While Justin Perry isn鈥檛 sure if there are younger Taoist tai chi instructors, he is pretty certain that at 23, he鈥檚 been the youngest person at training sessions throughout North America.
The 麻豆社国产man been practising the martial art for three and a half years and was recently certified as an instructor by Taoist Tai Chi Society members in Vancouver, who based their decision on his goals and intentions as to why he wants to be an instructor.
鈥淚 instruct because I know what it鈥檚 done for me,鈥� Perry told The 麻豆社国产.
The B.C. society follows the practices of master Moy Lin-shin, who moved to Canada, where he spread the benefits of Taoist tai chi.聽
Unlike other martial arts, tai chi is not about combat or facing an opponent. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an internal martial art,鈥� Perry said.
The Taoist Tai Chi Society has 40,000 members globally in 28 countries. Perry estimates that at least 95 per cent of the trainers do so as volunteers.
Perry has travelled around the continent, including Ontario and Florida, for workshops, where he has been able to fine-tune his practice and make connections. He said he has been welcomed immediately by others in the tai chi community.
For the practice, there are 108 moves in a set, and while the hands might seem prominent, Perry emphasizes it is really about balance in the body.
鈥淭hroughout the set, when I鈥檓 moving my hands, there鈥檚 always a connection to my feet,鈥� he said, adding that the practice also focuses on mindfulness. 鈥淚t is a very meditative martial art.鈥�
When he teaches a beginner class, for a three-month stretch, he focuses on two or three moves at a time.
鈥淲hen people find the balance, we move onto the next move,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 relaxed. It鈥檚 supposed to be healing and fun.鈥澛�
At the same time, he says, people go into the practice deeper and deeper.聽
For Perry, he finds the practice gives him more focus, reduces stress, gives him energy and leaves him better balanced. It has even helped with his other activities such as trail running.
鈥淚t鈥檚 helped with how I do everything,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 do it for the peace of mind and how relaxing it is.鈥�
He started about three and a half years ago after talking with a woman wearing a yin-yang T-shirt who told him about tai chi.
鈥淚鈥檝e always been into that symbol,鈥� he said.
He has even introduced his dad Ken to tai chi, and the two have been practising together, usually three days a week, for the past year and a half. His dad had back issues and was on medication, but the practice has helped alleviate the pain.
鈥淵ou open the blockages in the body,鈥� Perry said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 all through balance.鈥�
He does tai chi almost every day, but he said people can experience benefits with less frequent practice. 鈥淪omething鈥檚 better than nothing, so any amount you do can be beneficial.鈥�
He emphasizes anyone can gain from the tai chi experience, even people whose mobility is restricted by wheelchairs.
Earlier this month, Perry started teaching a new class, and people can drop in any time. Usually 10 to 15 people are in each class, and the instructors are volunteers. The sessions at St. John the Divine Anglican Church are held on Monday and Thursday evenings as well as Thursday mornings.
