LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Tai Chi enthusiasts or those wanting to try out the martial art in Fort Simpson can now do so without hurting their pocketbook.

In its third year, the Fort Simpson Tai Chi Club has moved to the Thomas Simpson School gym from the recreation centre. The move means the club no longer has to pay a fee for its practice space. That's good news for anyone looking to pick up an activity as the warm days begin to fade.

Fort Simpson Tai Chi Club teacher Yaling Xin, in the background, and student Teresa Watson practising a 24 form Tai Chi routine in the Thomas Simpson School gym on Oct. 7. - Tim Edwards/NNSL photo

"It's relaxing, it's good for strength building and flexibility. It doesn't take a lot of time. You can do it anywhere," said Teresa Watson, who has been a member of the club since its inception.

"You'd be amazed how much you actually feel it."

When Club instructor, Yaling Xin moved to Fort Simpson and people discovered she knew Tai Chi she was quickly encouraged to start teaching the craft.

"Here, winter's too long, too boring. I told people I know how to do Tai Chi and lots of people said they'd like to do that," said Xin. However, she added, it's best to do outside so you can breathe fresh air. The art focuses a lot on breathing techniques.

"It makes your body very relaxed, makes you comfortable," said Xin.

Watson said Xin is a good teacher.

"She's very patient with us when we're learning," said Watson with a laugh.

"When we we're learning it, the classes were about an hour because we kind of learned (the routines) in pieces. Once we were able to put the pieces together, now we go through the routine six times and each time takes about five minutes," she continued.

Tai Chi involves a series of deliberate moves and Xin times her classes to the beat of music. Each form relies on muscle control, breathing and balance.

Watson said that although the movements may not look like much, they can be hard work.

"One of the junior high teachers asked me to come and talk to her social studies class about it because they were studying ancient China," said Watson.

"Some of the students had seen us practising on Wednesday evening and said that it didn't look like a lot of work."

"With them I did just the first few forms and they were surprised at how much work it was," said Watson.

Classes are scheduled for every Wednesday and Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.