Spring 2010 Classes...The next formal Tai Chi classes will begin sometime in January or early February. It is uncertain at this time if the class will be taught by Sam Lin or by Linda Gatson. If you would like to receive an email notification once the class schedule is set, please send your e-mail request to Linda Gatson with the words SPRING NOTIFY in the subject line.

Midday Tai Chi Qigong Sessions
A midday Tai Chi Qigong practice session was established in 2007. This is a 25 to 30 minute Qigong practice that students and employees of the University can incorporate into their lunch break. Everyone is welcome and no special clothing or prior experience is necessary. The hope is to be able to provide a Qigong practice four 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 UMSL's Triton Connect Calendar. This calendar is only accessible to faculty, staff, and students who are logged on to the campus network. See the Office of Finance's Triton Connect webpage for additional information. 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 third link is to a May 2009 article from Harvard Medical School.

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.