We teach the Yang Style Long Form, which in its entirety is made up of 108 postures. Our Tai Chi 1 & II classes focus exclusively on the first section of the form (1 of 3 parts), in Intermediate we begin to move into the 2nd section slowly and in advanced, we began to move into the section, but we strongly emphasize that the focus of ones tai chi practice is not to rapidly make it through the full form or even to ever make it through the full form, but rather to truly internalize and embody whatever part of the form you know.
Whether you have committed 24 postures to memory or 108 doesn’t matter when it comes to the health benefits of this practice. And if you’ve moved on to new postures before really deepening in others, it will hinder your practice. So, we invite you allow yourself this opportunity to settle into your body and mind and take your time. It’s not a race or a competition. There is no rush. In fact, if you choose to repeat Tai Chi II every session, that is just fine. This is your time to improve your mind/body connection and your overall health. We are glad you are here!
For more details on the different levels, see the descriptions below.
Tai Chi I
This class provides students new to the Yang Style Long Form with an introduction to the first section of the form. This is a guided practice, both verbally and visually.
Tai Chi II
In this class, we continue to focus on the first section of the form, reinforcing proper structure and movements and gradually removing verbal cues. We begin to commit movements and posture names to memory so students can do the first section on their own at home.
Note: If you prefer a guided practice, Tai Chi II is a great class to take each session. No need to move forward.
Prerequisites: Must have completed 7 of the 8 Tai Chi I classes (make up options available: private lessons or alternative location).
Tai Chi Intermediate
In this class we deepen and refine the first section of form and begin to move into the second section. We fine tune and practice the first section without verbal cues and begin to learn the second through guided practice.
Prerequisites: Must have completed Tai Chi I & II (at least 7 classes of each), must be able to run the first section of the form with the class without verbal or visual cues. We highly recommend taking Tai Chi II twice before moving into Intermediate.
Tai Chi Advanced
In the advanced class we go deeper into our practice of the form, studying advanced concepts of tai chi. We take the form more internal by connecting with tai chi philosophy and exploring nuances and variations of movements, eventually moving forward into the 3rd and final section of the form.
Prerequisites: Students move into this class by instructor invitation only. Must have completed Tai Chi I, II and two sessions of Tai Chi Intermediate to be considered. Must be able to run the first section of the form into the majority of second section independently, without verbal or visual cues. Must have a regular home practice.