* T'ai-chi fits the bill for those looking for an aerobic workout and general fitness exercise other than swimming, aerobics or running, which will not only make them look good, but feel good as well. If patrons have "been there, done that" and are getting bored with the other activities you offer, steer them into t'ai-chi as something new and different.

* T'ai-chi appeals to the "medically challenged" market. By offering t'ai-chi, your club makes exercise available to those who can't (for a variety of reasons) do aerobics, stepping, work out on machines, etc. T'ai-chi is an excellent transition exercise after various surgeries and a good alternative to water-aerobics since water and healing wounds often don't mix well. It is also a good exercise for people recovering from childbirth, heart attack or stroke, as well as those suffering from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis and rheumatism.

Locating an instructor

The hardest part of offering t'ai-chi at your facility may be finding a t'ai-chi instructor. If you have someone on staff capable of teaching t'ai-chi, take advantage of their talent. If not, make sure to find someone qualified. Generally speaking, t'ai-chi isn't as commercialized as karate and tae kwon do, the martial arts of Japan and Korea. Many t'ai-chi masters simply don't advertise. If you can't find t'ai-chi listed in the Yellow Pages, call some of the schools listed under martial arts and ask whether they know a t'ai-chi instructor in your area. Another place to look is in community and adult education programs offered through your local school district, community college, university or YMCA. New Age bookstores, health and natural food stores and similar businesses may also know how to find a t'ai-chi instructor. If all else fails, and your club is in an area big enough to have a "Chinatown," making polite inquiries among shopkeepers may net you an instructor.


T'ai-chi: Regular program or "special class"?

If you offer t'ai-chi as part of your regular program, members won't have to pay the additional fees usually associated with special classes. The economic climate being what it is, many people are unwilling to spend $40 to $75 per month in addition to monthly or annual membership fees. Having t'ai-chi as part of your regular program means a better chance of attracting and keeping students for the instructor, and a better chance of success for the program.

If you offer t'ai-chi as a "special class" activity, you have the added paperwork and accounting associated with such classes. On the other hand, by splitting the special fee with the instructor, you can offer a unique activity for your patrons with a minimum commitment of time and space. If the program isn't successful after a six-month or one-year trial, it can be replaced with something else.

Class length

Most instructors will want a minimum of one hour and will prefer 90 minutes or two hours. This is due to the nature of the art and the traditional approach to teaching t'ai-chi. Unfortunately, T'ai-chi is not really a "drop-in and participate" type of activity until students have learned the "form" -- a coordinated set of 24 to 48 or 108 movements, practiced in sequence. The maximum physical and mental benefits can only be attained by performing movements correctly, not just by waving arms and legs around. Learning a particular form takes anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on the ability of the individual, and the frequency of attendance.

Individual instruction is the normal technique for t'ai-chi instructors. A typical class consists of performing a short series of warm-ups, which may take 15 to 20 minutes. This is followed by performance of the entire form, which takes an additional 30 to 45 minutes. This, in turn, is followed by personal instruction of each student who has not completely learned the form. Additional time may be needed if the instructor also offers advanced training, such as a weapons form or pushing-hands paired exercises.

The most successful strategy is not to offer t'ai-chi as a "class" that begins and ends on specific dates. Instead, offer it as an ongoing activity that patrons can start at any time and learn at their own pace. This may mean that initially there will not be many participants, but like any worthwhile activity, as word spreads, the class will grow. An advantage to this strategy is that counselors can recommend attending a t'ai-chi class to new patrons who may have an immediate need for this type of exercise, and who may not want to wait six to 12 weeks to start a new class.

Space requirements

A 30- by 50-foot space provides reasonable room for a dozen or so participants. Floors need not be carpeted -- bare wood, tile or linoleum are preferred. Lighting need not be bright-hot -- a somewhat dark atmosphere is conducive to the slow, meditative practice of t'ai-chi. One club in Portland, Ore., offers t'ai-chi in a meeting room that was built into the facility, but is seldom used. Although the space only holds half a dozen students, two morning and two evening classes are offered and, between classes, the room can still be used for meetings.

If you've got the space available, there is good reason to offer t'ai-chi as part of your program of activities. Make that interest sign-up sheet, and start calling around to find an instructor. You'll be glad you did.

Traditionally, tai chi training consists of years of work under the tutelage of a master. Students are first taught basic stances, breathing and meditation techniques.