The graceful movements of Tai Chi have attracted attention worldwide not only by the sports and recreation community but also by the medical profession, business persons and celebrities, including Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez and Francis Ford Coppola.

More than a martial art, Tai Chi is also a holistic method of self-healing, a form of moving meditation and a philosophical way of life. Health, relaxation and self-defence are but a few of the many reasons cited for practising this traditional exercise which was created by Taoist sages eight centuries ago.

Despite a vast public health programme, China will never have enough doctors to effectively minister to all of the population, therefore many people support their health by practising Tai Chi. Bermudian Tai Chi Instructor Larry Trott explained that, although once banned by the communist Government, Tai Chi is now taught in the public school system due to the Government's own research on its many benefits. "The self defence techniques taught in Tai Chi are used to teach principles of dealing with aggression in a psychological, non-physical way,'' he said. Mr. Trott began studying martial arts as a teenager and now studies with acupuncturist and Tai Chi Master Tai Peter Hom of New Orleans, who began studying in Hong Kong under the guidance of his grandfather at the age of nine.

Together with Master Hom, Larry has taught programmes at The University of New Orleans and Delgado University. They have also taught a nine week programme at the Osner Clinic for people with diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, with good results.

Mr. Trott explains: "According to Traditional Chinese medicine, when yin and yang are out of balance the body becomes susceptible to sickness and disease.

As an exercise Tai Chi works to balance and circulate these energies known as chi through the acupuncture meridians of the body which are the energy pathways which connect with the vital organs.'' He noted that today these meridians can be detected by sophisticated electrical apparatus and also by the use of Kirlian photography. "Through injury or lifestyle these energy pathways sometimes become blocked and our vital energy becomes low,'' Larry said.

"The breathing and meditative disciplines involved with Tai Chi known as Chi Kung bring about additional healing and spiritual upliftment. Many studies done in China and now in the US and Europe have proven these healing arts to be effective in helping to prevent and heal many common diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, chronic fatigue, stomach and intestinal disorders and many others.'' Kevin Watson has been practising Tai Chi and Chi Kung for ten years. In the 1997 United World Championships he came third in Tai Chi Form. He perfected the form known as `Six Harmony style' on a trip to China during which he studied with top Tai Chi Master William Xhie-Ung. Watson also won in Tai Chi in the 1999 Kung Fu Tournament held in New York. Kevin accepts all ages and says Tai Chi can help with your mental attitude as well as your health. Kevin combines Tai Chi and Chi Kung practice in his classes to provide variation.

Dorran Dowling who also teaches Tai Chi to a range of ages -- from twenty to eighty -- says that all age groups find it challenging and enjoyable. Dorran Dowling is the senior student of Bermudian Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reginald Cann, who studied Chi Kung under world renowned Master Mantak Chia and went on to obtain his Doctorate from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in California.

For those who think Tai Chi is too soft or slow to be effective as a martial art, Dorran says: "Tai Chi Chuan translates as `Grand Ultimate Boxing' and to be given such a title must be a supreme fighting system. Tai Chi can be practised everyday to refine skills without the stress on the body which harder styles can cause.'' Although not generally aerobic in nature Tai Chi is still effective for weight loss, toning and cardiovascular health and leaves you feeling refreshed.

In fact, Tai Chi can be practised after a workout to restore your energy. No matter what your age Tai chi is an excellent form of exercise.

According to Tai Chi Master T.T. Liang life begins at 70. ` "At that age you will realise that fame, wealth, authority and honour are all dust. You will then purify your mind and lessen your desires so you can fully enjoy your life and appreciate nature.

"Now I am 80. Within these ten years I have enjoyed good health, found that everything is wonderful, and that the world is beautiful.'' For Tai Chi or Chi Kung contact: Larry Trott at 234-3098 Kevin Watson at 232-0476 Dorran Dowling at 295-7744 HEALTH HTH