Tai Chi ("T'ai Chi, T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Taijiquan"), "Interplay of Universal Forces Boxing," is a refined system of exercise, moving meditation, and self defense. The Tai Chi movements, repeated and trained regularly, build internal strength, awareness, sensitivity, and martial functionality. Each gesture and technique contain lessons in the interpretation and management of life energy ("Chi" or "Qi")--practical, relational, health enhancing, and martial.

As a form of meditation and personal development, Tai Chi practice provides a reliable template through which a tangible sense of the eternal may be realized and brought into one's daily life.

Tai Chi is practiced by millions for its health benefits; a fact that continues to become accepted throughout the world, not just by its adherants, but by medical science as well.

Although modern practitioners are typically drawn to the graceful pace and tranquil mind-body state brought on by performing Tai Chi, it was originally conceived and taught as a complete approach to the martial arts. A basic understanding of Tai Chi defense applications is helpful in learning to perform the movements correctly for their health enhancing benefits. We provide this instruction in a friendly, non-threatening manner. Continuing students are taught the martial aspect of Tai Chi Chuan according to their level of interest, and embodiment of the underlying principles of the art.

Our Yang style curriculum is based on the teachings of Professor Cheng Man-ching. We practice his 37 posture adaptation of the Yang style solo form, push hands (two person exercises), Tai Chi Sword form, and fencing.

Professor Cheng's form is charactarized by its emphasis on vertical posture (excellent for regaining and maintaining spinal health), almost casual application of the gestures, and a remarkable combination of somatic sensitivity and power.
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Chi Kung or, "Qigong" (pronounced Chee Gung), means "energy work" and is a broad term that encompasses a range of exercises to benefit all aspects of human potential.

The exercises we teach loosen, stretch, strengthen, balance & align the musculoskeletal system, dissolve tension and chronic pain, enhance the flow and build your reserves of energy.
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Chi Kung practice calms the mind and reduces stress, balances physical and emotional energy, expands awareness, and helps develop a compassionate, natural approach to relationship with self & others. Our Chi Kung training is integrated into every class we offer, as well as in workshop format.

Pa Kua Chang (Eight Trigram Palm; also,"Baguazhang") is a rare yet complete system of self-defense, healing and meditation. Its hallmark practice consists of vigorously walking in a circle and changing directions while performing twisting, coiling sequences of movements. As a fighting system, Pa Kua teaches evasive footwork, powerful palm striking while in motion, and defending against multiple opponents. Practice of the Pa Kua palm changes (choreographed sequences that train whole body power) increases stamina, improves body alignment, creates supple joints and strengthens the tendons and sinews. The continuous circle walking calms the mind, and makes one more surefooted and grounded in the constant change that is inherent whether fighting or simply living.

Wu Chi Kung Fu (formless boxing) is an approach to internal martial arts training, rather than a particular style. Practitioners first become acquainted with "Wu Chi Movement" (WCM): the free physical movement of the body responding to its internal and external environments. Students learn to use WCM as a source of energy for conditioning, self healing, and martial interaction.

Students are guided towards individual root martial form expression: the effortless power, movement and technique which flow from within. The strengths of each individual are naturally encouraged, as is the potential for adaptability that may be learned through this system.

In "parameter" training, students learn to utilize the "mind over matter" technique spoken about in the classics. Techniques of many styles, including those students may have had previous training in, can be adapted into this system, which is appropriate both for the novice and advanced martial artist seeking full expression of their potential.
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