T'AI CHI CH'UAN This is an ancient Chinese martial art that is meditative in nature. Slow, soft, flowing movements in rhythm with the breath and the natural range of motion of the body lead to inner peace, good concentration, balance, and a generally healthy condition. Equally suited for women and men of all ages, it avoids injuries and overactivity. Just a few minutes of daily practice lead to energy without tension, strength without hardness and vitality without nervousness. The body becomes graceful and flexible as the mind is relaxed and focused. YANG STYLE SHORT FORM Often called the "Supreme Ultimate System of self-defense", Yang Style T'ai Chi embodies fluid, harmonious movements. It is not only a martial art, but also a healing art to balance body and mind. Current Class Schedule and Locations Upcoming Class Schedule and Locations CLASSES AVAILABLE IN T'AI CHI Level One - First Third Of Form Level Two - Second Third Of Form Level Three - Last Third Of Form Level Four - Corrections Class Level Five - Pushing Hands Level Six - Energetics & Martial Applications Level Seven - Sword PUSHING HANDS In this advanced class, you will practice this gentle but powerful martial art with a partner, learning to join the movement of your partner's pushing hand to lead the force into empty space without losing your stance. You'll discover your personal balance through your opponent, who, like a mirror, reflects your own strengths and weaknesses. Current Class Schedule and Locations Upcoming Class Schedule and Locations T'AI CHI SWORD This is an advanced form of T'ai Chi that enables you to extend your internal Ch´i (energy) into a weapon. To learn the sword form, one needs the root developed by empty handed T'ai Chi. After completing Level 4 of the solo T'ai Chi Form, students may request an invitation to this advanced class. Here you will learn the Yang-style sword form and practice gentle sword play with a partner. Current Class Schedule and Locations Upcoming Class Schedule and Locations T'AI CHI CH'UAN This art strengthens, cultivates and balances the inner energy of the human organism, the vital life-force known as "Ch´i." Whether one wants to practice T'ai Chi as a health exercise, a meditation, or a martial art, the fundamental principle remains the free flow of energy. The "strength through softness" which one achieves is not only on an interior level in the sense of inner peace and self-confidence -- the body actually changes as well. A famous Chinese saying about the effects of T'ai Chi states, "One will gain the pliability of a child, the strength of a lumberjack and the peace of mind of a sage." The cornerstone of T'ai Chi practice is the solo exercise referred to as "the form." In addition, there is partner practice called "pushing hands" which imparts benefits beyond good health, notably, the mastery of a practical and peaceful method of self-defense and the transcendence of fear. Masters of the art explain that we first practice the Form to know ourselves and then practice Push Hands to learn how to interact with others. At the more advanced levels of T'ai Chi, a student can also pursue weapons technique such as T'ai Chi Chien, which means the sword form. T'AI CHI CH'UAN FORM The basis of T'ai Chi is a series of movements that flow from one into the other. The moves are performed in an upright position with the feet on the ground and the eyes open. The main idea is to relax both the body and the mind, to avoid the tightening of the muscles, to remain calm and aware... then the "Ch´i" flows. This calming and restorative form of T'ai Chi, named after the family Yang, is the most popular and widespread of the various T´ai Chi styles. In the Level 1 course, one learns the famous "first third" of the Yang Short Form. This series contains thirteen basic moves which require only about five minutes total to perform. After completion of the first course one can learn the rest of the Short Form in the Level 2 and Level 3 classes. Level 4 is a corrections class open to all who have completed the other three levels. In this advanced class, we deepen the form through energy work and fine-tuning of body-positioning.

MAIN INSTRUCTOR TANYA EPP, DOM Tanya began her study of T'ai Chi Ch´uan in 1985 and started her teaching in Zurich, Switzerland in 1992. Her sword practice began in Malaysia in 1994 and she was presented a sword from the President of the Beijing Wushu Association on her trip to China in 1998.