Broward Health Tai Chi Group

Welcome

The Broward Health Tai Chi class has existed for over twenty-five years. The class focuses on loosening the body and developing good structure so that one's circulation improves. Classes consist of warm-up exercises to loosen the joints, stillness standing (Wuji), and the short Yang-style Tai Chi form. Silk-Reeling exercises are done as well.

Tai Chi moves the whole body as a unit, with movement starting in the center of the core (the dan tian). As the limbs form circles and patterns, the body parts are gently spiraling, called the Silk-Reeling movement. Tai Chi has numerous benefits. One of the most valuable is that it increases circulation throughout the body. This is done by learning to stand straight with good posture, loosening, and keeping the joints open while practicing. The rules increase circulation. If the posture is poor or the body is tense, there are blockages to the circulation. Secondly, as you learn how to stand and shift your weight correctly, you will develop a better balance staying further away from the edges of your balance. Tai Chi is also excellent for reducing stress. The breathing and relaxing techniques are ideal for calming the body down and allowing the mind to calm down.

The Tai Chi class was at the hospital fitness center for over twenty years, but it has been a virtual class (Microsoft Teams, like Zoom) for the last few years. We meet twice a week, and an excellent group of about ten is enrolled in the class. A typical class will have four to seven people. You can be seen or not by turning your video off and on. The audio from the participants stays off during the class. At the beginning of the class, we all greet each other, and at the end, we will have a short time for questions. The class is technically forty-five minutes, but we usually go over the Q&A at the end. Call the Broward number below to enroll or ask questions about registering. I do not handle any of the enrolling aspects. When you sign up, you will be given a link and will click the link to join the class. You can have my number, especially if you want to text me concerning the class. I will give you the number by email privately.

Class Times

Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Location

Virtual Classes

Phone Number

954-355-4386 - Broward Health

Email James Cravens

Background

The Tai Chi Class at the Broward Wellness Center is taught by James Cravens, who is the President and Director of CBII and has continued the organization that was started by his teacher Kai Sai. Mr. Cravens has been in martial arts since 1965. Since 1995 Mr. Cravens has been practicing Chen style Tai Chi and has practiced Yang style since 1981. He has been a Junior member of the executive council of the American Chen Tai Chi Association. For for over twenty years, Mr. Cravens has been hosting and studying with Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang. In March of 2006 He became a direct student with a ceremony in Chen village. Mr. Cravens has taught at the Broward Health Hospital Fitness Center for over twenty two years.

James Cravens and Chen Xiaowang

Indoor Student Certificate Chenjiaguo 2006

Master Tao is 5th Generation Yang Tai Chi. He studied from a number of famous masters in Tai Chi, Pakua, Hsing-i and Leo Ba Fa (water style). He studied Yang Tai Chi from the famous Cheng Man Cheng who brought the art to New York in the 60's. Master Tao passed away a several years ago at the age of 87. He came to Florida and other CBII locations during the 90's.