Tai Chi Reynoldsburg style Jack Anderson Brings Ancient Art Home by Debbie Dunlap S tepping into Sifu Jack Anderson, class is like stepping back in time to the origins of an ancient art of Tai Chi which dates back to the 1600s. The soft music piping around his studio’s speakers, the slow, yet purposeful movements of the body and the gentle reminders from Anderson of the energy in the room screams almost silently. It examplifies his mastery of the art that is so dear to him. He commands the attention this art deserves with his knowledge of its principles, embodies in the prestigious title of Sifu. At 75 years old, Anderson has been teaching this popular but ancient art for nearly two decades and has been studying the art for a quarter of a century. He is now the instructor for this popular art form at new Reynoldsburg Community Center at the YMCA. “Tai Chi is a natural exercise, health, and self-defense system that arises from the natural world,” he explains. “The slow, graceful dance-like movements of Tai Chi help players become more flexible, strong and relaxed. While the body is relaxed, players consciously focus the mind on the move of the form and internal body sensations.” Anderson roots his teaching in the Yang Style which is derived from the Chen Style Tai Chi and dates back to China’s Chen Village where the Chen Family Taijiquan originated and the “mother” of all Tai Chi styles was born. In fact, Anderson has visited China several times, spending five weeks in Chen Village learning from Master Chen Bing, a 20th generation direct descendent of the art’s founder. Anderson’s resume includes numerous areas of certification and 6 Photo Courtesy of Jack Anderson Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2020
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