Every Monday and Thursday, during the early morning freshness, embraced by the San Gabriel Mountains and caressed by the gentle touch of the oaks in Macdonald Park, several Villagers and other seniors from the community gather for an hour plus of socializing and Tai Chi. This has been their practice since 2002, long before the Village was formed. The event is known as the Senior Tai Chi Class formerly led by Peter Kwong, an actor (“Big Trouble in Little China” and “Golden Child”), skilled martial artist, dancer and activist. Typically, twelve to sixteen seniors show up. On some days, Villagers are half or more of the attendees.

Paula Rao was the first to join in 2002. She later introduced Barbara Madden to the class and was followed a few years later by Sally Asmundson. In 2011, during the social chit-chat that always precedes and follows class, Barbara told Paula and Sally about a meeting to launch the formation of a seniors group that would become the Pasadena Village. The rest, as they say, is history. Their contributions to the Village are legendary.

The Senior Tai Chi Class and the Pasadena Village relationship works both ways. Some people learn about the Village through the class, and some learn about the class through the Village. Clearly, both groups share an affinity for living life to the fullest through connecting, sharing, giving, receiving, and contributing. Some call this the Super-aging formula: a lifestyle combining social connections, movement, stress reduction, mental stimulation and quality sleep. Both do all these things. The Village excels at quality relationships and mental stimulation while Senior Tai Chi promotes movement, quality sleep and stress reduction. As Betty Ann Jansson says “both create community.”

Peter, of course, was a major part of the success of the Tai Chi Class. As the lead, he guided us through the warm-up and called out the 108 forms (movements) that populate the practice. However, the most impactful 15 to 20 minutes of each class included what Peter called the lesson of the day. This was Peter at his most engaging when he would draw from his craft as an actor, dancer and martial artist to creatively demonstrate and break down one of the 108 forms. With humor and a keen sense of timing, he showed us the health benefits of Tai Chi, how it could help us move and improve our balance and how Tai Chi could allow us to live our lives better in general. Here is how Ann Scheid described Peter:

He inspired us and calmed us, gave us strength and mobility

His movements were like running water

He had no joints, no sharp corners

All was fluid and of one piece, singular and together

We moved as one, following and shaping the space

His gentle voice gave direction

But his movements counted more

They inspired and led us toward a better day, a better week, a better life.

Peter passed unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. He had taught class the day before. The class has met every Monday and Thursday since his passing and shows no signs of slowing down. We take turns leading the warm up, playing a recording of Peter calling out the 108 and enthusiastically engaging in the before and after social chit-chat. We’ve ordered T-shirts and a breakfast potluck is in the works. Join us. It’s a wonderful group of people and a great way to start the day.

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