“Does anyone teach Tai Chi in Rowan County?” — C.H. Turner

Although Forum does not offer Tai Chi classes, and the J.F. Hurley YMCA only recently stopped offering the classes, people looking to delve into the Chinese martial art don’t have to leave Rowan County.
Both Rufty-Holmes Senior Center and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College have Tai Chi programs.
“We have more of a simple Tai Chi class for health, and then we have intermediate Tai Chi for those who have taken it for awhile,” said Susan Musselman, the center’s program manager. “Beginner classes open in September. If they have some experience, they can come on over and jump in.”
While the intermediate Tai Chi class is offered at 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, the Tai Chi for health class is offered at 3 p.m. on Thursdays, Musselman said.
Musselman said the class focuses on a Tai Chi approach developed by Dr. Paul Lam, a famous Chinese instructor.
Gail Poulton, a fitness trainer, teaches the classes.
At the community college, Tricia Staggers said Tai Chi classes will be offered again in the fall and be taught by Gerald Moose.
“We run the classes in a six to eight week format. People who want to sign up can call our main line, sign up online through WebAdvisor or by printing a registration form and mailing it in,” Staggers said.
The cost is about $50, Staggers said, “which isn’t bad for eight weeks.”
The college’s Tai Chi program works on progression and allowing people to lay their foundations down in a beginners’ class.
“We have a great aerobics room with mirrors and everything where the Tai Chi and Yoga classes are held,” Staggers said.
For more information, contact the center at 216-7714 or by visiting www.ruftyholmes.org, or the college at 216-7222 or by visiting www.rccc.edu/enrichment/personal-enrichment-and-healthy-living-courses.
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