Tai chi celebrates 50 years of lifting the spirits

Physical, mental and spiritual — just three of the benefits of tai chi, according to a national instructor of the practice.

The International Taiost Tai Chi Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and as part of a promotion in Australia, 50 open classes are being held in 50 locations around the country.

Geraldton was first cab off the rank, so to speak, with Perth-based Premodaya Tarrant taking two free sessions earlier this week.

“This is our way of celebrating our birthday,” he said. “Tai Chi is a physical, mental and spiritual experience; it’s proven as a big health improver.”

There’s growing interest in involvement in tai chi in Geraldton.

“The message about how good these arts are for health and well-being is being heard,” Geraldton branch leader Natalie Lauritsen said.

“We have new beginner classes starting (this) month.”

Tai chi arts are embedded in more than 25 countries, with more than 40,000 members.