Yesterday afternoon, while most students were in class stressing over tests and homework, friends Zheng Wang and Tieda Sun took time out of their day to practice a relaxing form of martial arts known as Chen Style Tai Chi. Wang, who is pursuing his master’s of business administration at Western, is from Henan Province, China, which is where this form of Tai Chi originated. Wang lives at Mimosa Apartments, just off campus, and is happy that the weather is finally improving, so that he and Sun, a freshman from Liaoning Province, China, can practice. The parking lot behind Wang’s building provides the perfect place for this.

“We come outside for the space and the fresh air,” Wang said. Tai Chi, which consists of various breathing exercises, is said to be good for one’s health, providing multiple physical benefits. And now that spring is here, Wang and Sun plan to practice four times each week. However, the pair, who met in their English as a second language class just recently, have only been able to practice a few times thus far. Wang, who is more experienced in Tai Chi, helps Sun perfect his form.