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Free Tai Chi classes held in Izmir's Guzelbahce district are drawing people seeking balance and mental calm to the seaside, taught by a coach aiming to popularize a practice built on balance, breath control, and meditation that helps calm the mind.
Sadeki, who reached out to the Guzelbahce Municipality, said he could offer free classes. Through the initiative launched by the municipality under its Ayse Mayda Healthy Aging Center, Sadeki began giving free one-hour classes on Wednesday mornings.
Resul Sadeki's classes quickly became a weekly meeting point for dozens of people of all ages, with participation rising rapidly.
Sadeki said that there is no age limit in the class, and that he has young and old participants perform the same movements.
Explaining that they focus more on the health aspect of the sport than its competitive side, Sadeki stated: "We started these classes every Wednesday morning. People come, they become happy. I'm very happy too. In Tai Chi Chuan, the movements are done slowly.''
''They're done together with breathing. All the cells work, and we get better oxygen. This way, the body and brain work well. All troubles pass this way. At first there were 20 of us, now 80-90 people come." He said.
Mutlu Babacan, who also attends the classes, said they were doing a sport that relaxes the body and brings peace. Noting that he has seen many benefits from the sport.
Babacan said, "I had pain in my left shoulder; it went away. I felt my body opening up much more, slowly starting to stretch. I had lower back pain, and I felt that slowly going away too. My spouse and I come together. It's a very enjoyable activity where we relax our bodies."
Engin Tezcan said he developed his breathing techniques through the training, and that he "came running" to the event because he knows it helps his mind and body.
Zerrin Senol said she has been attending the classes without interruption for four months, saying, "I wanted to try something new. I noticed it did me a lot of good, both spiritually and physically. I look forward to Tai Chi days.''
''We start the day more energized. You learn to stay balanced, to breathe correctly, to spend time with yourself. I repeat all the movements at home." She added.
Umran Eliacik noted that besides helping with balance, the sport also helps her wake up early in the morning.
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