By omitting both the defensive, and offensive, parts of the style, much time and effort are saved, and all of the health benefits of T'ai Chi Chih® can easily be learned in only 8 weeks time of one hour instruction.

       As an active and energetic Senior Citizen, Rick gives much credit to his daily practice of doing T'ai Chi Chih®, and loves to share it with others!

       While the movements of T'ai Chi Chih are similar to those of the Oriental Martial Arts in that they both use the Universal Energy of  the "Chi", there is no opponent in T'ai Chi Chih®, as it is neither defensive nor offensive in it's intent.  Rather, the practicioner will meditate, while the body is moving in slow, deliberate movements, which keep the Chi flowing, with still periods to balance the Chi.

       Some benefits of this are improving one's balance, lowering the blood pressure, massaging the inner organs, and relief of stress.  The entire sequence of 20 movements can be learned in eight weeks of one hour lessons.

        Rick Cramer, former proprietor of  the Open Mind Bookstore, was certified by Justin Stone in the first teacher training course (1975) and has been teaching it for 27 years, both at the Open Mind Bookstore, and at four of the Senior Centers.  Over one thousand students  have learned how to reach "Joy Through  Movement"  through Rick's enthusiastic tutelage.