I have been doing Tai Chi for 5 years and Kung Fu for about 18 months. I have had arthritis in my hips and hands now for about 13 years.My left hip is so troublesome that I have had several injections of cortisone to relieve the accompanying bursitis. At my last injection, the doctor told me that if I have any more trouble I will need a hip replacement.

It may sound crazy but instead of slowing down with my martial arts practice, I decided to crank it up. To my three Tai Chi classes per week, I added another Tai Chi class and two Kung Fu classes.

Surprisingly, I have experienced a lot of relief from my hip troubles. Now I am practicing making Kung Fu fists to loosen up the joints in my hands.

I strongly recommend Tai Chi especially for easing the troubles caused by arthritis; however, as with any exercise routine, make sure to discuss your intentions with your doctor before beginning any such program.

One of the primary reasons why I have made Tai Chi a priority in my life year after year is that it helps me deal with my stressful Information Technology career. No matter how hectic things get at work, I can always look forward to a relaxing, stress-free, stress-relieving environment at least three hours a week when I go to Tai Chi class. An article in Kentucky.com details some of Tai Chi’s stress-relieving benefits:

Tai chi’s slow movements a cure for fast-paced life

By David Blackburn

To get the most out of tai chi, there are certain things you don’t do, said an instructor of the slow-motion martial art.One is trying to get a lot out of it quickly, said Patty Sheaffer, 59, of Owensboro.

You let the ability come to you, not the other way around, she said.

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I have always appreciated how Tai Chi appeals to different age groups for different reasons. Young people like the martial arts and self defense applications. Grownups appreciate a really good work out, and senior citizens appreciate its applications for improvement of balance and overall health and its kindness to tender muscles and joints.

An article in the Toronto Star tells about the benefits of Tai Chi for the over-50 set and marks the opening of a new center there. To read the article, follow this link: http://www.thestar.com/article/254609

You can now buy Tai Chi Interactive branded merchandise at our own Cafepress Store. There are tshirts available in many sizes, sweatshirts, caps, bags, a mouse pad and a wall clock.

We’ve also been making many changes to the website which includes a Video Vault where you can watch video clips of Master So. We plan to add more and better quality videos in the near future, so watch this space!