Author: Frank Ellsworth Lockwood

Hello, my name is Frank Ellsworth Lockwood: I now live in Kennewick, Washington with my wife Laura and our cat, Iggy. I enjoy practicing Tai Chi, playing the guitar, writing, reading and blogging, and gardening. Work History: I have had many different careers, but have long since retired.

A Brief History of this Tai Chi Class

Tai Chi for a Better Life!

Note: This Tai Chi group has included mostly adults to date. Children under six must have an adult parent or guardian participating along with them.

New Sessions
[Updated August 12, 2025 by FEL]

At the beginning of each month we welcome new students. Please register ahead of time  and  arrive on time for the first session of  the month.

This avoids confusion and ensures everyone gets the best possible instruction. (Existing students will continue as usual.)

Class Structure
Each one-hour class includes a warm-up exercise. Instruction includes basic Tai Chi walk for beginners as well as  Tai Chi forms (Yang Style) for more advanced students. You may learn interpretations for specific moves and postures.

The Goals
The goal for each class is the same. We hope each of us will leave happier than when we came in. The benefit of Tai chi depends on the individual: the more we practice, the more we get out of it.

The Instructors
Our instructors are Bill Powell along with senior student Kathy Davis and assistants Susanna Salsbury and Kelley Muntean.

History of This Class
The class grew out of the teachings of Dan and Kitty Gandee. Sharon Van Houdt had long been interested in fitness, dance, and yoga. She was introduced to Tai Chi in 1995. In 1998, she began to study with Dan and Kitty.  In 1999, John Fleming also began studying Tai Chi with instructors Kitty & Dan Gandee. He wanted be healthy, so he aimed to improve balance and flexibility. 

When Kitty and Dan were transferred out of the area, John Flemming and Sharon Van Houdt saw a need for Tai Chi to continue to provide health benefits for others. Sharon felt that Tai Chi kept one balanced, flexible, and mentally challenged throughout life.  

On Achieving Mastery
At this Tri-Cities Tai Chi class, the belief is that there is no secret to achieving mastery. It simply takes patience and daily practice. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to do well but your instructors are committed to meet you halfway. You must be willing to learn and practice on your own. If you are, they will help you reach your goal.

(Content was modified and updated by Frank Lockwood from a document of unknown authorship. AI also may have introduced some changes

Your First Tai Chi Class

Tai Chi for a Better Life

At the end of each month, students register for the upcoming Tai Chi Classes. These classes are held at Richland, Washington Community Center. You may wonder what that first class will be like. Here’s what you can expect:

You see twelve or more students who have advanced beyond beginner stage, and one to a few “newbies.” If I see that you are new I will try to welcome you as you enter the room. Students will be visiting, standing or seated along one wall.

Meditation
When it is time for class to start, an instructor will strike a sound on a “singing bowl.” Students will spread out and stand with feet at shoulder width to start meditation. This is one of my favorite parts of the class, as I find it so delightful and peaceful.

You are welcome to join in this ceremony. If you choose to, place the left hand down with palm-facing-up. Position it in front of you about four inches below the navel. Then the right hand on top of the left, also palm up, and thumbs lightly touching each other. You don’t need to memorize this. The instructor will show you how to do it. In Tai Chi we learn a lot by observing and imitating advanced students.

Meditation as we practice it is not some weird, esoteric challenge. In the beginning stages you will mostly concentrate on breathing. You will be instructed to breathe in slowly. Do it naturally, first filling the diaphragm (tummy), then into the chest. Finally, fill the lungs. Next, slowly breathe out, emptying the lungs and the diaphragm.

Why breathing exercises? We are practicing for our health. Tai Chi originated in the martial arts. In martial arts, correct breathing is very important. It helps us deliver power when and where it is needed. As we practice breathing better, we become healthier and our Tai Chi forms are perfected as well.

Meditation lasts about three minutes. I like to clear my mind of any distracting thoughts and become calm and peaceful inside. I leave behind the stress of the past and enter a calm place.

After Meditation comes Stretching. The entire class will do a few minutes of special exercises. These exercises are designed to enhance Tai Chi and, hopefully, prevent injuries. As you practice, never do anything that hurts you or goes against your medical practitioner’s advice. If you feel dizzy or can’t continue, don’t fall down. Sit down where you are. If you can, find your way to a chair and sit down. If you have any particular medical issues or special needs due to a physical condition, please inform your instructors. They will suggest different stretches or activities.

After stretching, an instructor teaches newer students the Tai Chi Walk. This skill is basic to all of the forms and postures that we use. After a few sessions you will likely be capable of keeping up with a larger group. I hope you will enjoy your time in Tai Chi as much as I do.

Author: Frank Ellsworth Lockwood (with help from AI).

Tai Chi Class Schedule

Tai Chi for a Better Life!

Note the schedule change for 2026.

Effective January 1, 2026, Tai Chi Class schedules at Richland Community Center will be as follows:

Mondays 3:00 to 4:00 pm.
Wednesdays 2:00 to 3:00 pm.
Fridays 10:00 to 11:00 am (beginning January 1, 2026)


The best times to register at the front desk are two to three days before the end of the month. Thanks.

(Exceptions: Classes will be canceled whenever the Community Center is closed, typically on holidays.)

Welcome to Tri Cities Washington Tai Chi Page!

Are you interested in learning about or practicing Tai Chi in Tri-Cities Washington? You have arrived at the right place.

My name is Frank Lockwood. I have practiced Tai Chi for several years at Tri-Cities Washington Community Center. The center is centrally located and easy to find. See the link below: https://www.richlandparksandrec.com/facilities/richland-community-center

Please leave any questions or kind remarks in the comments below. Thanks, Frank Lockwood (Fel), originator of this page.

Tags: Tai Chi, Richland, Washington, Tri-Cities, lessons, instruction, parks_and_recreation

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