Pacific Island VA holds two tai chi classes on Tuesdays at the Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic in Kapolei. The classes are a weekly event that started virtually and moved to face-to-face recently. The local classes are coordinated by members of the Whole Health, physical therapy and recreation therapy programs.
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that was developed for combat and self-defense. It has evolved into a sport and form of exercise. As an exercise, tai chi is performed as a gentle, low-impact movement in which practitioners perform a series of deliberate, flowing motions while focusing on deep, slow breaths.
“I went through the Whole Health program and started classes online,” said Air Force Veteran Victor Carvalho. “I was excited when the in-person classes started. It’s a great way to meet people and make friends my own age who understand me and like the same kinds of things.”
Concentrates the body’s vital energy
Often referred to as “meditation in motion,” tai chi aims to concentrate and balance the body’s qi—or vital energy—providing benefits to mental and physical health.
“Tai chi has helped the Veterans in many ways,” said tai chi Instructor and Physical Therapist Charlene Sison. “Tai chi is a practice that helps with arthritis and fall prevention. I’ve noticed that the Veterans have had improvements in their mobility, strength and balance. Before and after the class, they get to socialize and get acquainted with each other.”
Having the classes at the Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic allows plenty of room to expand. The clinic was designed to provide ample spaces for Veterans to socialize. The tai chi classes have been very popular, and they now fill one of the alcoves in front of the clinic. The exercise is a good way to stretch and increase muscle strength and endurance, but it’s also a peaceful activity that helps Veterans find calm and center themselves.
“Since I have been doing tai chi, I have noticed an improvement in my balance,” said Army Veteran Joe Hoopai. “It also helps the mind. I find that it helps clear out my stress and make me feel more peaceful.”
“I’m a volunteer here at the Daniel K. Akaka Clinic,” said Navy Veteran Noel Almanzor. “I heard about the classes while I was volunteering, and I had to try it. It has been a really positive experience for my mental and physical health.”
Topics in this story
Link Disclaimer
This page includes links to other websites outside our control and jurisdiction. VA is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of non-VA Web sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policy or terms and conditions of those sites to fully understand what information is collected and how it is used.
More Stories
Dorothy “Pat” Rudd, 103, World War II Navy Veteran, has lived a life of service, pioneering the way for women in the military.
VA employees help return WWII items to two brothers’ families. Both brothers were WWII Veterans.
The Veterans self-check assessment takes about 10 minutes to complete and has resources that can help if stress and depression are affecting you.
I don’t live in Va. and this would be awesome if the Va had a web site where the veteran can access these eastern modalities on their computer at home. They could do tai chi at home at any time, which would benefit the veteran. Or have the VA reach out to Veterans Organizations to find a space to help our veterans use this type of Oriental Therapy in smaller communities. I’ve seen vets using this therapy in Chula Vista park at 5:30 in the morning. I use to run before going to work. I use this too and it’s gentle on joints and bones, it actually is to sooth your spirit.
All Movement based classes were removed from the Salt Lake City, VA. The higher ups stated that even though we sent our own prople to train for these types of movement based modalities, they were not specialized to perform them with Vets. They will hire an outside contractor. Asked about when that will happen? They did not have an answer because of lay offs and a hiring freeze at the SLC VAMC. With my diagnosis these classes have been a game changer for me. Now, I have regressed due to the cancellations.
WILL Tai CHi CLASSES BE COMING TO – VA MEDICAL CENTER / DETROIT, MI
IF so I and many VET’s (viet nam) are looking forward to this coming to – (DETROIT THE DINGALL) aka DET VA CAMPUS
THANK YOU
Tai Chi classes are available through the Detroit VA Whole Health. If you contact them they can set you up with times. They have both in person and virtual
On line classes still available?
On line courses?
Arre there any tai chi classes around atlanta/lawrenceville/buford,georgia are??
This is awesome, how do I attend the online classes?
My husband and I would both be very happy with online access.
Are there any online tai chi classes or any in -person ones offered in the Detroit Mi area?
Is there still an online version available?
When might we an expansion of this to other VA facilities?
On line tai chi classes would be a great cost effective way to offer tai chi globally to vets.
I would love an online class to be available to veterans.
I would enjoy online classes if available, especially recorded classes so I can participate asynchronously.
Having online access would open up the opportunities for those of us not living locally. I would love to learn tai chi, but I am living in Panama
Can I watch this online somehow? I want to participate if possible.
Sadly this is about one VA locationin Hawaii, not VA wide as is implied by the title. Disappointing that this was posted in a newsletter and only applies to less than 1% of veterans.
Totally agree. I am so tired of wasting my time trying to find resources from these misleading titles. Just like the events page doesn’t let us search by LOCATION. What a novel idea.
I Am wanting to get involved with the Tai Chi Class’ – thank you for this opportunity.