Michael Davis has taught martial arts for 32 years, but never quite like this.
Every Thursday at 4 p.m., Davis leads about 10-12 residents of Asheville Terrace Apartments through an hour-long tai chi class. His students do their best to mimic the moves that Davis shows them, even when they’re doing it from a wheelchair.
“Each and every one of these people has a unique talent,” Davis says. “They don’t all do the same thing the same way, but they do it in their way, which makes it right.”
Sometimes called “meditation in motion,” tai chi (pronounced “tie-chee”) is a Chinese martial art that emphasizes slow, flowing movements. Rather than strength or brute force, Davis explains, tai chi emphasizes, “coordination, balance, peace of mind, awareness — and that satisfaction that you’re no longer at the bottom of the totem pole.”
Look for a full article about Davis and his class in the wellness section in next week’s Mountain Xpress.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.