Tai Chi classes bring sense of well-being

Early mornings aren’t for everyone, but the 7-8 a.m. Tai Chi class on Thursday mornings on the courthouse lawn has been a hit for some early birds.

Led by Ken Kinoshita, the class has been offered for the past several months by the Mariposa County Library through a state initiative known as Rural Health Connections.

“This program provided the library with $1,400 worth of health books and $1,400 worth of technology items to host virtual events centered on health literacy,” said Mariposa County Librarian Matt Johnson.

“We are so grateful to have this opportunity.”

Johnson said staff member Christine Knight was instrumental in helping to guide the library’s participation in the program.

Knight approached Kinoshita about teaching a Tai Chi class and the rest is history.

“After leading a Tai Chi session for a local caregiver support group, I was approached by a member of the Mariposa Library staff who suggested that Tai Chi might be a good fit for the library’s Rural Health Initiative,” Kinoshita explained.

“Following conversations with the Mariposa County librarian, we launched a 12-week program. The response was overwhelmingly positive and due to continued community interest, the program has become an ongoing offering.”

With a history in martial arts, Kinoshita has been involved with Tai Chi for over 30 years.

“In 1992, while running through Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, I came across a group practicing Tai Chi. Something about it captured my attention and I stopped to watch for a while. Before long, one of the students invited me to join them and I decided to give it a try,” said Kinoshita.

“That chance encounter had a lasting influence on my life. It led to lifelong friendships, supported my personal development and contributed greatly to my mental and physical well-being.”

Tai chi is for all ages and the benefits are endless.

“Tai Chi is an exercise that almost anyone can try, regardless of age, fitness level or physical ability,” Kinoshita explained.

“At a basic level, the gentle, flexible movements work well for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. People can go at their own pace, so it is a safe and effective choice for different fitness levels and mobility needs.”

The benefits have been visible and surveys have been provided to ensure constructive feedback to Kinoshita and the library staff.

“A lot of people are benefiting from it. We have a lot of seniors coming,” Johnson explained.

“We’ve given out surveys and a lot of people are saying their balance, posture, self esteem, circulation and their outlook for the day has improved.”

Tai Chi has the ability to support physical, mental and emotional well-being.

“By developing balance, coordination, body awareness and controlled movement, Tai Chi can provide a foundation that complements participation in other sports and physical activities,” Kinoshita said.

“Its core principles, such as mindfulness, posture and efficient movement, can also be applied to everyday tasks.”

Tai Chi isn’t just physical, it benefits the mind as well.

“Tai Chi also offers a holistic approach to healthy aging by helping the body and mind remain active, resilient and better equipped to adapt to the physical and mental changes that occur over time,” continued Kinoshita.

“Learning Tai Chi takes time, guidance, patience and dedication.”

Practice makes perfect.

“The movements might look simple, but to get the real benefits, you need clear instruction, steady progress and regular practice,” said Kinoshita.

“You can’t fully learn Tai Chi from a book or video. It’s important to have live instruction, see demonstrations and get feedback that fits you. Everyone’s body and way of learning are different.”

Consistency is important.

“Practicing every day, even for just 15 minutes, can make a big difference,” Kinoshita said.

“You don’t need to remember the whole form perfectly. Practicing what you know helps you remember, build good habits and gain a strong foundation for continued learning.”

After several months, the Tai Chi class has been a success and the Mariposa County Library plans to continue the program.

“Feedback was positive throughout. In the midpoint and final surveys, participants reported improvements in posture, flexibility, balance and strength,” Kinshita said.

“They also shared that they felt more aware of their bodies during everyday activities, experienced less stress and noticed better focus and concentration. Many participants also enjoyed practicing Tai Chi outdoors and appreciated being part of a supportive community.”

The Tai Chi class takes place every Thursday morning from 7-8 a.m. on the Mariposa County Courthouse lawn and everyone is invited regardless of age or skill level.

The class is free to attend but a signed medical waiver is required.

For more information, contact the Mariposa County Library at (209) 966-2140 or stop into the library at 4978 10th Street.