A 79 year old woman from the inner Sydney suburb of Ashfield has been receiving media attention after taking out the 2010 Outstanding Tai Chi Figure award late last year.
She was given the honour by Tai Chi Fitness Australia, recognising in part her contribution to teaching at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre.
Ms May became involved in the Chinese tradition when she was 65 and said although it may appear passive, it is in fact a form of martial arts.
“While the movements look smooth and appear elegant they do in fact have an underlying meaning and are all about attack and defence,” she said.
“I first started tai chi after my marriage of 42 years ended. I found that I was in my early 60s and facing a new life.”
The part-time motivational speaker said she found the ancient art less taxing on her body than then more popular yoga, and stressed it was important for seniors to keep challenging themselves.
“People in general have an idea that when they reach retirement age that their useful life has come to an end,” she said whilst interviewed by the Inner City Courier.
“You do not have to be earning a living to be a useful member of society. Ageing is not all about your body.”
Director of the TCFA, Sue Chang, encouraged people to practice tai chi and qigongas a way to treat future diseases.
“It can help people keep their joints moving, gain flexibility with their body, become peaceful in their mind, reduce stress and build up energy within,” she said.
Ashfield Woman Rocks The World Of Tai Chi at age 79
