Master class in serenity on Longboat Key

Chinese master of tai chi leads a Longboat class on a perfect morning outdoors.

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Tai chi is a weekly thing at The Paradise Center on Longboat Key, but not so visits from Master Max Yan.

As in past visits, The Paradise Center’s usual teacher, Reuben Fernandez, warmed up the students before handing them off to Yan during a class on Friday in the center's parking lot.

Fernandez has been a student of Yan’s for nearly 20 years. Yan, 55, is a 27th generation practitioner of Dragon Gate Taoism, a form of the philosophy that incorporates Buddhism and Confucianism. Tai chi is a physical manifestation of taoism and its softness and balance. 

On a beautiful day for an outdoor activity, about 30 people came out to participate. 

Tai chi enthusiast Barbara Mason noted that no matter what the weather before or after a tai chi class, the day of the event always seems to turn out perfect.

About 30 people turned out for the tai chi class led by Master Max Yan.
About 30 people turned out for the tai chi class led by Master Max Yan.
Certified tai chi instructor Reuben D. Fernandez warms up the group.
Certified tai chi instructor Reuben D. Fernandez warms up the group.
Hydration is important.
Hydration is important.
Master Max Yan led the group of about 30 people through a variety of forms.
Master Max Yan led the group of about 30 people through a variety of forms.
Master Max Yan and certified instructor Reuben D. Fernandez led the class participants through a series of motion forms that took them around The Paradise Center parking lot.
Master Max Yan and certified instructor Reuben D. Fernandez led the class participants through a series of motion forms that took them around The Paradise Center parking lot.
Marion Schmollinger follows the lead of Master Max Yan.
Marion Schmollinger follows the lead of Master Max Yan.
About 30 people turned out for the tai chi class led by Master Max Yan.
About 30 people turned out for the tai chi class led by Master Max Yan.
Master Max Yan performs a tai chi move, and Sue Ferrara does the same.
Master Max Yan performs a tai chi move, and Sue Ferrara does the same.
The assembled students follow the lead of Master Max Yan.
The assembled students follow the lead of Master Max Yan.
The assembled students follow the lead of Master Max Yan.
The assembled students follow the lead of Master Max Yan.
The assembled students follow the lead of Master Max Yan.
The assembled students follow the lead of Master Max Yan.

 

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