TAI CHI CHUAN CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

At Seattle School of Tai Chi Chuan, we give you the opportunity to learn Tai Chi deeply. We maintain a close connection with the Tai Chi Foundation (TCF) and use the curriculum developed by the TCF.

Beginning level

Tai Chi Chuan is practiced as a “form,” a well-defined sequence of movements that flows from one posture to the next according to underlying principles. The Tai Chi form is taught in three segments, or thirds. The Beginning Form classes present the movements and relaxed flow of the Tai Chi form from one posture to the next. The classes are meant to be taken in sequence. Each class begins with a review of the previous one, then goes on to the new portion.

We teach the entire sequence of movements, where the hands go, where the feet go, and the principles (softness, straightness, relaxation) that makes doing the movements worthwhile. Each class hour provides teacher demonstrations, lots of practice repetitions, hands-on adjustments by teachers, and verbal guidance. We suggest that students practice what they know at home in the morning and the evening and we have a library of short review videos for home use. Practice is the heart and soul of learning and benefitting from Tai Chi. New Classes start in January, April, and September.

Beginning Form 1— 10 weekly classes
Beginning Form 2 — 10 weekly classes
Beginning Form 3— 10 weekly classes

CLASS SCHEDULE

Class descriptions

Beginning Form 1

The first level teaches the first third of the Yang Style Short form of Tai Chi as taught by Prof. Cheng Man-Ching. B-1 is comprised of ten 50 minute classes taught once a week. Includes access to streaming video review for home use

Beginning Form 2

The second class teaches the middle third of the Yang Style Short form of Tai Chi as taught by Prof. Cheng Man-Ching. B-2 is comprised of ten 50 minute classes taught once a week. Includes access to streaming video review for home use.

Beginning Form 3

The third level teaches the final third of the Yang Style Short form of Tai Chi as taught by Prof. Cheng Man-Ching. B-3 is comprised of ten 50 minute classes taught once a week. Video review available.

Integration 1, 2, & 3

These classes provide a thorough review of each third of the form with a focus on integrating the basic principles of tai chi into the movements of the form. The prerequisite for Integration 1 is Beginning Form 1. Integration 2 requires Beginning Form 2 and Integration 1. Integration 3 requires Integration 2 and Beginning Form 3.

Advanced Integration

Advancing beyond the ability to comfortably shift all of your weight onto one foot and take an empty step, to establishing a deeper relaxation and connection with the ground, traditionally called “root”. For those who have completed at least Integration 1.

Introduction to Partner Work

One of the most valuable and enjoyable skills we cultivate in tai chi is being relaxed and balanced while moving in harmony with those around us. This is cooperative work, helping our partner refine their balance and listening ability, as they do the same for us. We offer this work to students who can comfortably shift all their weight onto one foot and take an empty step, which normally happens at some point during the Integration series of classes.

Push Hands

Along with the Tai Chi form, the second essential in the advanced work of Tai Chi is the partner work we call Push Hands. We learn the sequence of movements within which we feel and respond to another’s movements and energy. We will also further our ability to relax, soften, and listen, developing a stable connection with the earth known as root so we can move seamlessly in harmony with our partner. Please note this is not competitive, but rather a cooperative effort to help each other be more present and at ease.

Intermediate Form

This incorporates the further refinement of the basic principles learned in Sensing Hands into the tai chi form, enabling a more complete sense of flow and ease while practicing the form.

Advanced Form

For advanced students who have completed the Intermediate Form series of classes. Experiencing the movements at this level requires cultivating a state where the endless stream of our thoughts gives way to a quiet mind, allowing a level of relaxation and flow not otherwise possible.

Apprentice Class: Advanced Form, Sensing Hands, and Sword Form and Fencing

For our apprentice teachers, this is an exploration of further relaxing, aligning with heaven and earth, and returning energy. We also learn and practice the sword form and fencing.

Advanced Classes

TAI CHI CHUAN CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Beginning level

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Class descriptions

Beginning Form 1 The first level teaches the first third of the Yang Style Short form of Tai Chi as taught by Prof. Cheng Man-Ching. B-1 is comprised of ten 50 minute classes taught once a week. Includes access to streaming video review for home use

Beginning Form 2 The second class teaches the middle third of the Yang Style Short form of Tai Chi as taught by Prof. Cheng Man-Ching. B-2 is comprised of ten 50 minute classes taught once a week. Includes access to streaming video review for home use.

Beginning Form 3 The third level teaches the final third of the Yang Style Short form of Tai Chi as taught by Prof. Cheng Man-Ching. B-3 is comprised of ten 50 minute classes taught once a week. Video review available.

Beginning Form 1

The first level teaches the first third of the Yang Style Short form of Tai Chi as taught by Prof. Cheng Man-Ching. B-1 is comprised of ten 50 minute classes taught once a week. Includes access to streaming video review for home use

Beginning Form 2

The second class teaches the middle third of the Yang Style Short form of Tai Chi as taught by Prof. Cheng Man-Ching. B-2 is comprised of ten 50 minute classes taught once a week. Includes access to streaming video review for home use.

Beginning Form 3

The third level teaches the final third of the Yang Style Short form of Tai Chi as taught by Prof. Cheng Man-Ching. B-3 is comprised of ten 50 minute classes taught once a week. Video review available.