Lisa Nutt is a certified Tai Chi instructor who came to the practice through her own journey with balance and neurological recovery. She now teaches at Highlands Community Campus, helping students improve stability, coordination, and confidence through mindful movement.
Our Playful Tai Chi Community
I came to Tai Chi more than twenty years ago out of necessity. I have a long history of neurological damage that began in childhood with left-side paralysis and continued into adulthood after a reaction to an antibiotic caused permanent brain injury. My sense of balance was wiped out, my movement patterns were disrupted, and navigating the world became an extreme challenge. I have learned to walk three times in my life. Other than limited physical therapy, there was no real treatment.
Falling was a normal part of my days, often two to three times a week. At the time, I had two small children and a deep desire to be present for them. One diligent doctor took the time to look into anything that might help me regain function. She did not know why it would work, but Tai Chi was the one thing she could recommend.
Tai Chi gave me the ability to go back out into the world. Today, it gives me the opportunity to pass that gift forward.
A Community That Keeps Us Steady
Tai Chi at Highlands Community Campus is about creating a supportive community that helps people function at their best, in their own homes, enjoying their lives for as long as possible. Our Tai Chi players are teammates who cheer each other on, build each other up, and learn together.
Over the years, students have shared many moments that have stayed with me. A few have even used the martial aspects of Tai Chi to gracefully exit risky encounters. The moments that give me the deepest satisfaction, however, are when someone tells me they were about to fall, or did fall, and heard my voice in their head reminding them to “sink” or “stay calm.” Because of that, they stayed upright or avoided serious injury.
The financial cost of falls in our healthcare system is tremendous. The personal loss of function and independence can be devastating. Tai Chi gives people tools to stay steady, physically and mentally, in everyday life.
Our Tai Chi Program at Highlands Community Campus
We are now in our 15th year of Tai Chi classes at Highlands Community Campus. The program began with Jeff Graham, who built a strong and welcoming foundation. This year, I have stepped into the role of senior instructor, with Karen Valeta serving as junior instructor.
We currently offer six ongoing classes each week, along with special beginner sessions throughout the year. Every Tai Chi community is part of a worldwide network of players, all focused on self-improvement while adapting the practice to the needs of the individuals in the class.
If you asked ten people what Tai Chi Chuan is about, you would likely get ten different answers. At least nine of them would be correct.
What We Practice and Why It Matters
In our classes, we practice graceful forms ranging from shorter sequences for beginners to a hand form that includes 103 postures. We offer classes focused on balance and arthritis, as well as weapon forms using swords and sabers that challenge coordination and focus.
Tai Chi is not an exercise that ends when you walk out the door. It becomes a way of functioning in the world. It engages muscles, improves joint flexibility, enhances breathing and circulation, and strengthens coordination. It is also deeply neurological and mindful.
We move slowly and precisely, engaging the brain with every action. Tai Chi has been compared to learning a second language because of the mental focus involved. It may look easy, but moving slowly with intention is a powerful workout for both body and mind.
In our Tai Chi practice at Highlands, we focus on three primary elements:
- Alignment
- Rooting, or conscious balance
- Yin and Yang movement
All three work together to help people move with greater stability, efficiency, and confidence.
Stories That Stay with Us
Over the past eight years, I have had the privilege of working with many wonderful people, some who are now only with us in spirit.
One of my very first students was Ann. She was in her early nineties, tiny but feisty, and determined to continue living independently and walking the small dog she absolutely adored. Her children worried about her safety, especially while walking the dog. Ann came to Tai Chi to hold on to her independence for as long as possible.
We worked on rooting and alignment so her dog would not pull her off balance. Tai Chi helped her remain independent for over a year longer before illness required assisted care. Ann’s patience with a fumbling new instructor became a gift to both of us.
On Monday mornings, our advanced class practices weapon forms. There is something powerful about seeing eight to ten seniors moving in unison with swords and sabers. The astonishment on the faces of people passing through the gym is always a delight.
Each December, we gather for a holiday potluck to celebrate what Jeff started and what Karen and I continue to build. This year, one group suggested performing the Essential Form to O Holy Night. It was a moment where East and West blended beautifully.
Beginning Tai Chi Classes: A Wonderful Place to Start
If you are curious about Tai Chi, our Beginning Tai Chi class is a welcoming place to start. These classes are offered in different styles throughout the year. Both daytime and evening classes are available.
The next Beginner’s Tai Chi classes start February 24 and run for 12 weeks, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.
Students will learn the Tai Chi for Health Institute’s Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention sequence, taught by certified instructor Lisa Nutt (that’s me). This non-touch class follows the safety protocols of Dr. Paul Lam’s modified Sun Style Tai Chi and focuses on improving balance, coordination, and confidence.
This is a comprehensive 24-hour course, offered free once per year at Highlands Community Center (1228 E. Breckinridge St). Upon completion, students are welcome to join the ongoing Tai Chi class that meets on Mondays at 1:00 PM.
To ask questions or enroll, please contact Lisa at 502-533-8208 or tinglenutt@gmail.com.
Tai Chi is adaptable to all ability levels and ages. Wherever you are starting from, there is a place for you here. In Tai Chi, the more the merrier. We would love for you to come play with us!
Note: Tai Chi is a deep and broad practice, an ancient martial art with scientifically proven health benefits. For those interested in the medical science behind Tai Chi, I highly recommend The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi by Peter Wayne, PhD.
