Tai Chi & Qigong Instruction

Fundamentals in Tai Chi classes are essential: warm-up protocols, proper body postures and alignments, joint protection, sensing the body in space with growing awareness, balance and coordination, relaxation, and “the four energies”. Of course, participants will also learn a sequence of moves – “the form”. Learning a portion of the 18-move Yang-style Short Form, or the 24-move Wu-style Short Form challenges the mind and body of every participant. “The form” (up to 108 moves) ultimately becomes the main element of Tai Chi training, prepares students for interpersonal applications "like push-hands", and is infinitely perfectible. Grounding in fundamentals helps de-construct the whys and wherefores of “the form'”, and makes it (and all Tai Chi forms) easier to learn. Even then, Tai Chi is not particularly easy, as with any rich discipline, but the rewards are many and come right from the start.

Qigong (Chi Kung), the mother (or rather aunt) of Tai Chi, is a less known healing art. It has the special advantage of having a very broad menu of shorter, hence easier to learn, exercise sets that can be presented “bite-size”  for general health and fitness, or tailored for specific disorders like osteoporosis or arthritis, or issues like fall prevention and athletic performance.

Tai Chi practice as well can improve performance in any fitness activity or sport;  improving golf drives, hockey skating, tennis accuracy, or skiing stamina. Chinese martial artists developed many Tai Chi techniques in order to increase speed, endurance and dynamic power, improve flexibility, and condition the body against injury.

From a health standpoint, Tai Chi and Qigong exercises increase bone density, joint flexibility, and tissue elasticity. Joints function better and are less likely to suffer when falls do occur, or when the body is pushed to extremes. Tai Chi and Qigong also relieve stress, boost the immune, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and increase the body’s innate healing capacities.

Tai Chi Fit

A zesty, engaging, low-impact yet dynamic Tai Chi. Yang-style blended with a tighter Wu frame. Easy-to-learn and adaptable for all ages. It plays within a first sequence of 21 flowing mindful movement postures, complemented by Qigong (Chi Kung) breathwork, visualizations, self-healing and pairs practice that cultivate relaxation, focus, strength and balance. Adults and kids are welcome at my classes at Raglan Village in Collingwood or Kalola Spa, Blue Mountain Resort.

Tai Chi Fit for Seniors

I have been teaching a  version of this blended Tai Chi & Qigong activity for older boomers and elders at  Collingwood retirement communities for the past seven years. Exercises are done standing or sitting.