Jeanette Chi in Tompkins Square ParkClaire Glass

In a particularly secluded part of Tompkins Square Park — on 10th Street between Avenues A and B — Jeanette Chi, 53, a nurse at an area hospital, practices an ancient form of Tai Chi, to channel her Chinese heritage and find a personal sanctuary within the East Village.

What’s this form of Martial Arts called?

This is Chen Tai Chi Quan. It’s supposed to be the oldest style of Tai Chi, the one off of which all of the other styles are based. It’s practiced in the Chen Village in Henan.

A General named Chen Wang Ting, decided to study medical Qigong, which concentrates on breathing exercises. His objective in the new form was to develop a form of movement that would combine meditative awareness with combat technique. So, the practitioner can develop wisdom and fight.

How did you become interested in this particular form?

I started many years ago with a teacher in California in 1982. From there I studied with another teacher and now found another teacher here named Yu Guo Shun who I feel have taught the most.

I thought it was really beautiful and wanted to learn something traditional that was also applicable to self-defense.

Does this connect you with your heritage?

I’m Chinese, but I’m Chinese American and grew up in American Culture. I didn’t find a connection to Chinese culture until I started to practice martial arts.

Why are these particular motions significant? What’s the technique behind them?

Every movement includes a spiraling motion. It’s related to silk reeling(http://www.taichichen.com/chenresources_videos.htm)—you’re developing a coil as you move—winding and unwinding.

The idea is to coordinate your joints in the foot, hip and spinal cord. I can feel is but it’s difficult to explain. In Chinese it’s called Chan Si Jing, which translates in English to spiraling dynamic.

Why do you come to Thompkins Square Park to practice?

I grew up here and have lived here on and off for 30 years. This is a quiet part of the park. It’s not easy to find quiet spaces outside. I want to be outside. I come out because you want to do it out amongst things.

What are the benefits of the practice?

I’ve gotten much stronger with this particular instructor. I feel calmer and more grounded. If I concentrate I can focus on it no matter what’s going on around me.