Student Spotlight: Bob Rakstang

Bob Rakstang (3rd from left) and Ruth Dunning (1st on left) join students Kenji Mitsushiho and Gloria Smith
in celebrating Kenji and Gloria's first time through the Wu Style Short Form.

Bob, the dedicated Tai Chi student

Bob began classes at Chicago Tai Chi 6 years ago, initially at the "strong recommendation" of Susan Rakstang, Bob's wife.

Then, he got hooked.

Bob says, "At first, I felt uncoordinated, lacked balance, and lacked connection between my legs and my arms. Plus, I was 6 months from spine surgery and had just stopped using a cane."

Fast-forward several months. "Gradually, but steadily, I experienced noticeable improvements in leg strength, balance, gait, and stamina."

With time and practice, Bob, who never felt especially coordinated, experienced increasing "poise, flow, and full body coordination".

"The transformation has been a confidence builder—a whole mind/body/spirit practice."

Over 6 years, Bob's practice has included:

• Wu Style Tai Chi Short Form
• Opening the Energy Gates Qigong
• Old Yang Style Tai Chi Medium Form
• Dragon & Tiger Qigong
• Marriage of Heaven and Earth Qigong
• Wu Style Long Form (first half)

That's a dedicated student!

Bob (center) and Susan (second from left) enjoying a morning Tai Chi class (Old Yang Style),
along with Larry Friedman (left) and Tom Voitas (right)

Bob, the Combat Veteran

During the height of the Vietnam conflict, Bob served in the US Army (March 1968 to January 1970), attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Bob served a full tour in Vietnam. As a combat infantry Platoon Sergeant, Bob's missions included leading ambush patrols, establishing listening posts to monitor enemy movement, and providing security for operations near the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Bob fought in multiple battles, and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Bob the Soldier with a big smile, the day before leaving 'Nam.

Bob, the Company President

Following Army service, Bob began a 30-year career with the Hanna Corporation. Hanna Corp. is a manufacturer and global supplier of hydraulic and pneumatic motion control systems.

Starting in the stock room in 1972, Bob rose to company President in 1991, overseeing 225 employees and 3 plants in the Midwest. Bob retired from Hanna Corp. in 2002.

Bob, the Volunteer

Bob currently volunteers at JourneyCare Hospice.

His work at JourneyCare includes facilitating formal Pinning Ceremonies for Veterans nearing the end of life. Sponsored by the Veterans Administration, the Pinning Ceremony acknowledges the Veteran's service with a Citation, pin, and ceremony.

Bob in uniform for a Pinning Ceremony