What is Tai Chi?

The goal of Lehigh Valley Family Fun is to spread the word about great programs for kids and their families. One program that I was recently introduced to is Tai Chi by our friends at the Lehigh Valley Martial Arts (LVMA). 

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is translated as the supreme ultimate force and seeing both sides of things. Some think of it as a cross between a moving form of yoga and meditation. It is the calm side of martial arts.

Different than traditional exercise, Tai Chi movement is circular and a person's positioning and muscles are relaxed.

LVMA has been offering Tai Chi since 2006.
"The Tai Chi program is designed to increase health and happiness, increase energy, be a simple, effective practice for stress management, a low impact and highly effective exercise.  It is also a great way to make new friends and make strong personal connections" says Sensai Dana Eldridge, Co-Owner of LVMA and Active Learning Centers. 

I had an opportunity to watch Shifu Crystal in action and was fascinated by the meditation aspect. 

Tai Chi instructors can be called different names depending on their level of instructorship: Laoshi and Shifu.

Laoshi, pronounced Low (like cow but with an “L”) Shir, which means “Teacher” and is used to show respect for our Assistant Instructors who are training for full instructorship.

Shifu, pronounced Shee-foo refers to a fully certified instructor. In traditional Mandarin it means “Father Teacher” as in Chinese society the father is the head of the household. This title is however, interchangeable between men and women and refers to a head instructor.

Classes are held Tuesdays/Thursdays at their Fogelsville location and Mondays/Wednesdays in Emmaus.  Tai Chi is for adults only.  However, if your children want to get involved there are martial arts classes for children at all locations.

Does this sound like something you might be interested in? Please contact LVMA for more information or to get started.

Open House and FREE Activities at Active Learning Center in Breinigsville!

On Saturday, July 13, from 9 a.m. to noon, Active Learning Center in Breinigsville will host an Open House, featuring children's music artist, Dave Fry. This event is FREE and open to the public.  

Starting at 9:30 a.m. Center Director, Jenna Godown, who has 24 years of dance experience  will teach a FREE Hip-Hop Class.   Class participants will be taught a routine for National Dance Day and with permission from parents, will be included in a video that will be entered into the National Dance Day competition in Los Angeles, California! 

Popular Folksinger and Family-music performer, Dave Fry will perform starting at 10 a.m.  Dave Fry has performed at Music Fest and other events around the Lehigh Valley. 

At 11:30 a.m. a FREE Martial Arts Class will be offered.  The Martial Arts program at ALC focuses on acquiring a strong set of moral values, developing an unbelievable non-quitting spirits and being aware of possible unsafe situations.

There will be lots of FREE things to do from cookie decorating, arts & crafts, to playing in the Moon bounce.  

This event is the first of its kind for ALC. The goal is to increase awareness about their programs as well as expose parents and children alike to their culture at ALC. They want families to experience first hand how warm and engaging their teachers are and experience the family atmosphere that exists in their centers.

It will definitely be a fun morning at ALC.  Space is limited so reserve your spot today. 

484-397-4095.

For more information about ALC and their programs or Lehigh Valley Martial Arts, please check out their website.