Tai Chi & Chi Kung

We offer classes in the ancient martial art Tai Chi Chuan (taijiquan), now practiced primarily for its health benefits, in addition to Chi Kung (qigong), a form of gentle breathing exercise that develops your Chi energy (qi). Tai Chi and Chi Kung have both been the subject of scientific research, which has demonstrated its benefits for a variety of minor mental and physical ailments. It is particularly well-suited to people who cannot do more intense aerobics, or for people who prefer a gentler, more relaxing or spiritually fulfilling form of exercise.

Beginning Tai Chi and Chi Kung for Health is ideal for those who have no experience in either art. Following a few minutes of warm-up exercises, students practice a simple, easy-to-learn Chi Kung set called Taiji Qigong Jianshen Bafa (Taiji Qigong Eight Exercises for Health). Then we teach, step by step, a basic form called 24 Form Simplified Yang Style Tai Chi. Set to beautiful music, this form contains 80% of the movements of the traditional routine, while eliminating most of the repetitions. A student coming attending one to two hours a week can finish learning 24 Form in three to six months.

After learning 24 Form, students progress through a series of barehand and later weapons routines, dependent on their interests. Most students first learn 48 Form Tai Chi, a combined form of four different traditional styles, before going on to traditional Yang Style, Chen Style, Sun style, or other barehand sets. We also teach Tai Chi Straight Sword, Tai Chi Broadsword, Tai Chi Fan, and other weapons.

We frequently offer classes in push hands and tai chi applications to intermediate and advanced students.