Azad's Tai Chi Saves a Student's Life

Every so often a student shares a story that reminds us why we teach the way we do. Carol Kelly, a Tai Chi student at Azad's Martial Arts Center, sent us the following account.

"Last Saturday, while at the theater, I had a heart attack. Massive chest pains that spread up to my face. I told my husband that we needed to go to the hospital. As soon as I could walk, he got me to our car, and took me to Enloe Emergency. In the car I remembered the triangular breathing that Mr. Gantt had taught us in Tai Chi, and did it for the entire car ride, and continued in the ER. They kept me over the weekend and ran a chemical stress test, which makes your heart race like crazy, so again I used triangular breathing.

They found no damage to my heart, thank goodness. My cardiac doctor said that the Tai Chi breathing likely saved me from further complications and praised the practice highly.

I am so grateful to be a part of this program. Thank you."

— Carol Kelly, Azad's Martial Arts Tai Chi student

Breathing work is a core part of what we teach in Tai Chi — not as an add-on, but as the foundation. It is a skill that stays with you long after class ends.

Learn more about our Tai Chi program or get in touch.