“People need to learn how to relax more and take care of themselves. We need to learn how to appreciate other people’s points of view. People need to take time and slow down and appreciate each other. Open up and lead with their heart, study what that means.”
Hilo-born Randy Lau first moved to O'ahu in 1985 to attend the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. During his time in college, Randy received a Professional Diploma in Elementary Education and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction in Elementary Science Education. He soon landed a job in the Department of Education as a Science teacher and a technology coordinator. He worked with the DoE for 25 years and retired. Long-awaited, after retirement, Randy sought out his aspirations and acquired a massage therapy license. A feeling of inclination took over, as Randy states, “[I] always been interested in massage and healing.” Not stopping there, Randy continues to expand his expertise. Randy presently holds onto his captivation in teaching and now instructs Tai Chi for health and Qigong.
What drew you to teaching Tai Chi?
Randy Lau (RL): “I’ve always been interested in Tai Chi.” “It's really been the Tai Chi for health that has brought me to teach Tai Chi and Qigong.”
Growing up in Hilo, Randy was first introduced to Tai Chi by watching his mother and her friends exercising. During his youth, Randy would often dabble with the exercise, but it was not until he moved to O'ahu that he started to take it more seriously. One day, his Kung Fu instructor invited him to a Tai Chi class and while taking this class, it invoked his desire to teach and spread the knowledge onto others. Invested in the sport, Randy took his friend's invitation to privately teach her and her co-workers Tai Chi. Due to that experience, he was offered another opportunity by the same friend a few years later to obtain a certification from the Tai Chi for Health Institute. As a result, he was able to teach Tai Chi at several senior centers ( Lanakila Multipurpose Senior Center, Hi`Olani at Kāhala Nui, Papakōlea’s Kūpuna Community Care Network, and Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center). Presently he is more personally invested. Witnessing his mother in assisted living helped him understand how important a class like Tai Chi is and the number of health benefits it produces. In his practice, he strongly believes Tai Chi can assist in better health.
What is Tai chi?
RL: “In general, Tai Chi is a martial art, studying internal principles and how the body works with nature. But because of what it's studying, it's full of health benefits.”
Tai Chi is like a form of traditional Chinese medicine. It works to produce energy throughout all the inner organs of your body. Essentially, Chi (energy flow) can be built up by continuously practicing Tai Chi. "It is important," according to Randy - “You learn to stop wasting your energy. So, not only do you have a greater store of energy, you use less of it.” To build up the Chi, you need to be mentally and physically balanced. Therefore, Tai Chi helps to produce a more positive and healthier living.
What is something you learned from your experience?
RL: “As I taught Tai Chi and just teaching in general, my philosophy has changed, my personality has changed. It’s probably learning a lot more patience and acceptance. Try to understand the students’ purpose for being here and really understand the emphasis on health and well-being. I also recognize the health side you have to adjust for the population.”
How did you find out/connect with Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center and start teaching here?
RL: “I was contacted by the Department of Health [Injury Prevention Coordinator] Stan Michaels. At that time, Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center was looking for a Tai Chi teacher and Stan contacted me to see if I would be interested. And that was how it all started.”
What have you enjoyed most about teaching at Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center?
RL: “Meeting new people, being able to offer something personal to me. [Also,] sharing [the practice] and seeing the health benefits and the enjoyment of people who appreciate it. I love sharing [Tai Chi]. I want to share [my knowledge] with people who appreciate it and want to learn.”
How does what you teach contribute to active aging?
RL: “Tai Chi is a complete exercise in that initially it's going to get you moving. So, it starts as a physical exercise [and] it’s a gentle exercise. It attends to arthritis and fall prevention issues naturally. It gently stretches and moves the muscles. It’s a no-impact exercise. As the students learn, they can adjust the level of physicality.”
Randy emphasizes that Tai Chi is helpful in retirement. He explained that as soon as you stop using your body, your muscles decline. So, Randy mentioned that it is important to make an effort to use the practice of Tai Chi to keep not only physically but mentally active too. Active aging Tai Chi works to produce healthier cells and healthier lifestyles.
What is your favorite part apart from teaching Seniors?
RL: “They are just a lot of fun. In general, they are kinder. They can relate to everybody because they have gone through so much [in life.]”
What is your favorite activity or hobby you do?
RL: “Right now, it's cooking. I’ve become the Monday through Friday chef. I realize that when I’m in a rush. I enjoy the challenge.”
