For the past several years, people in the Landrum/Tryon area have had a extraordinary opportunity to learn and practice Tai Chi (pronounced TIE-CHEE) with Ed Kan. Tai chi is a graceful form of exercise that involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner accompanied by deep breathing. Ed Kan’s Tai Chi classes focus on health maintenance. They are low impact and put minimal stress on muscles and joints. They require no special equipment and can be done indoors or out, alone or in a group.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of Tai Chi include: decreased stress and anxiety, increased aerobic capacity, increased energy and stamina, increased flexibility, balance and agility, and increased muscle strength and definition. “When I started Tai Chi with Ed in January 2014, I had to wear a knee brace all the time. By the first of March, I was able to take it off. Now my knee is much stronger,” reports Landrum resident Alice Jackson.
Ed Kan is a very special teacher, calm and encouraging. He has been teaching Tai Chi at Isothermal Community College for many years. “I appreciate his patience and quiet demeanor as he perfects our moves. His quiet nature sets the tone for the breathing rhythms,” says Jan Ludwick.
The small group that meets regularly welcomes new members. Nan Keenan encourages all to “join us for a total body work out, including the spirit, the body, and the mind. Besides it’s fun and the people are great!”
The Landrum classes meet at the Landrum Presbyterian Church on Thursday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. New classes will run from Sept. 4 to Nov. 20. For more information call Ed Kan at 828-899-0038.

-article submitted
by Alice Jackson