Asia Society's Tai Chi classes with Henderson Smith exercise the Three Treasures of the mind, body, and breath using a practice that anyone can enjoy and benefit from.

The beginner course in Wu Dang Mountain 18 Form Tai Chi will cover the foundation of Tai Chi, the basics of its predecessor Qigong, and the mechanics of the movements, as well as introduce the value of Tai Chi for its 21st-century practical applications to reduce stress and improve health. Students will develop the foundation for a set of skills that will empower them to experience greater well-being at home, at work, and at play.

Each class will begin with Meditation and Qigong to establish an aware, centered state from which to learn Tai Chi in three parts, with a beginning, middle, and end. Students are encouraged to develop organically at their own pace, embrace their own unique considerations, and evolve in the capacity to better manage the thinking, feeling, and doing that influence their everyday lives. Because Tai Chi relies on the internal power of Qi ("Chi") with flowing, circular motions that rejuvenate rather than exhaust, students will find that it is the perfect way to end the day before getting a good night's sleep and waking up to a productive and successful morning.

Tai Chi will train the mind to focus and direct the internal and powerful energy of Qi. The movements are performed slowly with mindful intention to express this Qi energy through the body to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and range of motion. The result is a therapy to strengthen the immune, digestive, circulatory, skeletal, neurological, and muscular systems of the body. Each class will end with a brief meditation, questions, and discussion of that day's experience.

Course Dates

Mondays, September 10 – October 29, 2018 (8 weeks)
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Individual classes may be prorated at $30/week for Asia Society members or $35/week for nonmembers.

Additional Course

Level II Wu Mountain Form 18 Dang Tai Chi
Mondays, September 10 – October 29, 2018 (8 weeks)
Time: 7:45-8:45 p.m.
Individual classes may be prorated at $25/week for Asia Society members or $30/week for nonmembers.

About the Instructor

Henderson Smith is the Founder of Living Well Therapies and specializes in teaching Qigong and Tai Chi as the exploration of applied physical, mental and energetic self-mastery. He began the exploration of Qi (breath or energy) as a medium for healing and maximizing power with Sei Bu Do Martial Arts, under Grand Master Dr. Donald Swansey where he earned a 2nd Degree Black Belt. Henderson continued his study of Qigong as a system of self-care and self-control, earning a 350-hour Professional Certification with the (NQA) and a 200 hour Teacher Certification with the (IIQTC) under Dr. Roger Jahnke. Henderson has since earned advanced teacher certification as a Sr. Trainer with the (IIQTC) and has served as Lead Assistant on a 2013 and 2018 trip to China where he studied under 17th-Generation Master Zhou Jin Bo. Henderson has studied with a number of exceptional teachers including a brief time with Master Shi Xing Hao of the Shaolin Kung Fu Academy in Houston, Texas.

With a BS in Management and Marketing, 20 years of experience in the insurance and employee benefits business and a clear correlation between medical claims and the habits that drive them, Henderson formed Living Well Therapies in 2007. Founded on the understanding that each individual has the unique responsibility for managing him or her SELF, Henderson is committed to holistic wellness solutions that harness the power of our potential to exercise conscious control of our SELF (our thinking, feeling, and doing).

With a 7-year track record of improving pre to post program (SEA) Self Evaluation Assessments, Henderson’s unique approach to wellness is fast becoming a sought after asset for innovative companies seeking a competitive advantage through wellness programs that positively move the needle on behavior and self-responsibility. Meeting the needs of our “grow on the go” society, as CEO, Henderson and a highly skilled team launched MeTime 24/7 (MT) earlier in 2018. Accessible via cell phone, tablet, computer or TV, (MT) is a visually vibrant conscious media platform delivering Qigong & Tai Chi lessons directly to subscribers, wherever they are, whenever they need it.

Henderson is a founding member of the board of directors for the former Houston Wellness Association. He is also a Sr. Fellow with the American Leadership Forum (ALF), graduating in 2013 from Medical Class 5 with a focus on “Disruptive Innovation” applied to improving the health care system. Henderson is also a graduate of the United Ways Project Blue Print and Leadership Houston. He has been privileged to sit on the Board of the Park People and was honored to design a nationally endorsed benefits package for the United Way of America and its agencies in 2004.

For more information about Living Well Therapies: http://livingwelltherapies.net/

For more information about MeTime 24/7: http://watch.metime24seven.com

Education and outreach programs at Asia Society Texas Center are made possible through generous funding from Karen Chang and the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation. Additional support is provided by Friends of Asia Society Texas Center, a premier group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing the best in exhibitions and public programming to Houston.

Program Sponsors

Presenting Partner