After martial arts expert Robin Bonazzoli led the members of the Harvard Woman’s Club through the classic “golden ball” meditation exercise at their Oct. 5 meeting, the usually chatty group eased into the quiet state of relaxation typical of students of tai chi, the ancient art of “meditation in motion.” Bonazzoli, who teaches tai chi for Harvard Adult Education every Wednesday night at the elementary school, came to the Woman’s Club to talk about her globe-trotting adventures as a musician, medical student, acupuncturist, and martial arts teacher with a special interest in holistic health.

A Bolton native, Bonazzoli went to Hampshire College for a degree in traditional Western medicine. On the cusp of accepting a scholarship for a medical degree, she unexpectedly fell in love—with the saxophone. She moved to New Orleans and played with many of the great talents of the jazz world before meeting her husband, who persuaded her to move to Japan shortly after their marriage. Ever the free spirit, she accepted.

In Japan, Bonazzoli was able to study with some of the top experts in the fields of aikido, Hsing-I, and tai chi, immersing herself in the long history of martial arts in Asia. After a bout of recurring typhoid contracted during a stint in Mexico, however, the learning become personal. She recovered sufficiently to return to Japan and learn the art of acupuncture, an art she now practices at Country Well Acupuncture in Bolton. Seeking to align emotional and physical health in a positive direction, Bonazzoli’s goal is to elicit a state of harmony with body, mind, and spirit. 

Flashes of earthy humor punctuated Monday’s lecture, which included a demonstration of the defensive posture of a gorilla and the coiled crouch of a tiger. Bonazzoli carefully explained the philosophy behind each kind of martial art, and the purpose of the carefully structured moves developed over thousands of years. The purpose of the golden ball exercise, she explained, is to align with and open oneself up to the vast energy of the world. 

Judging by the number of women checking their calendars to see if they could start a tai chi class, the lecture opened a new venue for exercise, growth, and learning for many.

For more information on the Wednesday night tai chi class held in the elementary school cafetorium, call Harvard Adult Education at 978-456-4118.