If people are seen forming unusual postures on Saturday mornings at Drake Park, join them and relax.

Robert Swarts, a 22-year practitioner who leads Tai Chi in the Park sessions, said they are free and open to the public. The exercise helps improve concentration and health, and students learn self defense and relaxation, he said.

There is a major difference between this Chinese art and Japanese and Korean martial arts.

"Tai chi is based on the Chinese Tao philosophy," said Swarts, a podiatrist who teaches tai chi at Iowa Lutheran Wellness Center. "It is an internal art. The other martial arts are external and use their muscles. Tai chi has fewer kicks and more postures."

Tai chi also has no degrees or belts, Swarts said.

Students cultivate energy with the help of deep breathing exercises, stretches and postures.

The self-defense movements are hidden in the 108 postures, which take about three years to master. A shorter version with 27 postures takes six months to learn.

Swarts advocates tai chi for physical health, particularly in the elderly.

"They have fewer problems balancing themselves," he said.

Donald Walth of Eagle Claw Kung-Fu school in Des Moines attends some Drake Park sessions. Walth said the postures in the martial arts style he practices are different, but the names are mostly the same.

"It is a good time for those interested in learning the art to have a look at the different styles that can be learned in Des Moines," he said.

The sessions at Drake Park, 23rd Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, offer participants the opportunity to share techniques, gain practical advice and discuss the art. Inclement weather will not affect the schedule, and classes will be at the shelter.

Swarts said Tai Chi in the Park is common in areas such as California and Beijing.

(From HealthWorld Online)