Taiji Class Descriptions

 

(Wear comfortable clothing and indoor shoes; uniforms are not required!)

This page includes brief descriptions of our Taiji and Qigong courses and classes.  Visit our Calendar for the class schedule. Click here to purchase a membership or pay a course fee.

Taiji Courses

These courses are offered in 10-week sessions for a single course fee.  Please join our mailing list for updates about when these sequential courses will be offered.

Introduction to Taiji 108 Move Yang Style Form

Class Focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner
Exercise Intensity: Moderate

GateWay's popular 10-week course is offered in studio and online. Moving sequentially through the form, you'll learn Part 1 of the 108-Move Yang Style Long Form. Classes include stretching and qigong warmup exercises as well as detailed instruction and practice. Each session is recorded and available online for practice on your own after the class.  Note:  This class is included the YMAA International curriculum.  Register online

Taiji Parts 2 & 3 Courses:

Class Focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Experienced to Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Moderate

These courses are recommended for people who are want to continue learning the 108 Movement Yang style Long form.  They provide progressive, step by step instruction and practice, plus a Qigong warmup and stretching. Open to students who have studied Part 1, these courses build on each other so should be taken in sequence. There is a one time course fee that covers all of the classes in each section. Course includes weekly classes plus online practice videos. Note:  These classes are included the YMAA International curriculum.  

24 Form Taiji Course:

Class Focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner
Exercise Intensity: Low-Moderate

This course is ideal for people who want to learn the Yang Style Short form in a short period of time. The exercise level is moderate and suitable for people for all ages.  Students have access to an online practice video and are strongly encouraged to practice between sessions. The more you focus and practice, the quicker you will learn and discover the pleasure of the Taiji form.

Ongoing Classes

The following classes are open to all GateWay Class Card members, and we hope you will join us as often as your schedule allows.  Visit our calendar for the current schedule and class registration.

If you're concerned about your balance, strength or stamina, or are recovering from an injury, you may want to start with Taiji for Balance or Chair Yoga with Sherry.  As with all forms of exercise, you should consult with your health practitioner before taking classes at GateWay.

All Levels Taiji

Class focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner-Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Moderate

This class is open to anyone with some knowledge of Taiji, but is not recommended for total beginners.  Each class includes a full runthrough of the Yang style 108 movement Long form, and is tailored to the interests and experience levels of the people in attendance that day. It's a great opportunity to practice the form and deepen your knowledge and skills with expert coaching.  The exercise level is moderate, participants will be standing and moving throughout the hour.

Advanced Taiji

Class Focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Experienced - Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Moderate - High

This class is open to people who have studied Taiji and are eager to deepen their skills and explore advanced techniques and concepts. Classes typically include a Qigong warmup, stretching, technique drills and Form practice.

Taiji Sword:

Class focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner- Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Moderate - High

Our Taiji Sword class includes instruction and practice of the traditional 54 movement Yang Style Taiji sword form. Taiji experience is helpful but not required; this class is open to men and women of all ages.  A moderate fitness level is required.  We have wooden practice swords available for use during class, as well as swords for sale to those who want to practice at home.

Taiji Saber:

Class focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner- Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Moderate - High

Taiji saber, sometimes called Chinese broadsword, is a good introduction to short weapons in your Taiji practice, and is traditionally learned before proceeding to the straight sword. The form involves large sweeping motions and some spins, and should be accessible to anyone who has learned the barehand form. It encourages the development of external energy, balance and stepping. This form is a fun way to expand and deepen your practice. In this class, we learn the YMAA saber form with some stationary exercises.

Two Person Taiji (Pushing Hands)

Class Focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Moderate - High

This advanced Taiji class is open to experienced practitioners who are in good physical condition.  Pushing Hands is the first step into the martial aspects of the Taiji. A knowledge of the Taiji Long-Form is helpful but not necessary. This fun form is practiced in a standing position and requires a reasonable level of balance and fitness; some physical contact is involved.  Learn more.

Taiji Fighting Set

Class Focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Moderate - High

This advanced Taiji class is open to experienced practitioners who are in good physical condition.  The Fighting Set explores how the movements in the Taijiquan form work with martial intent. It is the highest step before Taiji free sparring. It is an 88 movement, interlocked pattern between two players. This form is rarely taught and considered a very high level of Taijiquan.Over the period of this class, we will learn one side of the pattern. You should have previous experience with Taijiquan, and know most if not all of the form, or have taken this class from me before you sign up.

For optimal learning and everyone's safety, we ask that you plan to attend the full 10-week session, and enroll with a partner. If you don't have a partner, come on the first day and we may be able to match you with someone to work with throughout the rest of the classes. Watch this short demonstration video recorded at the YMAA Retreat Center to see this beautiful Taiji form in action.

Taiji Explorations (summer offering)

Class Focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner
Exercise Intensity: Moderate

This innovative new class is designed for both beginners and experienced Taiji practitioners.  In each class, instructor Bill Buckley will explore a set of Taiji movements, breathing, postures and stepping, plus a stretching warmup and Qigong movements. If you're new to Taiji, you'll get a taste of what this beautiful exercise practice is all about.  If you're a seasoned practitioner, you'll deepen your understanding of the movements, and discover nuances and variations that will enhance your understanding and enjoyment.  Each week, instructor Bill Buckley will explore a set of Taiji postures, related body movements, Qigong and stepping, and teach you a short flow that can be practiced and enjoyed at home. Use class cards for this class and come as often as your schedule allows.

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