HAPPY SPRING!
This season we will be offering more than a dozen different courses, ranging from Tai Chi For Healthy Aging and Better Balance and A Taste of Tai Chi to Twelve Jings, Tai Chi Equipment Training and Wu Style Forms. Most classes are on Zoom but we also offer Tai Chi Qigong 101/Fundamentals in person, in Weston. Check our offerings and sign up soon!
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NEW CLASSES
TAICHI/QIGONG 101: FUNDAMENTALS
This course enables students to “enter the gate” of authentic Tai Chi, with a complete program of basic practices (jibengong) that are the foundation for all other Tai Chi forms, Qigong, and two-person work. Key principles of Rooting, Releasing, Pulsing, Spiraling, Alignment, and Flow are introduced through Stance and Posture work, Tai Chi Walking, Qigong and selected movements from the classical Yang Tai Chi forms. No prior experience necessary.
In-Person course starts Thursday, April 6, 1:30PM at Wightman Tennis Center, Weston.
Online (zoom) course starts Saturday, April 8, at 9AM.
DAN LIAN (Single Move Training)
Mondays, 530-630pm
"A hundred repetitions of a single movement is worth far more than a hundred different movements performed one time each."
Deep exploration of single movements (dan lian) is one of the key practices in original Tai Chi. Each week's class will focus on a single Tai Chi move (e.g. White Crane Spreading Wings) and will include at least 200-300 repetitions of that move; plus warmups and secondary movements to balance out the practice. Each move will be practiced as Standing Meditation; Moving Qigong; Interactive or Martial Maneuver; and Energy Pattern. Variations in Frame, Height, Speed, Footwork, and Intention will also be explored.
Improvements in Qi flow and understanding occur through this method that are unattainable in any other way. Open to those who have completed Tai Chi 101 or have at least 6 months experience.
WOOD IRON SILK STONE: Tai Chi with Objects and Equipment
Tuesdays, 530-630pm
In ancient times, practitioners of Tai Chi used rocks, logs, stone balls, iron weights, as well as staves, swords, spears and other weapons to enhance structure and alignment, increase root and mobility, and expand energy flow and extension. In this course, we will explore both traditional and modern equipment training to strengthen all aspects of our Tai Chi, including internal power, rooting, balance, intention, and Qi flow. Almost-immediate upgrades are guaranteed! Open to all levels beyond TC101/102.
"The 'Sticks and Stones" class was a delight, a challenge, and a necessity to Tai Chi practice and development."--Antonina P.
TWELVE JINGS
Thursdays, 530-630pm
Jings are expressions of energy with a particular quality or flavor, distinct from ordinary, untrained actions. Understanding the jings inherent in every Tai Chi form makes the movements “come alive”.
After reviewing and deepening our skill with Peng, Lu, Ji, and An (the 4 Cardinal Jings), we will explore 8 more advanced jings, that complete the inner content of all styles of Tai Chi. These include: Kao Jing (Shoulder)--whole-body force without the interference of the hands and arms; Ren Jing—Tenacious pliable strength, like a vine; Fajing—Sudden release of energy; Kong Jing (Empty force)-- the extension of energy beyond the physical body; and others.
Prerequisite: TC 101/102 , or at least 1-2 years of Tai Chi practice.
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TAI CHI FOR HEALTHY AGING AND BETTER BALANCE
Beginning with a grant from the Tufts Foundation in 2011, BTC has developed a unique program for restoring vitality and improving balance for seniors and those with balance challenges and increased risk of falls. Tai Chi For Healthy Aging And Better Balance (tm) uses Tai Chi principles of Rooting, Centering, Pulsing, and Flow to increase energy, reduce stress, and improve stability and balance.
"I had taken some bad falls. With Tai Chi it is never too late. I feel rescued and rejuvenated, able to take on the challenges of travel, raising grandkids, and my garden. It has made a difference in my competence, resilience, and general well-being. " (J.S.)
A new beginner TCHABB class is forming now. If you are interested, or know someone who would benefit from this class, please email don.miller@brooklinetaichi.org.
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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
THE TEN ENERGY CENTERS
Sunday, March 26, 10am-Noon (Zoom)
with BTC Director Don Miller
The "Internal Matrix" of Tai Chi consists of 10 Centers, connected to the Dan Tien and each other in a dynamic structure that animates and informs all postures and movements. These include the 3 Dantiens, the Lao Gongs in the hands and and Yong Chuen points in the feet, and others. In this workshop we will identify and activate each of the Ten Centers, and then connect them in both standing positions and actions. Upgrades in the Tai Chi experience guaranteed!
Open to all levels past 101.
BTC Members $65, Non-Members $85.
TEACUPS QIGONG
Sunday, April 9, 10am-Noon (Zoom)
with BTC Senior Instructor Allen Bourque
Originated in the Taoist art of Baguazhang, the "Teacups" exercise
is a powerful Qigong that activates spirals throughout the body, from the feet to the body, to the hands and head. It is both energizing and balancing , and once learned can serve as a fascinating stand-alone practice, or as a doorway to other internal work. In this workshop, we will spend the first hour learning individual components and then put it all together to form a
complete Qigong to work with on your own.
Open to all students with a minimum 1 year of any style of Tai Chi.
BTC Members $60, Non-Members $75.
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A TASTE OF TAI CHI
Always wondered about Tai Chi, but don’t know where to start? This is a perfect introductory short program that gives individuals a chance to experience the joys and benefits of Tai Chi, without having to commit to a full 12-week course. ATOTC introduces the essential Tai Chi processes of Quiet Standing, Rooting, Pulsing, and Mindful Movement, and is appropriate for students of all ages and levels of physical ability.
Sample your first ATOTC class for free. After that, you can purchase a special Introductory 3-Class Card for only $29.
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"If we surrendered to earth's intelligence, we could rise up rooted, like trees" --R.M. Rilke
