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Tai Chi Center Celebrates New Site During International Event

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By LAURA FRAZIER

lfrazier@tampatrib.com

Published: February 13, 2009

BRANDON - Ann Hipson of Seminole Heights has practiced martial arts for the past eight years, but the form she favors involves gentle, graceful stretching motions instead of the high-impact, fast-paced moves of karate or kung fu.

Hipson takes tai chi classes two days a week at the Brandon branch of the International Taoist Tai Chi Society. The nonprofit group, established 10 years ago on Oakfield Drive, will hold a grand opening at its new Bryan Road site from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The public is invited to the free event. Vegetarian Chinese fare will be on hand, as well as demonstrations of tai chi, the ancient Chinese art said to develop flexibility and coordination while relaxing and strengthening the body and mind.

The grand opening coincides with the center's annual international workshop.

Every year, groups in 25 countries invite instructors and students from other nations to visit their centers. Visitors from Canada and Costa Rica will attend this year's workshop in Brandon.

Susan Schuler, president of the Brandon branch, said the tai chi centers around the globe are staffed by volunteers on a mission to make tai chi widely available to people of all nationalities, ethnicities and religious affiliations.

The Brandon branch has about 175 members ages 14 to 93. Sessions are offered seven days a week for beginners and advanced students, and satellite classes are held weekly in South Tampa, Sun City Center and Temple Terrace.

For information, call (813) 685-1211 or go to http://brandon.florida.usa .taoist.org.

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