Starting May 1, tai chi classes will begin at the Guy Thompson Community Center beginning 5:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for anyone to learn the Yang style 24 Form while increasing flexibility, range of motion, and extending longevity. Classes will run approximately one hour and cost $5 per class.
Gary Nichols will instruct. “My background basically is I’m a seventh degree black belt, black sash in kung fu.” Nichols said he has been in martial arts for 50 years and is 59 now. Tai chi, he said means “grand ultimate” and the mother of all martial arts. He said the ancient tai chi masters put together the martial art forms of kung fu to heal the body and increase range of motion, though added “It’s actually the most lethal.”
Nichols currently teaches mixed martial arts at the GTCC Monday and Thursday and decided to add tai chi at the 5:30 p.m. hour. He said some of his MMA students will assist in the class.
In the area for 10 years, Nichols stays busy other than teaching martial arts. He said he’s a major in the Air Force for the Milton squadron as a mission pilot. Friday, he’ll be playing with the band Local Hero at Bands on the Blackwater. His day job he said is his work as a contractor.
The Guy Thompson Community Center also offers exercise classes such as Zumba on Monday and Wednesday mornings, line dancing on Monday mornings, and yoga on Tuesday and Friday mornings as well as Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
The following GTCC activities are scheduled to occur the week of April 27 to May 1. All activities are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.
Monday – April 27
8:30 a.m. – ZUMBA Class. Come and pick up the pace to a new you with our Zumba class for all levels. Come ready to get an awesome workout on the way to the new you. Classes are $5 per session.
9 a.m. – Cards and games for seniors. Come out and enjoy games and refreshments at the Milton Community Center.
10 a.m. – Line Dancing: Kick up your heels and learn a few dance steps in the Milton Community Center Gym. Class is $5.
Tuesday – April 28
8:30 a.m. to noon – Pickleball: come play a game similar to tennis, but not on nearly as big of a court and not nearly as fast. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America and you are welcome to come out and give it a try.
9 a.m. – Yoga with Angela: An enjoyable exercise class for all skill levels. A relaxing and beneficial hour. Class is $5.
6 p.m. – Yoga with Trudy: An enjoyable exercise class for all skill levels. A relaxing and beneficial hour. Class is $5.
Wednesday – April 29
8:30 a.m. – ZUMBA Class. Come and pick up the pace to a new you with our Zumba class for all levels. Come ready to get an awesome workout on the way to the new you. Classes are $5 per session.
9 a.m. to noon – Artist gathering: If you paint, draw or sketch you are invited to the Milton Community Center to practice your art among other artist in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.
10 a.m. – Pickleball: come play a game similar to tennis, but not on nearly as big of a court and not nearly as fast. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America and you are welcome to come out and give it a try.
2 p.m. – Ballroom Dancing: Learn the popular dance steps to the Samba, Salsa, and other popular ball room dances. Class is $5.
6 p.m. – Yoga with Trudy: An enjoyable exercise class for all skill levels. A relaxing and beneficial hour. Class is $5.
Thursday – April 30
8:30 a.m. to noon – Pickleball: come play a game similar to tennis, but not on nearly as big of a court and not nearly as fast. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America and you are welcome to come out and give it a try.
1 to 3 p.m.– Bingo at the Guy Thompson Community Center. Come and spend an entertaining afternoon playing bingo. There is a wide variety of prizes available and refreshments as well. Your first bingo card is free and each additional card is $1.
6 p.m. – Panhandle Writers Group Meeting: Meet with area writers to critique and offer opinions on written works such as short stories, poems, and parts of books.
Friday – May 1
8:30 a.m. to noon – Pickleball: come play a game similar to tennis, but not on nearly as big of a court and not nearly as fast. This day is for those who want to come out for a fun recreational time and learn the basics of the game as well as the rules. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America and you are welcome to come out and give it a try.
9 a.m. – Yoga with Angela: An enjoyable exercise class for all skill levels. A relaxing and beneficial hour. Class is $5.
noon – Cards and games for seniors. Come out and enjoy games and refreshments at the Milton Community Center. This is a free activity.
5:30 p.m. – Tai Chi: Learn the Yang style 24 Form while increasing your flexibility and range of motion. Extend your longevity and keep yourself young while healing old wounds and arthritic ailments. Classes last around one hour and is $5.
5 – 9 p.m. – Riverwalk Market: The market will be held on the South Riverwalk in Milton and will feature fresh produce, local art, baked goods, hand-crafted items and much more.
7 – 9 p.m. – Bands on the Blackwater: Bands on the Blackwater this week will feature the sounds of The CrossTown Band has developed a huge following along the Florida Gulf Coast with a unique diversity and versatility from its members featuring a wide variety of music from classic rock, blues, top 40, county, and more covering the 1960’s to today.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Tai Chi comes to Milton