Tai Chi Practice at JCOR
Tai Chi Instructor: Lalia Wilson
Tai Chi Set Leaders and Beginning instructors: Lyle Bennett, Claudia Earhart, Al Good, Baxter Thompson
Location:
Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge
101 W. Maiden Lane, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Upstairs in the Social Hall
Cost: The instructors and set leaders are volunteers. Most students donate $2 per class to JCOR to help cover operating costs and maintenance of the building.
For more information, please call or leave a message at (865)483-3581, or email office@jcor.info
The Tai Chi set consists of a series of 108 gentle flowing movements that flex and strengthen joints, tendons, and muscles throughout the body. These movements are adaptable to all ages and states of health.
Our class leaders were originally trained by the Taoist Tai Chi Society. Tai Chi was originally developed in China for martial arts, however over a millennium it has evolved specifically to improve one’s health. We practice a version of Yang style Tai Chi introduced by Master Moy Lin-Shin.
Recent Western medical studies have confirmed a variety of health benefits from the practice of Tai Chi, such as reduced blood pressure, improved cardiac health, reduced swelling in arthritic joints, and improved mental health. Tai Chi is the only form of exercise that has been shown to improve balance and minimize falls.
Ongoing Continuing Class
Our ongoing class is from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.
This class is designed for all who have a beginner’s understanding of the 108-move set introduced by Master Moy Lin-Shin. Typically, the classes begin with foundation exercises called Jongs, and either two 108-move sets, or instruction and one set. Instruction is designed to improve your form to achieve more health benefits from your practice. All classes include a 15-minute tea break for relaxing socializing, and announcements.
Beginners Class
This year, starting on Friday, September 25th, 2026, there is a Beginners Tai Chi class from 10 to 11 a.m. every Friday. This class focuses on teaching each move in the 108-move Tai Chi set. All students of any religion or ethnicity are welcome. The instruction will be aimed at seniors but is suitable for all. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for squatting and kicking, plus gym shoes.
The beginning class joins the ongoing class at 10:00 for the tea break. At 10:15, after the break, beginners may watch the experienced students perform the 108-move set or receive instruction, but they are encouraged to participate by stepping into the middle of the group and following the examples set by the Set Leader in the left corner of the front row, and the more advanced students at the other 3 corners of the group. Beginner’s instruction then begins from 10:30 to 11. Students will start with the first moves and will learn to follow experienced leaders through the entire set.
Beginning students are also welcome to join any of the ongoing classes Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:30.