Martial Arts For Better Hearts At University Of Derby Buxton
21 May 2008
Robert Agar-Hutton takes visitors through their moves at the first University of Derby Buxton Internal Martial and Health Arts Day. Photograph by Tara Shaw.
I have been involved with the martial arts for all my adult life and am a firm believer in their health benefits.
”Robert Agar-Hutton, student on the Joint Honours Martial Arts Theory and Practice course.
It was as much 'martial hearts' as arts at the University of Derby Buxton, when instructors gave visitors a free insight into the health benefits of ancient Chinese healing techniques.
Ten instructors (including two University students) gave the public lessons in the basic moves of Tai Chi and Qigong - the gentle Chinese martial arts exercises used to maintain fitness and health - in free taster sessions, at the Dome at the Devonshire Campus, in Buxton. The event also raised funds for the British Heart Foundation.
Robert Agar-Hutton, 54 - the oldest student on the Joint Honours Martial Arts Theory and Practice course based at the campus and chief instructor of the Buxton Tai Chi Club - jointly organised the Internal Martial and Health Arts Day event on Sunday. Its success means a further such event, next year, is now being considered.
He said: "The day was an excellent one for everyone who attended and the support from the Tai Chi instructors and University martial arts students was fantastic.
"I have been involved with the martial arts for all my adult life and am a firm believer in their health benefits."
As well as the 50 minute taster sessions run for the public on the day, there was a skills demonstration by the instructors.
Sessions were free but donations were accepted on behalf of the British Heart Foundation, with more than £100 being raised.
A British Heart Foundation spokeswoman said: "The BHF is the nation's heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. We rely on donations of time and money to continue our life-saving work, because together we can beat heart disease."
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For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 593004 or 07876 476103, or email s.kirby@derby.ac.uk.
