Kevin Werri
On Monday, April 15, the JC Recreational Centre (JCRC), aka the Louis Price’s gym, was the venue for the introduction of a new physical exercise regimen called Tai Chi. The exercises were introduced by Tai Chi professional, Mr. Kevin Werri, of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. Now he, along with the co-operation and assistance of Mr. and Mrs. Price has established “AxA Tai Chi for Health”.
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese form of exercise. It is a practice that coordinates mind and body, focusing on health and wellbeing. “AXA Tai Chi for Health” is a modified Yang form based on 108 moves. It is viewed as one long movement with 108 parts. These parts are learned step by step, over a period of time. Through this series of steps or moves, the body is gently stretched both externally and internally, in ways that enhance overall health and improved balance.
According to Mr. Werri, the founder of the organization who initiated Tai Chi exercises was a Chinese monk by the name of Moylin Shin, a native of Hong Kong. He moved from Hong Kong to Canada in 1970. He had originally intended to migrate to the United States, but experienced immigration restrictions, so he made his home in Canada. He had a number of prolific teachers with various disciplines. One of his teachers introduced him to internal arts.
When asked what was meant by internal arts, Mr. Werri explained: “In the marshal arts world, there is a difference between internal arts and external arts. External arts consist of disciplines like Kung Fu, Karate and Taekwondo. But internal arts deal 
with the energetic flow and expression which guides or drives the movements of the Tai Chi exercises, even though there is physical movement of the body. Internal arts focus on internal movements of energy and circulations throughout the body.”
In mentioning circulation, he explained: “In the western world we tend to think of circulation as blood flow around the body associated with proper breathing. However, there are a number of fluid circulations going on throughout the body—through the lymphatic system and the nervous system. In the myofascial structure of the body there is a lot of fluid movement going on. The idea of an exercise like Tai Chi is to promote this movement through every part of the body.”
He continued, “Chinese medicinal treatment depicts focusing on curing blockages caused by a lack of movement of these bodily fluids. This lack of internal fluid movement brings about sickness and disease in the body. Tai Chi is designed to help open up and loosen those blockages so that free circulation of fluids can take place.”
Mr. Werri noted that there are other exercises and disciplines such as Chi Kong. “However,” he said, “people need to understand that an exercise like Chi Kung and energy movement exercises push raw energy through those blockages, and this can tend to lead to more damages and cause strange things to happen to the body. So, Mr. Shin reintegrated the Chi Kung into the Tai Chi movements to promote smooth, internal fluid movement in the body.”
Mrs. Jane Price of JC Recreational Centre said: “You may have seen videos of seniors practicing Tai Chi in a park; however Tai Chi is can be practiced by anyone and everyone. The slow rhythmic movements are suitable for all ages and types whether you are young, old, short, tall, fat, thin, healthy or not.” She noted that some of the benefits of Tai Chi are: a low impact exercise; promote physical agility; boost the immune system; improves a sense of balance; helps to rebuild bone mass and density.”
For participation in Tai Chi exercises, contact might be made by calling 582 – 1631.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
