ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
State Rep. Donald Wong, left, gives Tai Chi instruction to Peter Rossetti, who is holding a Tai Chi position called “Hugging the Tree,” at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus on Thursday.
BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE
SAUGUS — State Rep. Donald Wong will teach a guided Tai Chi and Qigong class at Breakheart Reservation Feb. 6.
The class will be held inside the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center. Due to limited space, the class will be offered both from 9:45 to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
The Tai Chi and Qigong class will be free and open to the public but Wong is requesting that, if possible, participants make a donation to the Friends of Breakheart.
“We’re asking for a $5 donation if you can, more if you can (afford it), but if you can’t, it’s ok,” Wong said.
Wong began practicing martial arts in 1965 when he traveled overseas to Asia for three years for research, he said.
“I took lessons from a monk,” Wong said. “I also learned from a taoist lady for three years. I learned sanskrit writing and how to transfer energy from her.”
While in Asia, Wong spend time in Taiwan, parts of Hong Kong, and China.
“I learned qigong from the monk,” he said.
Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that integrates physical postures, breathing and focused intention. It’s used for health, spirituality and martial arts training and revolves around the transfer of energy.
Wong uses feng shui, which is about the placement of things. It’s commonly known in decorating with the placement of furniture, he said.
“I do that with people,” he said. “I help them with the placement of energy.
“I can also raise the temperature in people,” he said. “I can bring energy in or take it out.”
Taking energy out is beneficial to individuals with a condition such as a blockage , he said.
Wong said he also learned how to change molecules in water while at UMass Lowell.
Wong teaches a Tai Chi class every Sunday in Chinatown at Nam Pai Kung Fu Academy, where he is one of three co-owners.
“When parents are struggling and can’t afford (it), I ask to see the kids’ report cards,” Wong said. “They can get a scholarship to my school. They don’t have to get As but if the teacher says they are doing their best, that’s what (I’m looking for).”
Wong previously taught a youth group in Chinatown under the Chinese Masonic. He has also taught seminars in London, Italy, France, Bermuda, Asia, and the United States, he said.
“I have worked with Marty Walsh and Harvard Pilgrim Health,” he said. “I taught Tai Chi every Saturday for free of charge. Everyone who took it, their blood pressure went down.”
“My goal is to let people know that there are alternative methods that are not high impact exercises,” Wong said. “It won’t stress the heart.”
At the end of the class, Wong said he will be willing to work with people who are having discomfort.
“If it goes well, maybe in the Spring we can do it again outside,” said Anthony Guthro, park supervisor.
“If it goes well, I will do other classes to bring money and attention to alternative health (treatments) and to Breakheart,” Wong said. “The Friends of Breakheart do not get paid. They are volunteers.
“Funding is getting bad, we have to look to other options,” Wong said. All donations will go to Friends of Breakheart for future programs. It’s my way of giving back to my community. So many people use this place. People come from all over.”
Other candidates running against Wong for the State Representative for the 9th Essex District seat said they would be interested in teaching other programs.
“I would teach softball,” said Jennifer Migliore. “I played softball in high school and in college at Wellesley. I plan on being a saugus girls softball coach this year.”
Alternatively, Saritin Rizzuto said she would be more interested in teaching a financial literacy class.
“If people have that type of tool, it creates sustainability, makes a stronger community, and generates income,” Rizzotto said.
However, she said “I’m a runner — I run the boston marathon and I’ll continue to run.”
A movie night featuring a children’s film will also be held at Breakheart Reservation on Friday Feb. 9.
To register for Wong’s Tai Chi and Qigong class, call Maria at (781) 233-0834. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Breakheart Reservation, DCR, and Qi Farm: “We Grow Healthy People.”
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected].
