Let’s Enjoy Tai Chi!

Misawa International Association sponsored 3 free Tai Chi lessons on February 4, 11, and 18 at the Misawa Civic Gymnasium from 1000-1130. Our wonderful  and kind instructor was Ms. Setsuko Nakanishi, a Japan Wushu Taijiquan Federation Official Instructor.

 

 

                                  

Each lesson included stretching, Tai Chi instruction and demonstations. She demonstrated different styles and showed us movements with fans and a sword. Today we had our final free lesson but were able to sign up for more at only ¥500 / lesson! If you can’t make a lesson, you do not pay. This is very convenient for me since I sometimes have prior engagements on Saturday mornings, but the ones I am free I will be sure to go to my Tai Chi lesson with Nakanishi sensei!

A demonstration by Nakanishi sensei

We were also invited by the Misawa Park Authority to practice Tai Chi together at  Misawa Train Park this spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. I can’t wait!

Our class was shown on local TV and this newspaper.

Shougatsu Event

 

On January 22, 2012 the Misawa International Center hosted a “Shougatsu” or “New Year’s” Event. There were many traditional activities and a performance by the local koto students.

The events that took place this day were Mochi Tsuki (rice cake punding), maki zushi making (rolled sushi), koma mawashi (top spinning), Kakizome (New Year Calligraphy) and koto  playing(Japanese traditional instrument).

I particularly enjoyed playing the koto. Sensei said I was very good. I might try to take lessons!

 

I was asked to do an interview with a journalist. Considering my limited knowledge of Japanese I was surprised how much I could express myself. The article is below.

Misawa Ice Arena

The Misawa Skating rink is open daily from 0900-1600. There are skates available to rent. You can also bring your own skates (non-racing only).

You can purchase the ticket you need at the machine here. Each button has an English translation. Please remember to wear gloves, they are required in the arena. Helmets are also available for you and your children’s protection. If you need knee-pads or other safety equipment, please bring your own. Please be sure to skate in the right direction.

 

 

The Misawa Ice Arena is very large. This was my first time ice skating and am proud to say I didn’t fall once! I think this will be a great place to cool off during those humid summer months.

Directions: From the Main Gate take a left. Take your first right and keep going straight until you get to a T. (there should be a Lawson's on your right). Take a right and you will pass Super Drug Asahi and Universe will be on your left. At the end of the Universe parking lot there is a traffic light, take a left here. You will pass Universe and Homac on your left now. Go through two lights. After the second light take a left. If you pass the building with the big yellow sign, you have gone too far. At the end of that street take a right. The ice rink will be on your right.