November's Health Hero: Gabriel Sanchez Teaches Seniors Tai Chi

Tu Salud ¡Si Cuenta’s! Health Hero for November is Gabriel Sanchez, a Tai Chi instructor who is spreading his knowledge and dedication to health through Tai Chi classes at the Pavilion in Dean Porter Park.

Gabriel Sanchez balances gracefully on one foot while his arms soar and slice through the air in athletic dance-like moves. This Tai Chi instructor is known for his infectious smile, and contagious enthusiasm. The group of diverse seniors, all in their sixties and seventies, come in all shapes, sizes and abilities, including one student in a wheel chair. The students focus intently on their instructor and push themselves to stretch and balance in graceful movements. Gabriel’s grace has not come easily. Born with severe scoliosis and other health challenges, he began practicing Kung Fu and martial arts nearly 20 years ago. "As a young man, I liked the rougher, fighting martial arts, and although my mentor was always trying to convince me to learn Tai Chi, I saw it as too ‘soft.’ But when I finally tried it, I realized it takes a lot of strength, balance, focus and dedication."

Part of Gabriel’s charm is his humility. "I don’t want the focus to be on me. A teacher is nothing without his students. The students are everything." His students are equally loyal to their instructor, and several of them have been doing Tai Chi with Gabriel for as long as six years. He is currently teaching classes for Valley Regional Medical Center’s H2U program for seniors. Astrid Valdiviez is one of those loyal students. "Gabriel has been an inspiration to me. He has overcome so much. I came here because I had some sciatica and my daughter, an occupational therapist, suggested I try Tai Chi. But Gabriel has given me so much more. Not only is my sciatica better, I have more energy, better balance, better focus. It has been great for me." Gabriel shares, "I really enjoy watching people come without any experience, sometimes without ever having engaged in physical activity. The Tai Chi benefits them in so many ways — physically and mentally. I benefit from it as well and that is why it is natural for me to want to share it."

Gabriel works at Vela Middle School as a para-professional. "I’m tired at the end of the work day and sometimes I come dragging into the [Tai Chi] class. But the students and the sport give me energy!" Watching Gabriel you can’t help but be inspired to try a new physical activity, regardless of your physical abilities. "Tai Chi is not a magic pill. It is an ancient art, but more importantly, it is movement." Gabriel’s message is that moving your body is essential for your health, whether you practice Tai Chi, ride a bike, or walk in your neighborhood…so don’t be afraid to try a new type of exercise, because Tu Salud ¡Si Cuenta! (Your Health Matters!).

Tu Salud ¡Si Cuenta! (Your Health Matters!)