 Classes
and Lessons Available
Tai
Chi (also spelled Taiji) is a martial art and an excellent way to
strengthen leg muscles and bones. It improves balance,
coordination, and joint flexibility. Because of
this, many
doctors encourage their patients to learn tai chi. Its benefits can
prevent hip problems down the line. It's also one of the main
forms of exercise recommended for people with arthritis.
Currently,
Linda is teaching classes at two recreation centers. You may
enroll at either at any time. Both centers offer the
64
form. In tai chi, each movement, such as "single whip" or
"white
crane spreads its wings" is called a form. So a 64 form means
there are 64 individual movements, or forms. Each night in
class
we run through the entire 64 form at least once. New
students are encouraged to follow along. Their benefit is to
develop a sense of the "big picture," so they'll know where the segment
they are currently learning falls. By following along, and especially
by noting the weighting and way we step, the new
student develops
a stronger sense of rooting faster. Because it requires about
a
year to learn the whole form, the full run-through allows continuing
students to review those segments they learned in previous
sessions. Most students continue in the
class after
completing the form. During the first pass, students learn the
basics and memorize the sequence of forms.
They continue
learning and refining their form on following passes. And in refining,
they develop more energy and reap greater benefits.
Linda has been teaching various tai chi forms since 1995.
Because
she is a state certified teacher, albeit in math and science, Linda has
been trained to education others. Because she has a strong
math
background, she is able to break the movements into easier to
understand components. Her programming and logic background
helps
her help her students find the way he/she best memorizes
sequences.
Available Classes
 The Williams Rec Center,
in Williams High School in Plano, offers the 64 form on Thursday
nights from 7 pm to 8 pm. Classes are generally
scheduled for 8-week sessions, with a few shorter sessions to fill in
any breaks.
Telephone Number (972)
941-7167
Website for the Williams Rec Center
 The Holford Rec Center
in Garland offers their classes on a month-by-month basis.
The form is taught on Tuesday
nights from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Telephone Number (972)205-2772
Website for the Holford Rec Center
Private Classes &
Private Lessons
Linda
has her own studio for those students seeking private lessons or
putting together a small, private class. The advantages are
personalized instruction and learning at a rate of your choosing.
 For students interested
in learning:
The 24
Short Form
The 64
Form
Staff
Broadknife
Single
Sword
Double
Sword
Fan
Wind-Fire
Wheel
Contact Linda to arrange private lessons or classes.
John F. Rhodes/Staff
Photographer
Garland Resident Linda Donahue fights a
stiff wind while performing tai chi at EarthFest
for the Metroplex. The first-time event took
place Sunday at White Rock Lake's Flag
Pole Hill.
For
rec-center directors, or employees of companies who would like to offer
tai chi at your site, contact me for available days and
times. For such classes, the fee is based on a
per-student
basis, with a lower per-student rate for larger classes.
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