(Originally published in the World of Westchase, November 1, 2016)

When you think of martial arts, you typically think of aggressive fighting styles used to defend yourself and kick butt.

A discipline called Tai Chi, however, is becoming more popular in the western world. Tai Chi has evolved over thousands of years. It combines Qigong, a system of physical exercises and breath control, with martial arts.

Tai Chi strings together a series of movements which are done purposely. It can be done by everyone: the very young to the most seasoned. The practice takes many years to master. When you begin, you are typically learning from the outside in, understanding body mechanics and the various moves of the routine you are learning. Competency and credentials begin with learning these basic movements and alignment. But Tai Chi involves various classical theories and goes well beyond the physical act of movement. As you gain insightfulness, your practice will begin to flow from the inside out, further deepening your practice and insight.

Spine Institute Director Russell Levy, a physical therapist, is a Tai Chi instructor who teaches at the Northwest YMCA several times weekly and offers complimentary classes on Sundays in a nearby location. Along with a Kung Fu background, Levy credits Tai Chi for his balance, steadiness and calm. The father of four children ranging in ages from 6 to 10 says, “It is an anger management resource. I am calm and now approach things differently.”

Understanding Ying and Yang, or passive and active, are at the core of the practice, but there are many styles of Tai Chi. Some styles are more combat-oriented. Others are more meditative. Bonnie Birdsall, who offers a complementary class at the Upper Tampa Bay Library, practices “a fluid Yang style.” It could be described as meditation in motion. Birdsall has practiced Tai Chi in the Tampa Bay area for over 17 years. “I was a performer in New York. I went to my first class when my mother passed away from ovarian cancer. I was seeking a practice that was less ego based and where I was more of a healer in the community.”

Benefits of Tai Chi include helping to lower blood pressure, reducing join pain and improving your immune system, a sense of inner peace, balance, flexibility and memory.