D.E. Campus Life Editor

With gentle determination, Master Han Chao Hwang has patiently studied the martial art of Tai Chi for 45 years, and now he is looking forward to the day when the Western World readily will accept a way of life that dates back to 2000 B.C.

Tai Chi is a versatile martial art form, encompassing both meditative and martial qualities.

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Hwang, 68, Master Tai Chi instructor at the Recreation Center, began martial arts training in Taiwan more than 45 years ago. Hwang is now a master of the ancient martial art, who teaches all facets of Tai Chi.

SIU is a good station for Tai Chi, Hwang said. But it is not enough. I would like to get more advanced students together.

Hwang wants to broaden his base of clientele through recruiting more students and opening a Tai Chi Wellness Center in Carbondale that would be free of charge to students.

Hwang said that if advanced students conglomerate in one area, then it will be easier for Tai Chi to flourish because they can train more beginners.

Hwang, born in mainland China, moved to Taiwan in 1948 and became immensely interested in the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi while in college. Tai Chi dates as far back as 4,000 years ago.

Ancient Chinese philosophers said disease and pain occur when the Chi balance is disturbed. Tai Chi is viewed in much the same way in China that Americans view conventional medicine.

When Hwang was an engineer in Taiwan, he instructed a large group of employees at his place of work. He said it was common for employees in China to engage in productive activities such as painting and martial arts during the time set aside before and during work.

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Hwang instructed more than 3,000 fellow employees in Taiwan outside of the aluminum plant where he worked. Every morning Hwang would lead groups of 200 in Tai Chi sword, relaxation and meditation exercises.

Barbara Manfredini, 67, a Herrin resident, has practiced with Hwang for five years.

I learned about Tai Chi through a book, and it looked very complicated, she said. After I found out about the Tai Chi classes at the Rec Center, I decided I would go.

After the first class I had trouble with the forms, but after three classes I was hooked.

Hwang was invited to instruct Tai Chi at the Recreation Center when some SIUC students approached Kathy Guilfoyle, assistant director of Intramural Sports at the Recreation Center.

Guilfoyle hired Hwang to instruct Tai Chi as a form of alternative exercise.

The students who came to me about him spoke very highly of him, Guilfoyle said. Tai Chi has become highly popular. It’s holding its own.

Hwang’s program is made up of six areas of Chi study:Adapted Tai Chi, Chi Power, Tai Chi Relaxation, Tai Chi Self-Defense, Tai Chi Sword and Chinese Foot Massage.

Each class is offered over a six-week period for one hour a week, which Hwang says often is not long enough for some of his aspiring students.

Six hours of training is not enough time to learn the proper forms, Hwang said. Many students want to learn more Tai Chi, but cannot.

Tai Chi can be used as a defensive form. The purpose of the martial art is to use the opponent’s energy against him or her.

By using your opponent’s energy against them you can change the force of their direction, he said. Tai Chi used for self-defense is very powerful. It’s not like American fighting where you use a lot of speed. It’s more of an art of touch and control.

Nathan Stucky, associate professor of speech communication, has practiced with Hwang off and on for three years. Stucky said he gets what he wants out of his training.

I was looking for a form of exercise that was meditative, Stucky said. It can be strenuous or easy, depending on the person.

Hwang said that if Tai Chi becomes popular across America, then it could benefit Americans through cost-savings, such as fewer hospital costs and a generally healthy population.

Chi is a type of human bio-energy, he said. At the time of (human) creation, medicine was not developed, so God developed a human healer within us.

Manfredini said Tai Chi helps her feel more healthy and more energetic, and it is good for older people.

I can remember (Hwang) telling us in class to come to class even if we didn’t feel like it, she said. Well, I was on my couch one day, and I didn’t feel well. I decided to go to class anyway.

After two hours of Tai Chi, I forgot I felt bad. On the drive home I found myself singing with the radio in the car, and I have a bad singing voice.

Hwang is looking for sponsorship to begin his wellness center, which he says will aid in the spread of Tai Chi. He said new students must exhibit patience and tolerance when first learning the forms.

First, the student must understand the benefit of Tai Chi, he said. If you know everything, then you can teach, and then Tai Chi will spread.

For more information about the Recreation Center’s Tai Chi classes, call Kathy Guilfoyle at 453-1272.