Jul
6
to Sep 28

Five Section Tai Chi Short Form

The Five Section Short form, created by my teacher, Sam Masich, is an excellent form to learn for many reasons. Here are a few:

  • It is a great point of entry for those new to Tai Chi. The movements are fewer and easier to learn.

  • It takes far less time to learn this form than the traditional long form, less time to practice, and less space is needed for practice.

  • The Five Section form easily lends itself to practice in both left and right directions offering a balanced and satisfying practice session.

  • It is an excellent form with which to study deeper fundamental principles and then carry that learning into the traditional form.

  • For more advanced students, it serves as a way into more free form practice of Tai Chi movements and principles.

CLASS DETAILS

When: Monday evenings - 6:30 to 7:30

Where: Silver Beach Elementary School - Meet in the main playground area. If it rain, it’s just a few short steps to ample cover. 

Tuition: 55/month. We should be able to complete this set within a few months. 

5 Section Resource Page - Movement list, videos, and more HERE

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Qigong I - Principles and Practice
May
6
to Sep 23

Qigong I - Principles and Practice

Qigong can be thought of as the cultivation of our energy and awareness. 
It is a truly holistic discipline that develops good body mechanics, conscious breathing, deep relaxation, coordinated movement, and spacious awareness. 

In this series we will explore the core principles of all good qigong; we'll learn the popular Baduanjin set (eight pieces of brocade), Heaven and Earth qigong, Five Element Zhan Zhuang, and Shuxin Pingxue Gong (Balancing the Heart}. We will also emphasize an intuitive and feeling based approach which takes experience deeper and encourages us to master and own our practice.

Video references and handouts will be provided to make home practice easy between classes. :) 

I hope you will join us! 

Class Details:
When: Monday evenings 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm -- Beginning Monday May 6,  2019
Where: 1029 North Forest Street (The Majestic lower level)
Tuition: 55/month
Things to Bring: Comfortable clothing, water, notebook optional, a blanket or yoga mat is encouraged
Confirm your place by calling 360.318.4433 or email artbaner(at)gmail.com

 

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Oct
3
to Feb 27

Beginning Yang Style Tai Chi Long Form

At the heart of Tai Chi solo practice is the traditional Long Form. This extraordinary and challenging study takes us deep into the body and our relationship with balance, relaxation, and coordination. It affords us a tool for the cultivation of our physical, mental, and energetic qualities. With practice, it then guides us into more subtle realms of authentic self-expression and the martial aspects of Tai Chi.

In this class we will focus on clear fundamentals and slowly build the form so that each student has a strong foundation upon which to further develop their Tai Chi. We will also include some traditional qigong practices as warm up and cool down. As with any worthwhile endeavor, practice is the key and leads to greater mastery. All experience levels are welcome.

Class Details
When: Wednesday evenings, 6:15pm - 7:30pm - We begin October 3, 2018
Where: The Majestic, 1027 North Forest St., Bellingham
Tuition: 55/month
Bring: Comfortable clothing, water, notebook optional
Please confirm your place by calling 360.318.4433 or email artbaner(at)gmail.com

tai-chi-park.jpg
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Oct
1
to Jan 28

Beginning Tai Chi Saber - Fundamentals and Solo Form

Yang style Tai Chi Chuan includes the study of three traditional weapons: the saber, the sword, and the spear. The saber is the simplest of these three. It takes principles and skills developed in bare hand training and extends them into movement and connection with an external object. Saber training also develops new coordinations and furthers skills of balance and spatial awareness. 

In this class we will explore simple walking drills with saber, 11 angles of attack/defense, the saber solo form, and simple two person saber drills. Some prior experience with Tai Chi is recommended. 

BeginsMonday, October 1
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm
Location: The Majestic, lower level - enter from the side (MAP)  
Tuition: 55/month
Bring: comfortable clothing, water, notebook


Call 360-318-4433 (or email) to confirm your space

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Jun
6
to Sep 26

Tai Chi I - Core Principles and Practice

This class is perfect for beginners or experienced players looking for deeper mastery of the Tai Chi fundamentals. We will look at simple qigong practice, Tai Chi walking drills, and the popular Five Section Short Form. All skill and interest levels are welcome. 

Class Details
When: Wednesday evenings, 6:30pm - 7:45pm - We begin June 6, 2018
Where: The Majestic, 1027 North Forest St., Bellingham
Tuition: 55/month (class will run approximately 4 months) 
Bring: Comfortable clothing, water, notebook optional
Confirm your place by calling 360.318.4433 or email artbaner(at)gmail.com

Here is a short video of the form we will be learning...

 

 

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May
19
3:00 AM03:00

Tai Chi Pushing Hands - Fundamentals Workshop

The art of Taijiquan consists of both solo and partner training. Solo practice teaches us about our relationship with ourselves and with gravity while partner training takes that to a new level with the introduction of “external” forces. It allows us to study conflict and harmony in a way that is both effective and a lot of fun.

The Tui Shou curriculum is well developed and thorough and includes the following:

1. Basic single arm sticking drills
2. The 1-8 single and double arm drills
3. Four hands stationary drills
4. Two person walking drills
5. Da lu or the large roll back
6. The two person 88 movement form
7. Single application study
8. Free play and more…

We’ll begin by reviewing the basics for beginners and venturing into the single and double arm drills and beginning walking drills.

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May
7
to Aug 27

Tai Chi III - Refining Long Form / Push Hands I

In this class, we will continue our exploration of the traditional Tai Chi long form. We'll be focusing on individual postures, movement flows, and choreography questions. We'll also be diving deeply into Tai Chi pushing hands fundamentals including Sensing Hands and the Eight Preparatory Drills. This class is open to everyone, though prior experience with the Tai Chi long form is highly recommended. 

Class Details:
When: Monday evenings, 6:30pm - 7:45pm -- Beginning Monday, May 7, 2018
Where: The Majestic, 1027 N. Forest Street, Bellingham
Tuition: 55/month
Bring: Comfortable clothing, water, notebook optional
Confirm your place by calling 360.318.4433 or email artbaner(at)gmail.com

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