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TAIJIQUAN / TAI CHI CHUAN
(two ways of writing the same words)
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
The foundation for the study of Taijiquan is a series of movements (a "form" or "routine"), connected in a flowing pattern, and governed by principles of correct body usage. It is performed slowly in order to gain precision and deep body awareness.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO GAIN?
Taijiquan's benefits include stress reduction, flexibility, stamina, balance, and coordination, as well as basic knowledge of self-defense.
WHAT IS IT?
Practiced in China for centuries as a martial art, taijiquan has been developed in modern times for exercise, health, and meditation as well as self defense.
WHO STUDIES IT?
Taijiquan is suitable for people of all ages and levels of physical ability. It’s ideal for people who need to exercise but require a gentle system of movement.
TAIJIQUAN CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Curriculum includes barehand routines, weapons study, partner work and applications, push-hands, competition preparation, study of classical theory, and enrichment studies such as alignment, standing meditation, etc. Students may progress through the curriculum with the advice of the director or they may select courses according to their interest.
Yang Family Style Taijiquan, Courses
- 10-Move Yang Family Tai Chi Gong Form - Introduction to Taijiquan
- 16-Move Yang Family Routine - Introduction to Taijiquan
- Traditional Yang Family Style routines are the main style of instruction.
- Traditional Yang Family Style 103-move Bare-hand Routine
- 49-form Yang Family Demonstration and Competition Routine
- Saber: Traditional Yang Family Style Saber Routine
- Straight Sword: Traditional Yang Family Style Straight Sword Routine
Other Weapons of Taijiquan, Courses
- Fan: Flying Rainbow Taiji Single Fan, Taiji Gongfu Fan Spear: Taiji 16-form spear
Push-Hands and other Partner Work
- Yang style single-hand push-hands, double hand push-hands; moving step push-hands; Da-Lu, Applications and Eight energies partner work.
Ranking System for Taijiquan
- As the Winchester Yang Family Center, we use a ranking system of the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association. Participation in ranking is optional and never required.
STRUCTURE OF COURSEWORK AND CLASSES
Taijiquan courses are offered in eight-week Sessions. Classes meet on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. Drop-in attendance for taijiquan classes is available with the permission of the Director.
HOW TO BEGIN
WHERE DO I START?
Entry-level course for taijiquan is the "Foundation Course 1, Introduction to Taijiquan." This eight-week course is offered six times a year.
DO I REGISTER AHEAD OF TIME?
Pre-registration is recommended for all courses. On-site registration is available whenever the course has not filled, but you should call before arriving if you haven't pre-registered. Enrollment for Beginner taiji courses is open at this time (September 2021).
WHAT WILL IT COST?
Registration fee: New students pay a one-time Registration fee: $25.00 (includes a FREE school t-shirt)
Tuition: Tuition is $20 per class at this time (September 2021).
CONTINUING: A PROGRESSIVE CURRICULUM
SELECTING COURSES: WHAT DO I STUDY?
After you've been through the foundation courses, you may continue under several options.
We have a progressive curriculum that takes you through a specifically designed sequence of studies.
We also have elective courses that you can take any time.
You can always repeat a course, which is the best way to learn it thoroughly.
For some areas of the curriculum, there are certain "prerequisite" courses that introduce you to the basic skills and concepts and give you better success.
Most workshops or special events are suitable for anyone.
TAIJIQUAN PROGRAMS 2021
Courses, Schedules, Tuition
FOUNDATION COURSES
The introductory program is designed to help you get acquainted with taijiquan. Our primary study is Traditional Yang Family Style. Fundamentals include beginner movements, stances and footwork; taiji history and philosophy; work with balance, flexibility, strength, and body coordination. You will learn foundation exercises, body alignment, ways to relax, and Yang 10-form Tai Chi Gong, plus movements from the traditional Yang Family Hand Form.
FEE: $20 per class (September 2021)
ELECTIVE COURSES
Mindful Movement through Tai Chi and Qigong
Mindful Movement is a blend of taijiquan and therapeutic qigong. It uses gentle exercises to build mind-body connection. Each class includes mental and physical relaxation techniques; mild exercises for strengthening and flexibility; and work with balance and coordination.
Mindful Movement is suitable for all ages, and perfect for people with conditions such as high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, arthritis, asthma.
Gaining benefits doesn’t require years of study. A few minutes a day is enough.
You also learn the Tai Chi Gong 10-form routine, a short choreography that incorporates basic movements and traditional benefits.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS & COURSES
The Center operates a variety of supplementary programs and special events in Chinese martial arts and related arts in addition to the above curriculum. These include qigong, associated health arts, and oriental cultural and philosophical studies.
We offer courses of varying length, workshops, and private tutoring for all programs, taught by experts in the subjects.
These programs are arranged and announced during the year. Open to all students and to non-students according to subject matter.
Possible topics include review and in-depth study of current taijiquan routines, focus on challenging moves, principles of taijiquan, adaptation of traditional routines, other styles of taijiquan and other styles of Chinese martial arts, push-hands, partner work, self-defense, weapons, conditioning in flexibility and strength training, history of taijiquan, philosophy, cultural studies, feng-shui, and personal development. Guest instructors may be invited to present special topics.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons in all styles of taijiquan, qigong, and other internal styles (xingyi, bagua, liuhebafa) are available.
Taking group classes is a good way to learn the basic choreography of a form or the fundamentals of one of these arts. But if our group-class schedule doesn't match your schedule, private lessons can be the way to go.
A personalized lesson with a perceptive teacher is one of the best ways to accelerate your learning progress. Private lessons are particularly appropriate for more experienced students. However, individualized instruction is recommended for all students at various points during their studies and is essential for those who wish to advance to higher levels. The fee for a private class is $60/hour, $35/half hour for students enrolled in coursework at the Center. The fee for non-students is $65/hour. There is an adjusted scale for groups of 2 or more.
Call the Center (540-247-2283) for details and to arrange your personal session.
GENERAL INFORMATION
We have designed our programs and curriculum to provide you with many areas of study and enrichment for your life.
We hope you will join our "family" of students and teachers, and we look forward to a long and enjoyable association.
HOURS OF OPERATION AND CONTACTING STC-
The Center normally is open one-half hour before start of any given class for conducting business and for students to prepare for class. Additional times of operation may be announced or set by appointment. Call to 540-247-2283 to make special arrangements or for appointments. Messages are checked frequently.
DRESS CODE-
Wear clothing that allows you to move freely: sweat pants or track suit, school t-shirt. Soft-soled athletic shoes are required. No sock feet, no bare feet, please.
FACULTY
Pat Rice, Director and Instructor, is the primary instructor for the Shenandoah Taijiquan Center/Winchester Yang Chengfu Center.
Teaching Assistants-
Teaching associates for our programs are trained assistant instructors authorized to conduct classes and present instructional material at the Shenandoah Taijiquan Center, and they also teach at other locations in the area. Contact the Center at 540-247-2283 for information on their classes.
AFFILIATION
The Shenandoah Taijiquan Center is affiliated with the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association as the Winchester Yang Chengfu Center. The Association website is
www.yangfamilytaichi.com.
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