For the first time in its history, The University of Memphis isoffering Tai Chi for physical education credit.
"As a way of getting away from more aggressive forms ofexercise, more people are turning to exercise that is lessstressful and doesn't put them at risk for injury, said Mary McKimof the Kang Rhee Institute, Inc. in Memphis. "With more aggressiveforms of martial arts, getting shin splints is common. But with TaiChi, you don't get shin splints."
The U of M Human Movement Sciences Department will add thecourse to the schedule of classes for the 2004 summer sessions,department officials said.
Unlike aggressive forms of martial arts, Tai Chi focusesspecifically on attaining mental and physical health. Although thestretching movements of Tai Chi are often prescribed for seniorcitizens, students also benefit physically and mentally from itsstress-relieving qualities. For this reason, the popularity of TaiChi continues to grow among people under the age of 30, McKimsaid.
"Basically, Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art thatrequires great concentration," said Yuhua Li, who will teach the Uof M course. "It focuses on slow movements and mind-bodyconnections."
Along with improving flexibility and reducing stress, Tai Chiwill improve strength, balance and circulation in students, Lisaid.
Since its introduction in the Western Hemisphere, the medicalcommunity has documented that Tai Chi relieves high blood pressure,arthritis, headaches, back pain and nervous disorders, according tothe International Taoist Tai Chi Society.
Although the U of M Tai Chi course has been approved for thesummer term, student popularity will help determine its stayingpower as a permanent part of HMSE curriculum.
"It hasn't gone through all the hoops that it needs to become afull-fledged course," said Harriette Lavenue, director of physicaleducation activities. "We will have to see how well the course doesin the summer."
Tai Chi will be the seventh martial art offered by HMSE, and oneof five new activities that will be offered this year, alongsiderock climbing, sea kayaking, triathlon training and fencing.Popular courses like these may determine the survival of thephysical activities program in the face of budget cuts, Lavenuesaid.
"We have to become more marketable to students," she said."Since (physical activities) courses are no longer required, wehave to offer courses we hope students will take."
