Rochester area residents are discovering the benefits of Tai Chi Chuan at the Rochester Community House in downtown Rochester. Students “take all the muscles and joints through their full and natural range of motions,” states Sifu John Marchewitz, “Tai Chi … breaks through blockages in the body, freeing the body up so that the systems can work and function properly.”
Teacher and Student
Commonly abbreviated to “Tai Chi,” Tai Chi Chuan translates to “Grand Ultimate Fist.” There are many versions of the martial art; however they all originate from five main families in China. Students at the Rochester Community House learn Wu Style from Sifu John Marchewitz, a Rochester Hills resident. He is from the Michigan Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung Institute based in Royal Oak.
The word “Sifu” means teacher. Sifu John has been studying Tai Chi for over 20 years and has been teaching it almost as long. According to Marchewitz, Tai Chi saved his life. He was suffering from health issues and found relief from the art form he now shares with others. Many students will assist with teaching once they become intermediate students.
Many Benefits
Often described as “meditation in motion,” Tai Chi is a soft-style martial art that moves through a series of postures (or forms) designed to work the entire body with low-impact. Better balance is one of many benefits students experience. According to the Oregon Research Institute, after six months of Tai Chi participation, students “were twice as likely to have no trouble performing moderate to rigorous activities as nonparticipants” and it “cut the fear of failing … among older people.”
Other studies have shown Tai Chi to help with high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. Students claim it reduces stress, anxiety, and blood pressure; and increases energy, flexibility, and sleep quality.
Classes in Rochester
Students should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Classes have many different levels of training going on at the same time. Participants progress at their own rate. Each class will start with basic Tai Chi exercises and continue with learning the standard 108 posture form. Intermediate students will be introduced to two-person training called “pushing hands.” Sessions run 90 minutes.
Classes are ongoing at the Rochester Community House on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. They run several weeks in a row and the winter classes are now forming. Options for first time beginners, returning students, and intermediate students are available.
Register for Classes at:
Rochester Community House
816 Ludow
Rochester, MI 48307
248-651-0622
For more information:
Michigan Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung Institute
248-764-0863
By Michael Dwyer
About Michael Dwyer