Arts on the Plateau: The Dance of Tai Chi

Learning the practice of Tai Chi was never my first choice in my personal physical fitness routine. I have always enjoyed engaging in strenuous activities such as mountain biking, skiing, hiking, dancing and rowing boats. I could not imagine the fitness possibilities derived from such a mellow martial art like Tai Chi. 

 But I met Ron Jorgensen after moving to Enumclaw and he convinced me to give it a try. Jorgensen, an Enumclaw native who has been teaching Tai Chi for 39 years, has a devout following throughout the Pacific Northwest. At an energetic 76 years old, he teaches up to 50 hours a week with classes stretching from Olympia to North Seattle, and taught many over the years at community colleges and recreation centers.

 Jorgensen avows the benefits of Tai Chi from his life time experiences.  “It’s the best exercise I found for fitness, health, self defense, energy and just pure enjoyment,” he says.

 But, I’ll admit I was only willing to take a class from Jorgensen when I discovered that a Tai Chi workout burns as many calories as a brisk walk. He is currently offering two classes in Enumclaw at the Danish Hall. Very convenient, I thought. So I signed up.

 Soon I was learning much more than I expected. I discovered the graceful movements of Tai Chi are like a dance. You learn a pattern of moves and precise postures, all resulting in what seems to me to be a beautifully choreographed dance. An awareness of how the body moves, of better posture, stability and flexibility is the result of the attention and concentration developed in Tai Chi.

   “Tai Chi is recognized by every medical authority as the best resource for balance, whether you are world class athlete or a concerned senior,” says Jorgensen.

There is something unusual about Tai Chi that I have not learned from yoga (also a favorite of mine); it’s a different kind of empowerment. It may have to do with its practicality as a martial art. We know that the Chinese people utilize this practice in every day life, that it is centuries old and has many health benefits. But learning Tai Chi also means you learn how to defend yourself against aggressors. I don’t invite trouble and don’t expect it. But, feeling a bit more confident that I am not a wimp, that I can stand my ground, well that’s a good feeling, too.

 The next Tai Chi for Beginners classes start Sunday, July 7 at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m or 7 p.m. at the Danish Hall. You can learn more about Jorgensen, his teachings and schedules at www.taichiyoga-ronald.net.