Tai Chi is an excellent choice if you are looking for a challenging but safe style of daily exercise emphasizing relaxation. Practitioners continually work on improving in the art and enjoying the beneficial effects. Unlike most exercise or Qigong, the T’ai Chi Ch’uan form is a sequence of connecting movements. It is a progressive course—more than a drop-in exercise class, it’s a journey of consistent development. Ideal for those eager to learn and challenge themselves through steady attendance and practice. Wear something comfy and bring your curiosity!
Beginner Tai Chi Form classes teach the foundational movements and concepts of Tai Chi. They are designed for students who are new to Tai Chi as well as those who want to relearn or become more comfortable with the beginning postures.
Students learn the first 16 postures of the First Section of the Cheng Man-Ch’ing Yang-style form, along with fundamental Tai Chi principles and energies and basic application concepts. Classes meet twice weekly for one hour each.
Tai Chi can be physically challenging, requiring the development of balance, coordination, and movement patterns that differ from ordinary day-to-day activity. Students frequently repeat the First Section until the postures become familiar and natural before moving on to the next section of the form. Click for the current schedule.
Each class is a lesson where new information is imparted. Consistent daily practice is where progress occurs. If you miss a class, come early to the next class to get instruction.
Intermediate Tai Chi Form classes continue the Cheng Man-Ch’ing Yang-style form for students who have completed the First Section. Each section is taught in nine one-hour classes over six weeks.
The Middle Third adds thirteen postures, beginning with Cross Hands and continuing to Fair Lady Works at the Shuttles. Students also explore Tai Chi principles in greater depth.
The Last Third begins with Fair Lady Works at the Shuttles and continues through the end of the form. Although this section introduces fewer new postures, it includes many repeated movements and provides additional opportunities to deepen Tai Chi principles. Upon completion, students will have learned the entire Cheng Man-Ch’ing Yang-style form.
Click for the current schedule.
Learning the complete form by no means concludes your journey in T’ai Chi Ch’uan studies. It is an achievement, but only the first step. “The journey of a thousand miles begins from beneath your feet.” – Lao-tzu, from the Tao Te Ching
Form Review offers correction and deeper exploration of the postures, movements, energies, applications, and principles of the Cheng Man-Ch’ing Yang-style form. Classes may address any section of the full form and may include form in flow, holding postures, standing meditation, and focused study of individual movements.
It is important to adopt a patient and consistent attitude towards T’ai Chi Ch’uan studies. Everyone progresses at a different rate, but consistent practice yields the best results. Many students repeat Sections once or more. It is far more critical to develop a deep foundation than to try and rise quickly through levels of study.
“Gradually, gradually.” – Professor Cheng
Advanced Tai Chi Studies is for students who know the full choreography of the Cheng Man-Ch’ing Yang-style form and are ready to explore Tai Chi in greater depth. Classes refine movement and mindful posturing, develop softness and natural flow, and use standing meditation to deepen whole-body awareness.
Students are also introduced to tuī shǒu (push hands), a cooperative practice that develops sensitivity, balance, relaxation, and connection. Together, these studies encourage students to experience T’ai Chi Ch’uan not simply as a sequence of movements, but as an integrated practice of relaxation, intention, awareness, and structure. More on Tui Shou classes.
Despite the many advertisements promising rapid transformation, T’ai Chi Ch’uan is not something learned quickly through online instruction. It is a traditional art whose benefits unfold through direct instruction and persistent, patient practice. As the Tai Chi classic writings remind us, “To enter the door and be shown the way, you must be orally taught.”
There are 5 sessions of classes: Winter (late Jan-Mar), Spring (Apr-May), Summer (Jun-Jul), Late Summer (late Aug-Oct), and Fall (late Oct-mid Dec).
Click here for the current Schedule.
Weapons forms such as Jian Sword, Saber, and Cane are areas of study available only for students who demonstrate achievement in the postures and principles of Tai Chi.
Sword Form teaches the 52-posture Yang-style jian form as learned from Kim Kanzelberger in the lineage of Ben Lo. Students should have a solid understanding of the full 37-posture Cheng Man-Ch’ing form before beginning sword study.
Beginning students should use a lightweight wooden practice sword. Before purchasing a more expensive sword, talk with the instructor about proper blade length and make sure you are ready to commit to continued study. Do not purchase a sharpened sword. Practice swords will also be available in class.
Private instruction is available on a limited basis. Contact Andy for details.
Events or workshops will be announced when scheduled. Andy is the coordinator for periodic Tai Chi Silent Retreats. Details are on the Events page.
Class costs may vary slightly, depending on how many classes are in a session.
If you have any existing medical conditions, Tai Chi KC strongly recommends that you consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program, including T’ai Chi Ch’uan. You should be in good physical condition and be able to participate in the exercise.