Original Text
GEORGE TOWN: It was a sight to behold when some 20 Malay senior citizens were seen practising the ancient Chinese martial art of tai chi at Kampung Seronok in Jalan Permatang Damar Laut, Batu Maung, here.
Under the guidance of tai chi instructor Kong Yang Fatt, the seniors clad in green T-shirts made graceful movements during the hour-long lesson.
The 64-year-old instructor, who learned the art from a master in China 20 years ago, said he had been teaching this group for the past 16 years after being invited by the village head.
“Tai chi is usually conducted in Mandarin to the rhythm of slow classical Chinese music, but a friend gave me a CD where the instructions are in Bahasa Malaysia.
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| Graceful: Kong (right) teaching a group of senior citizens the ‘tai chi’ movements at Kampung Seronok in Jalan Permatang Damar Laut in Batu Maung. |
“The Bahasa Malaysia translation of the 18 tai chi postures, such asPandang Bulan (Look at the moon) and Buang Bola (Throw the ball), are easily understood by the group,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Kong, a tailor, said he was happy to share this healthy exercise routine with the Malay community.
“Other than breaking down racial barriers, tai chi also helps to promote a healthy lifestyle as it has been found to lower blood pressure and strengthen the muscles.
“I noticed that the group of senior citizens are much healthier since taking up tai chi,” said the father of three.
One of the senior citizens, Che Nah Noor, 77, described Kong as a dedicated instructor who had earned the respect of the village seniors.
“I have been learning from him since he first came to our village. He teaches us on weekends without any charge.”
Tai chi is a Chinese martial art form that focuses on slow, graceful movements, breathing and relaxation to move internal energy throughout the body.
Kong also conducts lessons on weekdays at the Botanic Gardens from 7am to 8am.
Lead
who : 20 Malay senior citizen
what : seen practising the ancient Chinese martial art of tai chi
where : Kampung Seronok in Jalan Permatang Damar Laut, Batu Maung,
Element of news : consequence
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