The new super max prison, added to Folsom in the
nineteen eighties, is one of the most secure and
most violent prisons in the United States. Since
1998 this has been the proving grounds for non
martial practices. Nearly seven thousand men have
learned and practice both T’ai Chi Chih and sitting
Qi Gong. A small preliminary study has shown that
men who have learned these practices are successful
upon parole ninety four percent of the time.
Other prison activities--such as education,
religious and self help programs-- have a recidivism
rate (the rate inmates return to prison for new
crimes or parole violations) of seventy to eighty
percent. One would think these numbers would
deserve greater scrutiny. Perhaps a University of
California sponsored study.
By: James K. Hecker, T'ai Chi Chih Teacher
This is the dream everyone wants and needs. Imagine
safe streets in towns, cities and in the
countryside. No need for security systems. Billions
in tax dollars saved because police departments and
prison staffing is reduced to the size required for
service, rather than war zone sized crime fighting
departments. Finally we are safe, our families are
safe, and especially our children are safe. There is
an answer that, in early studies, has been proven to
reduce crime by up to ninety four percent. The
answer is T'ai Chi Chih and Qi Gong non-martial
practices in prisons. This is no laughing matter. In
the Orient, morning Qi Gong in prison is a required
function. The numbers of prisoners who are released
from prison and return after committing new crimes
in these countries is miniscule.
Of course prison officials are not going to allow
the teaching of martial arts behind the walls. That
would not be wise in any case. However, non-martial
art forms are now being taught in many prisons
through out the United States. The result is always
the same. Violence is reduced, prison recidivism is
reduced, and community crime is reduced.
The question is: Why are non-martial forms of Qi
Gong not being taught in every prison? There are two
answers to this question. First, there are just not
enough teachers willing to put themselves at risk
and enter prisons to teach. Second, there are still
many prison officials that are not educated in Chi
Kung or Qi Gong, who believe that all forms are
martial. The officials either put a stop immediately
to requests to teach behind the walls or hinder the
programs in such a way that they become ineffective.
After all, there is organized crime. On the other
hand, there is an organization--built around crime--
that is so large and employs so many, that to
threaten it by reducing crime so drastically would
cause major socioeconomic shifts.
Folsom Prison blues is not just a country western
song. It is a prison that houses over eight thousand
inmates just outside of Sacramento California. It is
divided into two sections. One is the new super max
prison and the other, a medium custody facility
known as old Folsom. Old Folsom was built in the
1850's as the end of the line for prisoners. They
never left, even after death their bodies were
buried in a number marked grave yard behind the
prison. The new super max prison, added to Folsom in
the nineteen eighties, is one of the most secure and
most violent prisons in the United States. Since
1998 this has been the proving grounds for non
martial practices. Nearly seven thousand men have
learned and practice both Tai Chi Chih and sitting
Qi Gong. A small preliminary study has shown that
men who have learned these practices are successful
upon parole ninety four percent of the time. Other
prison activities--such as education, religious and
self help programs-- have a recidivism rate (the
rate inmates return to prison for new crimes or
parole violations) of seventy to eighty percent. One
would think these numbers would deserve greater
scrutiny. Perhaps a University of California
sponsored study.
Yes, an end to crime is a dream in the mind of
society. In the past officials have only thrown up
their hands, saying an end to crime is an
impossibility. But now the T’ai Chi Chih and Qi Gong
non martial art practitioners and teachers know that
there is a real possibility. A possibility of safety
from crime and peace throughout our nation and the
world--This dream can come true. It has in one small
community in California. If one of the most infamous
and tough prisons in the world, Folsom Prison, can
have a successful T’ai Chi Chih and Qi Gong program,
what is stopping the others.
This is a call to all non-martial Chi Kung and Qi
Gong teachers. Consider your Community. Volunteer a
little time in a correctional facility.
For more information regarding teaching non martial
Chi Kung and Qi Gong in the Correctional system,
contact Jim at: Jim@taichichihbyjim.com