PCC to hold T'ai Chi classes in June

Rose Peterson, veteran T'ai Chi instructor from Merritt, will teach a class at Pamlico Community College from 10 to 11:30 a.m., beginning Tuesday.

This class will be of particular interest to adults and seniors who need to make exercise a part of their daily routine without running marathons or climbing mountains, risking life or limb. T'ai Chi combines intense mental focus with deliberate, graceful movements that improve strength, agility and of particular importance, balance to help prevent falls. Scientists at the Oregon Research Institute have reported that T'ai Chi offers the greatest benefit to older men and women who are healthy but relatively inactive.

Peterson initially studied under professor Tso Tswi-yu of Beijing, China. She has completed studies in Chinese Fan boxing with Dianne Hoxmeier in Woods Hole, Mass., as well as with other Chinese experts in this field. She has received numerous medals and awards in an expansive list of competitions and is a certified judging official of the U.S. Chinese Kuoshu Federation and of the Carolina Association of Martial Arts.

Peterson describes T'ai Chi as a way of life, an art and discipline with both physical and mental benefits. Having tried aerobics, jazzercize, yoga and other remedies to improve her general health and combat arthritis, she responded to an ad in an adult education booklet describing the benefits of T'ai Chi.

According to Peterson, "My first instructor was Mildred Tso, originally from Beijing. After watching her for only a few minutes I knew I wanted to learn whatever it was she was doing. I was completely mesmerized by the beauty and flow of the movements and by her serene composure."

Acknowledging the last twenty years of studying, practicing and teaching T'ai Chi have resulted in frustrations, fears, and breakthroughs, both physically and emotionally, Peterson says the benefits have been worth it for her overall health. She notes, "This is not easy or fast. There is not much instant gratification. It requires dedication and practice and a willingness to trust yourself and your body. Some benefits come rapidly, some over years. T'ai Chi then becomes a way of life and not just a practice period once a week."

Peterson teaches beginner and advanced students and is certified in international T'ai Chi for arthritis. She has developed specially modified programs for the senior citizen community. For more information about the course at Pamlico Community College, contact Misty Rasmussen at 249-1851, ext. 3019 or mrasmussen@pamlicocc.edu.