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Wang wants tai chi to be part of community
Tai chi master Kevin Wang is hoping to further promote the ancient martial art to the community for its health benefits.
Tai chi master Kevin Wang, right, leads in performing some of the basic moves of the Chinese ancient martial last Friday morning at the American Memorial Park’s beachfront. (Jon Perez)
Wang, who conducts regular morning sessions at the American Memorial Park’s beachfront every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30am to 9am, said tai chi offers the same benefits as yoga.
“I want to share and teach the techniques to the local people here on Saipan. It is open to anyone at any age. It has the same benefits to your health like yoga where your mind and body can achieve inner peace,” said Wang in an interview with Saipan Tribune.
“Anybody is welcome to try tai chi. It is good for the old and the young, my grandfather is already 90 years old but still practices tai chi in China,” added Wang, who works as a therapist and acupuncturist at Hinemlu Massage in Garapan.
He said that tai chi is a special form of exercise that allows all parts of your body and muscles to move.
“The slow movements are easy to learn. That’s why it eases the pressures brought by stress of everyday living. The slow breathing improves blood circulation on your body. Once you practice regularly, your chi or energy also improves,” added Wang.
Wang and his assistant Mei Demapan had already attracted a regular group of close to 15 people that includes former assistant press secretary Catherine Perry.
“Cathy can also be a master. She has mastered some of the moves and most of the time we let her lead the group.”
Tai chi’s origins can be traced on Buddhist and Taoist monks in the Wudang mountains in Hubei province, which is at the easternmost part of Central China.
“I started at 9 years old and learned the eight basic forms from a master who taught me in Wudang. Tai chi has different sets of movements and some have 108 movements,” said Wang.
Demapan added that they sometimes perform in cultural festivals on Saipan and other local events to further promote tai chi.
“We started seven years ago. Before it was just Master Kevin and I. That’s why we also perform in various events. Sometimes with a broad sword or a fan as a prop.”
She added that Wang also teaches young kids, from six to 18 years old, every Saturday at the Carolinian Utt in order to pass it on to the next generation.
