TAI CHI CIRCLE GATHERING HELD

By: James U. Sy Jr.


The Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod (TCCB) had a gathering last January 17, 2008 at the Quarter Moon, Goldenfields Commercial Complex, Bacolod City. The gathering was previously scheduled as the group’s Christmas Party last December but had to be moved since some of its members were still in the USA and in Manila.

The Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod (TCCB) is a low profile, non-profit group formed by enthusiasts-professionals in 2000 in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental for the dedicated and concentrated study of the hundreds of years old Chinese Nei Jia “Internal Family” art of Tai Chi Chuan “Grand Ultimate Fist.” Having celebrated its 7th year Anniversary last July 17, 2007, the group is the oldest existing documented group of Tai Chi practitioners in Bacolod city and perhaps, the Negros Island.

The primary focus of TCCB is to improve one’s quality of life through cultivation of the mind and inner peace, correct breathing, non-impact/non-injurious physical exercise through Tai Chi Chuan, proper diet and health centered lifestyle. Tai Chi was originally founded for fighting and recently modified as a competitive sport but the group’s teacher, Peter John L. Yap focuses on the health aspect of the art because it is a more pressing concern for the modern society’s stress-intensive lifestyle. The martial aspects are there for those dedicated enough to research for it.

According to Yap Sifu, “Tai Chi Chuan is indeed a martial art, but with the advent of gunpowder, the use of hand to hand combat had declined. Today, if you want to fight, you can just buy a gun. I believe more important than fighting is knowing how to defend oneself against elements that will ultimately threaten our lives - illness. The enemy is not only from without but from within.”

TCCB members present during the gathering were Peter John L. Yap Sifu, Atty. Alex Ang of BSP-Manila, Nick “Hok Chong” Antonio, Charles Atas, Pepe Chiu, Azer de Asis, Bill Gomez, Ben Halili, Humberto “Toti” Lim, Sagay City Councilor James Tupas, Jose Uy Jr., and Stephen “Taruk” Young. The group’s guest were James U. Sy Jr., Narciso “Hansy” l. Alojado, and Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad, all of conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.

TCCB members not present were Letty Chu, Cathy Friend, Bob Jereza, Rudy Jimenez, Jun Perez, Alex Su, and Enrique Tan.

TCCB offers Tai Chi lessons for FREE. Training is every MWF 8:00 P.M. at Oceanlight Import and Export, Magsaysay St., Bacolod City. Interested parties may contact Mr. Jose Uy Jr. at 434-7664.