And for more than five decades, Mok Lau, 79, has been leading people to the health and fitness benefits of the martial arts. The Fairfield resident, a native of Hong Kong, was recently inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

"It's quite an honor," says Lau, a kung fu master. Kung fu encompasses several martial arts, among them Lau's specialty, tai chi - a series of movements that emphasize balance, relaxation and mental focus.

"It's not for fighting, not to hurt people," says Lau. "You will never see a serious martial arts expert engage in a street fight."

Instead, Lau, a Greater Cincinnati resident for more than 30 years, divides his time teaching basic and advanced tai chi at the Mercy HealthPlex Western Hills, in Tri-Health facilities, and for the Wellness Community, where cancer patients and survivors learn tai chi methods to increase energy and reduce stress.

"We here in Cincinnati have a great treasure in Master Lau," says Joe Hamburg, 52, of Green Township, who has been under Lau's tutelage for almost three years.

At first, "it just sounded interesting," says Hamburg, who was just looking to explore exercise programs. After a few months of tai chi, however, he noticed a marked improvement in his physical and mental well being. Now: "I feel more in control of my body than I've ever been."

The hall of fame inducts about 200 martial arts experts each year, said executive director Marty Cale.