FREE INTRODUCTION TO T'AI CHI CHUAN
Our free introductory T'ai Chi classes include a demonstration, a short lecture on T'ai Chi, and a lesson teaching you the opening movements. Check out our
current schedule of introductory classes below.
BEGINNERS' T'AI CHI CLASSES
The 37-posture Form is taught in 36 classes, divided into three sections: B1, B2 and B3. The moves of the form are thoroughly explained and practiced in classes which meet for one hour, once or twice a week. Daily practice is recommended. See class schedule.
THE EIGHT WAYS OF T'AI CHI CHUAN(sm)
This course introduces the fundamental principles of T'ai Chi movement essential to balance and relaxation. The Eight Ways are easy to learn and to perform and they require less time and space to practice than the T'ai Chi form.
For the T'ai Chi student, The Eight Ways deepens our embodiment of the form and accelerates our progress in the art.
This course is also ideal for people who are recovering from injury or illness, or who have not exercised in a long time. They allow each person to practice at his or her own level.
Special attention is given to applying these principles of movement to our daily activities, so that the benefits of T'ai Chi are taken into everything we do. See class schedule for info on upcoming Eight Ways workshops.
The Eight Ways of T'ai Chi Chuan(sm) is a Servicemark of the T'ai Chi Foundation, Inc.
ADVANCED CLASSES
We offer a complete curriculum for continuing study. Each course focuses on a different aspect of the art. Emphasis is on the principles of relaxed movement which are essential to progress.
Fundamentals
As in any art, there are fundamental elements that provide a basis on which one's practice may grow and flourish. In Fundamentals we include a thorough review of the Beginning Form in order to fill any gaps in our "body memory," examining in detail each posture and transition. This helps develop the postures of your form with a stronger foundation. The movements of the form, based on a deeper practice of T'ai Chi's underlying principles, provide increased health, awareness and balance. (30 hours divided into three sections: F1, F2, F3.)
Push Hands 1
In this course we introduce the work with partners known as "push hands." Despite the connotation, "push hands" is taught in a non-confrontational way, focusing on our own stability, balance and ability to interact with each other in harmony. (20 hours)
Intermediate Form
In this course, we progress to a deeper and more internal understanding and practice of the form. New concepts are introduced that enable us to integrate our form and push hands practice as one body of knowledge. (20 hours)
Push Hands 2
A continuation of Push Hands 1, but with the two-hand sequence and the principle of yielding introduced. In this course we establish a clear understanding and embodiment of push hands practice, refining our technique, sensitivity and awareness of ourselves in relation to others. (30 hours)
Push Hands 3
In this advanced course we focus on both form and push hands using self-observation to increase our awareness and release tension from specific parts of the body. 
Relaxation is emphasized with various breathing and meditation techniques used. (30 hours)
Intermediate Form Corrections
Our curriculum alternates study of the form with study of push hands. The insights we've gained in Push Hands 3 are used to further refine our intermediate form practice. (20 hours)
Apprentice Program / Teacher training
An extensive program designed to train students to become teachers is offered to approved students. Coursework includes advanced work in form, push hands and the sword.
Open Push Hands / Sword Form
The art of T'ai Chi Chuan has three main branches: the Form, Push Hands, and the Sword. In the Form, we learn about ourselves: our health, our balance, our ability to relax. In learning Push Hands, we expand our awareness to include interacting with a partner. Listening for tension and relaxation, we learn to stay relaxed and rooted to the ground while playing with the energy of our partner's movement. After Push Hands, we expand our consciousness still further with the longer reach of the sword. With the Sword Form and Fencing we now have moving feet rather than the fixed feet of Push Hands. We use the sword as an extension of our body and feel, through this tool, the expression of our spirit.
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