mastery, in addition to community involvement including Columbus’ Annual Asian Festival, the Ohio State Fair, World Tai Chi Day, the Ohio Department of Health, and more. Anderson has even competed at the Arnold earning some 20 medals and accolades. “One thing I know for sure, Tai Chi people are a special kind of people,” says Anderson, leaning in close as if sharing a time-honored secret. “They are special in that they are up to something. They are up to producing some specific result in their lives whether it be healing, peacefulness or the martial arts. They are looking for something, and they are going to come to class to produce this particular something. “I create the structure that lets Tai Chi happen.” Married with two adult children, Anderson says the art of yin and yang have had a deep impact on his life. Relationships, life events, and his personal health have all benefitted. “My doctor says, ‘You’re the healthiest patient I’ve got. Never mind about age.’ I like that.” Back in the studio, Anderson starts his class with some warm ups, gentle and slow moving. His classes, which range from 25 to 30 or more players, are a collage of ages, cultures, and walks of life, looking for something tender yet impactful – a whole body and mind experience. The hollow beat of the class’s thymus thumping echoes throughout the room. Rhythmically tapping the center of the chest – known as the thymus — can help neutralize negative energy, exude calm, revamp positive energy, support healing and vibrant health, and boost the immune system. The class is now ready to move on. “I feel like I am making a contribution to other people’s lives,” says Anderson, smiling behind a soft white beard and mustache. “And that feels really good.” Anderson describes himself as a life-long teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Science in Biophysics from The Ohio State University. During his undergraduate work, he began helping to teach physics, and was later selected as an instructor in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Following a career in IT, Anderson retired from Battelle at the age of 62. And it was at Battelle that his love for Tai Chi grew into a second career. Debbie Dunlap is a freelance writer in Reynoldsburg. She is also President of the Reynoldsburg Board of Education. Photo Courtesy of Jack Anderson Please participate in Mayor Joe Begeny’s effort to help the 2020 Census become successful. It’s your future. Take a role in it. Reynoldsburg Magazine • Spring, 2020 7
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