T’ai Chi Solo Form

The foundation practice of T’ai Chi Ch’uan is called the Solo Form. It contains a series of movements performed at a slow and relaxed pace. Each Solo Form class begins with a lesson. Then warm-ups, gentle stretches and joint-release movements designed to prepare you for T’ai Chi practice, followed by Qigong (chee gong, meaning energy work). Qigong is simple, relaxed movement combined with breathing patterns and techniques that produce a quiet, tranquil mind.

We teach the traditional Yang-style T’ai Chi form. The form is divided into three distinct sections. Each section builds on the previous section but can be practiced separately, giving the student maximum flexibility in creating a personal practice that fits their schedule. Our goal is to have a student finish a Solo Form class feeling calm, relaxed, and centered. Our mission is to assist and encourage a student to begin the journey of T’ai Chi as a lifelong practice. With its many health benefits, deep cultural and philosophical heritage, and the joy of solo, partner, and community practice, T’ai Chi is an art form that provides vitality and wellbeing for a lifetime.

T’ai Chi 43 Postures Form

The T’ai Chi Solo Form movements have a dual function of providing health benefits as well as a functional martial arts application. Once the Solo Form is learned, a student may begin to learn the T’ai Chi 43 Postures form. This two-person form, created by Paul Abdella, teaches a martial arts application for the postures in the Solo Form in the order they appear in the Solo Form sequence. The 43 Postures Form develops sensitivity in the body to external forces generated by a partner, highlights martial applications, and deepens the understanding and experience of the Solo Form.

Pushing Hands (Not Currently Being Offered)

Pushing hands, sometimes called sensing hands, comprises two-person movement practices designed to teach martial applications, feeling, timing, and an understanding of the fundamental techniques of T’ai Chi Ch’uan. Pushing hands classes may be joined after completing the Solo Form. Students begin learning the basic practices and work into more advanced methods. Our push hands classes are safe and highly structured. They develop a deep understanding of the Solo Form and T’ai Chi as a complete system.

Weapons 

Weapons practices using the Sword, Saber, Cane, and Fan are used to extend one’s energy beyond the hands, to develop different levels of power derived from the weapon and inherent in the Solo Form, and to help generate a refined aesthetic quality in the movements of the body. Each weapon has its own unique characteristics that develop specific skills. Weapons classes are open to students who complete the Solo Form.