TAI CHI CLASSES

Develop physical and mental fitness and find a new harmony of the mind, body and spirit using this ancient Chinese martial art. Mastering the essentials of Tai Chi is especially valuable for bodyworkers, medical Qigong therapists and acupuncturists alike because Tai Chi teaches centering, natural bodily alignment, grounding, and integration of posture, breath and intent. These skills help reduce body stress and fatigue and maximize physical power and qi flow when treating.

Tai Chi - Level 1
Starting with basic movements, warm-up techniques and breathing exercises, you will learn a short 13-step Tai Chi set of flowing natural movements done slowly with calmness, balance and awareness.

Chen Style Tai Chi – Level 1
Chen Style Tai Chi is the mother of all main Tai Chi styles taught around the world today. You will learn its sinuous and beautiful spiraling movements, open up your joints, increase your strength, balance and flexibility, and learn the meaning of true internal power. Chen Style Tai Chi’s unique features include a more obviously martial flavor than it's offspring Tai Chi styles, changing it's tempo from slow and soft movements to sudden movements of grace and power. Because of Chen Style’s vigorous movements, it is most suitable for younger people in relatively good physical condition who also have are interested in Tai Chi’s martial arts features in addition to its health promoting benefits. Prior martial arts experience a plus.

Tai Chi - Level 2
You will refine and correct the movements learned in Tai Chi 1. You will also begin to explore the principles of Yin and Yang, and discover deep relaxation in movement.

Tai Chi - Level 3
In Tai Chi 3, you will be introduced to the rarely taught "inner structure of Tai Chi." You will be given time-tested traditional principles for developing structural alignment, drawn from the Tai Chi Classics.. This knowledge is the key to integrated power, grace, grounding, and increased qi flow in your Tai Chi.

Tai Chi - Level 4
Tai Chi 4 deepens your exploration and mastery of Tai Chi's inner structure. We will also begin Tai Chi two person practice, called tui shou or Push Hands, where you will develop sensitivity and learn practical applications of Tai Chi with the aid of a partner.

Tai Chi - Level 5
Tai Chi 5 enhances your ability to stay grounded, centered and calm in the midst of everyday stress. You will expand your repertoire of poised responses through new Tai Chi partner exercises, and will learn the practical use of the 13 postures of Tai Chi as related to the eight trigrams and five elements.

Tai Chi - Level 6
Tai Chi 6 introduces the moving step exercises of Tai Chi partner practice. You will acquire the art of skillful distancing and timing, and will learn both Tai Chi martial applications and the way of neutralizing these applications.

Simplified 24-Style Yang Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan)
Simplified 24-Style Yang Tai Chi was created in the 1950's as the National Tai Chi form in mainland China. It features many of the major movements from the original 108 movement Yang Tai Chi form, but without the numerous repetitions present in the long form, and can thus be completed in 5-7 minutes of practice. As a short form, it is well suited for modern people with busy lives who still desire an exercise system for fitness and health. Simplified 24-Style Yang Tai Ch is the world's most popular version of Tai Chi, and is featured in Tai Chi form competitions internationally.