• Sherie Vis

Teaching Tai Chi... Step by Step

If you've ever chanced across the Tai Chi classes held with the stunning backdrop of Narrow Neck Beach, you'll know that they're a sight to behold! In traditional-style satin jackets and trousers, participants create a wonderful spectacle as they practice the meditative martial art. This is thanks to Sherie Vis - a Milford resident and martial arts enthusiast who brings people together in later life to increase movement, create community and relax. Channel chatted to Sherie for her take on Tai Chi and ageing positively. 

Channel Magazine: How did you get into Tai Chi? 

Sherie Vis: I practised martial arts - karate - as a teenager and for many years. Tai chi seemed like a natural transition for me to progress into as I grew older. I always knew I was going to move on to practise Tai Chi. 

CM: Can you describe what it is for anyone new to this?

SV: Tai Chi is a time-tested art, which gently exercises the body and has proven health benefits. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easy to learn and delivers many benefits, very quickly.

CM: What do you love about it? 

SV: I love all aspects of Tai Chi!

CM: How often do you do Tai Chi personally, and how often do you teach it? 

SV: I practice Tai Chi daily. I teach eight classes throughout the week in several locations around teh North Shore . Classes are held indoors and occasionally I wil have an outdoor class. I am always looking to develop additional classes/programmes. I also conduct Tai Chi and Qigong workshops. Qigong, like TaiChi, encompasses a variety of gentle movements.

CM:  What, to you, is ‘positive ageing’? 

SV: Being able to continue to enjoy doing what you enjoy doing in life. Enjoying a life of quality. 

CM: Is there anyone that you feel is a particularly good example of this?

SV: I have many students in my classes that are great examples of this.

CM: If you could teach anyone in the world Tai Chi, who would it be?

SV: I would teach anyone who wanted to learn Tai Chi. 

CM: What are your top three favourite places on the Shore? 

SV: I enjoy the Milford location – this is the reason I chose to reside here. I enjoy the fact I can walk to the shopping centre via the beautiful Milford beach, crossing the marine bridge and through the park. Locals are very friendly and I often bump into someone I know.

Devonport is a beautiful location to visit. There is so much you can do from Devonport; such as catching ferries to the city or some of our Islands like Rangitoto and Waiheke. Mount Victoria is worth the climb, by day or night. 

Glenfield is a hive of activity. This is a location where my family grew up and my children went through their schooling years. It is a place that holds many fond memories.