How our class got started etc
January and February tai chi class growth was amazing!
Head Instructor Bill Powell reported that we have about 40 signed up, and have been running 24 to 30 in class.
“I have limited the signups for class to 50 students.”
We also had the largest number of new students if any month to date, of 17 new students. Powell attributed the influx to better advertising. “This (growth) appears to reflect our Facebook Page and the better Richland Rec Page,” he said.
TAI CHI (An Introduction for new Students)
This Tai Chi group is for all age groups.
New Sessions
The beginning of a new session only means it is the best time to welcome new students. Existing Students will not be affected by this, and will continue to learn as long as they continue to participate.
Class Structure
The one-hour class is structured to include warm-up exercise, basic Tai Chi walk and movements instruction on specific Tai Chi moves (Yang Style). You will learn reasons for specific moves, including applications and benefits of each movement, and you will participate in group practices of Tai Chi.
The Goals
The goal for each class is the same: We hope each of us will leave class feeling 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
Previously, our instructors were John Fleming and Sharon Van Houdt. Our present instructors are Bill Powell and Jen Black, along with senior students Sharon Van Houdt and Kathy Davis.
History of This Class
The class grew out of the teachings of Dan and Kitty Gandee. Sharon had long been interested in fitness, dance and yoga, and had been introduced to Tai Chi in 1995, and in 1998 she began to study with Dan and Kitty. In 1999, John Fleming also began studying Tai Chi with instructors Kitty & Dan Gandee in order to maintain health, 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 for the health benefits it would provide for others. Sharon felt that Tai Chi kept on 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 in achieving a high level of mastery: It simply takes patience and daily practice. Sometimes the simplest things may be the hardest to do well but your instructors are committed to meet you halfway. As long as you are willing to learn and to practice on your own, they are willing to help you to reach your goal.
(Content was modified by Frank Lockwood, from a document of unknown authorship.)
Tai Chi class grows, again.
For the third month in a row we have had new students. Tai Chi continues to be popular among mature adults and seniors. October class is well under way.
A big thank you to the Community Center’s management for opening up more space whenever possible.
Senior instructor Bill Powell makes it look easy to manage large groups with beginning through advanced students.
Assistant instructors Kelley Muntean, Susanna Salsbury, and Kathy Davis are also capable teachers of Tai Chi, and several advanced students also support newer students.
Classes are held Mondays 3 pm to 4 pm, Wednesdays 2 pm to 3 pm, and Fridays 10:30 to 11:30 am.
For more information, please contact Richland Community Center.
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In case you missed this in an earlier post, previously our instructors were John Fleming and Sharon Van Houdt. Our present instructors are Bill Powell and Kathy Davis, with Assistant instructors Susanna Salsbury and Kelley Muntean. I think we can feel fortunate to have such well qualified leadership in our little community. Bill says he has practiced for over twenty years, and the others are advanced students as well.
I hope to add photos of all them at some point but for now see our Head Instructor Bill Powell, Assistant Instructor Kathy Davis and lower is Assistant Instructor Susanna Salsbury. (Assistant Kelley Muntean photo is not available at this time.)
Instructor Bill Powell
UPCOMING EVENT IN 2026
World Tai Chi and Qigong Day in 2026 will be on Saturday, April 25. It is always observed on the last Saturday in April.
Richland, Washington will host the 2026 World Tai Chi Qigong Day celebration at Richland Community Center and Amon Park on April 25, the last Saturday in April.
Who: Everyone is welcome, including local Tai Chi groups.
What: Join us for the World Tai Chi/Qi Gong Day Celebration with demonstrations, beginner lessons, and educational sessions for the public and health organizations.
When: Saturday, April 25, 2026, starting at 9:10 AM. Arrive on time for prompt demonstrations at 10:00 AM.
Where: Richland, Washington Community Center and Amon Park.
Why: To show, teach, and promote the benefits of Tai Chi, a gentle exercise program that has roots in ancient martial arts.
Last year’s public Event was as follows:
Tai Chi and Qi Gong groups from the region participated in the annual, worldwide Tai Chi Day event. The public was encouraged to observe, learn, or participate as appropriate.Instructors had planned demonstrations and presentations for the public, with participation by practitioners of various styles. The event was co-hosted by the Richland Parks and Recreation’s Tai Chi Class and various other Tai Chi groups from around the area. This year’s event is being planned in advance by our newly formed Tai Chi Day Committee, so we are really looking forward to seeing you there.
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
