Tai Chi Grand Master Offers Rare Full-Day Workshop In Peekskill

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Grand Master Ren Guang-Yi will lead a full-day workshop Saturday, April 28, to demonstrate and provide instruction in the Chen form of tai chi.

The grand master, based in New York City and named the 2011 Teacher of the Year by Kung Fu Magazine, rarely appears in Westchester County.  The workshop is intended for people of all experience levels, from beginners to well-trained martial artists. 

The workshop will take place at the Energy Movement Center, 925 South St., Peekskill, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a break for lunch. The fee is $135. For registration and more information, please call 914-930-1504.

The origins of tai chi ch’uan are shrouded in mystery but the martial art is said to have been first practiced in China in the 12th century.  Since then, hundreds of forms have been developed.  Chen is the oldest of the forms, first formally taught in the 1600s, and has been passed down in the Chen family without interruption for the past 19 generations.  Ren Guang-Yi spent years as a senior disciple to current Chen Family Master Chen Xiao-Wang. 

Tai chi has been practiced by millions of people around the world more often for its psychological and health benefits than for its martial applications.  The meditative movements can be performed by almost everyone for energy balance and to build strength, balance and focus. 

The Chen form places particular emphasis on the balance of Yin and Yang, the forces believed to divide the universe into opposed qualities: male and female, soft and hard, fast and slow.  Chen intersperses slow, graceful movements with bursts of powerful rapid motion.

“Tai chi has been passed down through the centuries because it offers unique benefits for all types of health,” said Darby Melnik, director of the Energy Movement Center, “We’re really honored to be hosting the grand master.  His work fits beautifully with our mission to offer our community ways to promote physical, emotional and spiritual health.”

For those unfamiliar with the Chen form, a video can be viewed online at LouReed.com/power.  Lou Reed, a legendary rock and role performer, has been a dedicated student of the grand master for years.

The Energy Movement Center is dedicated to serving our community and enhancing people’s lives by promoting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.  Group classes, seminars, workshops, performances and one-on-one services are available.  Massage therapy is offered, as well as classes and coaching in dance, yoga, tai chi, personal training, nutrition, integrated movement, x-bike, and zumba.