Day 4-Learning from a Tai Chi master

DAY 4–“Take a step forward and look at the sky,”

I’m trying. It is 8 a.m. and it’s one of those moments I can’t believe I’m here—Hong Kong’s famous Victoria Harbor is in front of me as I try to follow Tai Chi Master William Ng has he introduces about 20 of us to the ancient Art of Ti Chi. Ng teaches this class three times a week from 8 am until 9 am right next to Hong Kong’s Museum of Art.

The Hong Kong Tourist Board offers free classes with Ng as well as other kinds of opportunities to interact with locals. Ng, a small energetic 75-year old retired teacher typically charges about $90 for an hour lesson.

“Tai Chi is internal exercise,” says Ng, who has been practicing since he was a child. His wife helps demonstrate the techniques.

“It is physical exercise and it is art,” he tells the group. We divide up so that we can watch the locals—and experienced—do their patterns. “It is good exercise for all ages,” he says. “When I was child, my parents told me I was so small I needed more exercise so I practiced kung fu and Tai Chi- Kung Fu is fast and Tai Chi s slow and smooth.”

But not so easy.

We have to practice!

Turn your right foot inward…turn your fingers upward..

Turn your left food inward.

Carry ON!!!!

Sweep your right hand and put your left hand on your shoulder step forward.

Keep your eyes on your fingers.

Turn your left food inward

DUH!

I’m lost but everyone else seems to be doing just fine.

Push forward..Right hand u to your ear…

Tai Chi, Ng says, is good remedial exercise for whatever ails you—“It is about balance and controlling our internal organs. It will make you feel peaceful,” he promises. ….”Tai Chi is a slow motion exercise. The slower the better,” he says.

So many elderly practice Tai Chi, he adds, because it is good mental exercise too because you have to remember the patterns.

Close your eyes, and all of your troubles and decisions are far away from here…

AAH.

There are some 88 patterns and typically it takes 30 minutes to finish a set. ’Ying and Yang,” he tells us.

“Yin and Yang.”

I do feel peaceful!