NEW AND FEATURED CLASSES:
TAI CHI FOR HEALTHY AGING AND BETTER BALANCE
Over the last decade, BTC has developed a uniquely effective program for restoring vitality and improving balance in senior populations 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 vitality, reduce stress, and improve stability and balance.
Unlike other programs, TCHABB goes beyond the rote repetition of fixed moves, enabling students to truly utilize their lessons in the complex challenges of daily life. It is rooted in decades of teaching experience, combining the essence of the ancient arts with a modern understanding of the human body-mind. Open to all.
"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., Harvard
TAI CHI 101: FOUNDATIONS
Your Tai Chi journey starts here! This program enables students to “enter the gate” of authentic Tai Chi, with a complete program of basic practices–in Chinese, jibengong–that are the foundation for all other Tai Chi form work, qigong, and two-person practices. The 101 program introduces the fundamental Tai Chi principles of Rooting, Releasing, Pulsing, Spiraling, Alignment, and Flow through Stance and Posture work, Tai Chi Walking practices, Tai Chi Qigong (energy work) and selected movements from the ancient, classical Tai Chi forms. No prior experience necessary.
PRIMAL QIGONG I
This class combines powerful practices from several different systems of qigong (chi kung), including: the Wuji (Primordial Chaos) Qigong of Duan Zhiliang; Er Mei (Healing) Qigong; the Ki-Aikido of Koichi Tohei; and Yiquan. The theme of all these methods is the restoration of natural states of energy and vitality, combined with psychological balance, positivity, and peace. ("I am sharing these practices now, because the current levels of stress, disease, and conflict in the world require the most powerful possible healing forces for us all."--Don Miller). Open to all levels past TC102
YANG IN THREE
Yang style Tai Chi emphasizes rooted, flowing movements, and the integration of mind, body and energy. The Original Yang system also included an array of variations of the same movements and sequences, with regard to the size of the movements ("frame"); the height/depth; the speed; the footwork; and qualities of energy (jings), and intention (yi).
The Large Frame, for example, confers openness, expansion, and externalization of energy and awareness; the Small Frame develops internal awareness, rooting, relaxation; while the Medium Frame develops energetic balance, body intelligence, and naturalness.
In this class, we will explore the 3 Frames, 3 Levels, 5 Speeds, 5 Jings, and 5 Bu (Footwork methods) in individual moves and small sections of the Yang Form. Expect a major upgrade of ability, understanding and energy in your Tai Chi!
Open to students who have completed at least one session of Peng Lu Ji An, or have previously learned a Yang Style Tai Chi Form.
KUNTAO-SILAT
Kuntao-Silat is a remarkable "internal-external" martial art, combining both Chinese and Indonesian methods. This class will introduce 6 major practices of Kuntao Silat De Thouars (KSDT): Djuru Satu (a short form); KSDT Qigong; 5 Animals (Tiger, Crane, Monkey, Mantis, Snake); Knife Work; and Equipment Training. The zoom classes will focus on solo training and there will also be an in-person workshop (for those who can attend) scheduled later in the spring. Open to all levels.
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SPRING OUTDOOR WORKSHOPS!
While we are not conducting weekly indoor classes this session, we will be holding a series of 2-3 hour outdoor workshops, at parks and conservation areas in the Greater Boston area. Masks will be optional. The topics to be covered will include: Tai Chi Pushing Hands (tuishou); An Introduction to Two-Person Tai Chi; The 4 Interactive Jings (Ting, Na, Fa, and Hua); Tai Chi Boot Camp; and Martial Applications. A separate e-mailing will be sent soon, detailing times, locations, and registration. Stay tuned!
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COMING SOON: BTC YOUTUBE VIDEO CHANNEL!
Exec Director Don Miller and the BTC staff are producing a series of short (5-10 minute) instructional and inspirational video "lessons", on subjects ranging from Rise Up Rooted to Yang in 3, Peng Lu Ji An 4 x 4, Balance Training, 5 Walks, and more. A separate notice will be sent later this week with an invitation to access this new trove of great (free!) material. Be sure to share with friends and family.
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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 designed to be appropriate for students of all ages and levels of physical ability.
You can enjoy your first class for free.
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