Whether you are brand new to Tai Chi or wanting to revisit what you have learned, there will be something here for you.
What we teach - and why
My first experience with tai chi was in the early '90's. I learned the "108 moves" in a short amount of time and I loved it. But knowing what I know now, I recommend a different approach.
By starting off with shorter sequences, or "forms" of tai chi, you can develop good habits and a solid foundation. It took me a long time to undo years' worth of poor knee positions and postures. Begin with quality over quantity and then you can apply that to so many other things!
In 2012, I attended my first workshop by Master Sam Masich and wow, what an eye-opener! I loved his development of "5-Section Taijiquan". This provides practical, short tai chi forms that are not only excellent (and fun!) if you are a beginner but also if you want to add deep, core fundamentals and understanding to your tai chi practice.
Wendy
Beginner's Class
You will learn:
- 5-Section Taijiquan Solo Bare-hand form (Yang Style) composed of 20 movements
- fundamental warm-ups (wuduanjin)
- standing meditation (zhan zhuang)
- brief introductions to the philosophy underlying Tai Chi (Taoism)
BONUS: Video resources to help you remember what you learned in each class!
Level 1
You will deepen your understanding of Tai Chi movements through continued practice of the 5-section taijiquan Solo Bare-hand form (Yang Style) as learned in the previous courses.
Now that you have a sense of the “choreography” you can begin to apply fundamental Tai Chi principles to each movement to improve your ability to shift your weight, relax your shoulders, maintain your alignment and experience a more a natural flow of movement.
What is
5-Section Taijiquan?
5-Section: 5 (Wu) is a significant number in this program. Each form is divided into 5 sections and they correspond to each other across the forms. It's quite brilliant!
Taijiquan: Most of us are not used to the spelling "taijiquan" but this means the same thing as "tai chi" . Watch the video to learn more.
Where you'll begin:
- 5-Section Taijiquan Solo Bare-hand form (Yang Style)
You will learn 20 key movements and
get a sense of the structure, stances, purpose and flow of the movements.
Simply register with us to get started!
Intermediate learning options include:
- 5-Section Taijiquan Partner Bare-hand form
- 5-Section Taijiquan Solo Sword Form
- 5-Section Taijiquan Partner Sword Form
- 5-Section Taijiquan Solo Bare-hand Form (Chen Style)
- 5 Section Taijiquan Solo Bare-hand Form (24 Form)
Plus much more!
Questions?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, indoor shoes only. Ideally flat soles with traction, or yoga socks.
That's completely up to you. There are many paths in tai chi and you get to choose what most interests you!
No mat or special equipment needed. Bring water.
There are many different styles of tai chi so you will notice some differences depending on the style you have learned. All styles of tai chi have something to offer. Eventually, we may add the 108 movement solo bare-hand form to our curriculum based on student interest.
5-Section Taijiquan
Demonstrations
Solo Bare-hand form (Yang Style)
Wendy, Jill, Mary and Roger
Partner Bare-hand form
Wendy and her son, Nolan
2016 World Tai Chi Day was held at the Mississauga YMCA
Solo Bare-hand (Yang-style)
Instituto de Movimiento y Salud
2019 Masich internal Arts
Full Curriculum Week
Partner Sword Form
Réal & Tim
2019 Masich internal Arts
Full Curriculum Week
Solo Bare-hand form (Chen Style)
Adriaan
2017 Masich internal Arts
Full Curriculum Week
Solo Bare-hand Form &
Solo Sword Form Synchronized
Yanira & Sam
2018 Prince George, Canada