Tai Chi

11/13/2017

Because you forced me, I attended the Mandarin Tai Chi Society meeting at 7 PM tonight.   It is located in a large house behind the Watson Realty Office on Mandarin Road.  

When I pulled up, the police were just leaving. It becomes very dark early now.

The building also houses three small apartments. The upstairs tenants were involved in a domestic dispute, broken glass, and all that. They have no involvement in the Tai Chi Society.   The students (think average age of 65) were standing around unconcerned and smoking cigarettes.

“Is this where they hold Tai Chi classes?”  I asked one of the smokers.   “Yes, and I am Wayne,” he eagerly introduced himself. “I am wondering about the smoking,” I said, looking down at all the butt receptacles that were generously placed around the property.   “Great isn’t it,” he said. “I smoke a pack of cigarettes a day and practice deep meditative breathing at night. That’s why Tai Chi is so much better than going to a gym.”

I noticed an elderly man approaching. He looked exactly like Mr. Miyagi from the Karate Kid movies. I am attaching a photo from the Mandarin Tai Chi website.  His real name is Dan Salvador.  An Italian wannabe Chinese.  

Everyone was wearing black. Some were wearing the official black pajamas of the school. I was wearing an old white tee shirt and a pair of jeans. “Take off your shoes,” he said. “Several moves require you to move your toes in a circle, and you will be standing on your heels.”

“I like all the mirrors,” I said. “They use this room to teach pole dancing twice a week.” He replied. “Is it coed?”  I inquired. “No,” he said, “and twice a week, it is used for belly dancing.   That’s why there are black sheets on the windows.”

“Will we be doing Wax On, Wax Off?” I asked. “We will be doing Wave hands like a cloud.” I hope you like it and will come back.”  He said.

 “The women all seem friendly,” I remarked after the fourth one came up to shake my hand and smile at me. “Wow, I thought to myself. I really should learn the Cleansing Breath move.”

“Dan, I noticed some broken glass in the rug. There was an incident here before you got here.” I told him.

“Call me Sifu Dan. Sifu means teacher. Now, I will teach you something.” My Sifu said. “Stand over here. There’s no glass here to bother you.”   This guy is really illuminating.

“Goodnight,” said Diane, Helene, or Phyllis, standing too close to my car in the dark parking area.

I think I will also go on Wednesday night.