T'ai Chi Program to Start Soon

Starting this month, the Bilkent Physical Education and Sports Center will be offering a new program: T'ai Chi.

T'ai Chi is an ancient Chinese form of exercise. It combines gentle flowing movements with breathing exercises to improve health and relaxation by cultivating the inner energy of the body (chi). Secondary benefits of T'ai Chi include increased flexibility and better balance, improved concentration, a better ability to deal with stress and a calmer state of mind. T'ai Chi is based on the principles of Taoism; it is holistic and considers the physical, emotional and spiritual states to be linked.

The program being offered at the Sports Center will feature the Lee style of T'ai Chi, which was brought to England from China in the 1930s. The T'ai Chi that will be taught in the program here is unchanged and complete, unlike many modern forms. A typical class includes warm-up exercises, T'ai Chi Dance, T'ai Chi Form, Chi Gung (Taoist yoga), Tao Yin (breathing exercises), sticky hands, Li/Chi development exercises, partner exercises and sensitivity training. All of these things are taught to all students. There is no segregation of levels, and students progress at their own pace.

The program is open to students, alumni and staff. Those who plan to attend the classes should wear loose-fitting clothes and comfortable indoor shoes.

Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 6:40-8 p.m.
Fee: 75 TL
Place: Main Sports Hall
Starting date: February 26
For info: Dr. Daniel Press
E-mail: drdpress@gmail.com
Sports Center: spor@bilkent.edu.tr