Tai Chi

What is T’ai Chi Ch’uan:  T’ai Chi Ch’uan is a gentle moving exercise that gives students relaxation and movement coordinated with your breath.  There are a number of different T’ai Chi forms (just like there are different types of dance forms: the Tango, Walt, Fox-Trot, Two-Step, etc.) and the Yang Style Short Form (37 postures) is the form taught in this class.  These 1-hour classes consist of the Eight Pieces of Brocade Warm-Up Exercises, Silk-Reeling Exercises and Yang Style Short Form.  Moving meditation and beathing make up this gentle exercise for all ages.  

 

T'ai Chi is a defensive martial art, but this class does not teach martial applications but only teaches each of the 37 postures as a moving exercise for health benefits.  Often called “moving yoga,” T’ai Chi has shown remarkable health benefits; improving balance, improving leg strength and offering quiet, calming meditation as the form is slowly practiced during class.  T’ai Chi has also shown improved “mind/body” connection during practice.

 

No special equipment is necessary, simply comfortable shoes and clothes.

 

All ages and body-types are welcomed.

 

 

T'ai Chi Ch’uan for Seniors:  In this class, balance and rooting is emphasized to help reduce the chances of debilitating, dangerous, life-threatening falls. Special emphasis is placed on leg-strengthening and lowering the student’s center of gravity and balance-awareness.  All the other principals mentioned above are applicable. 

 

 

Meet your teacher:  Chip Forrester has been teaching Yang Style Short Form (37 postures) T’ai Chi Ch’uan for over 30 years. He makes understanding this exercise form simple and easy for beginners and experienced T’ai Chi practitioners alike.  He offers students a 1-hour class for quiet, gentle meditative exercises.