Hello
While we moved within California we are still offering exciting & engaging private Zoom classes in Yang and Chen Style Tai Chi.
“If one really wishes to be master of an art, technical knowledge is not enough. One has to transcend technique so that the art becomes an 'artless art' growing out of the Unconscious.”
~ D.T. Suzuki
Teaching Yang Style as well as Chen Style Tai Chi makes us one of the very few schools that offer classes in both styles and gives our students the opportunity to experience and appreciate the depth, beauty and principles of the art from two different perspectives. We also teach the 8 Brocade Qigong Set (Ba Duan Jin) which is one of the most widely practiced Qigong form around the world.
The Yang Style is characterized by evenly paced, soft flowing expansive movements which are almost ‘zen-like’ distilled in their postures and transitions. The martial arts applications are implied much more subtly than for example in the Chen style. The feeling of a gently flowing energy (chi) and a mind/body connection that is focused on/connecting with only the present moment can be experienced throughout the form. The lesser physical requirements of Yang style Tai Chi make it suitable to a wider audience in regards to fitness level as well as age range.
The Chen Style is the oldest and founding style of all other styles of Tai Chi and therefore displays the roots of being a martial art much more prominently. The Chen Style has a high dynamic between slow/soft and fast/hard movements and is characterized by pronounced coiling & spiraling movements (silk reeling) with bursts of explosive releases of energy/power (fa-jin). The feeling of moving energy (chi), of “connecting and sticking” is felt quite strongly and cultivates a unity and harmony of body & mind – be it in the gentlest of wrist spirals or the powerful release of a fist punch.
No matter which style you initially choose to learn – Chen as well as Yang style Tai Chi so beautifully combine focus, intent and connectedness of body, mind and spirit into a holistic experience and you will learn to go from an experience of simple “doing” to one of deeply-felt “being”.
A Deeply Spiritual Art Form
Andreas has the special capacity to teach the preciseness, purity and beauty of movement and at the same time to transfer the experience of flow and a feeling of connectedness of body and mind to his students. Learning Tai Chi Chuan therefore not only becomes a physical exercise but also a deeply spiritual art form and experience that equally involves and stimulates the heart, mind and spirit.
All lessons are taught by Andreas himself to ensure a consistent and dedicated learning experience as well as providing direct access to his unique skill set and knowledge of Tai Chi Chuan.
“To the mind that is still,
the whole universe surrenders.”
~ Lao Tzu
Tradition
Our Tai Chi curriculum follows the very pure, traditional & authentic way by which Tai Chi Chuan has been passed down by Tai Chi masters for generations.
We strive for quality Tai Chi instruction that motivates and inspires and that continuously sparks the students’ love & enthusiasm for learning the art while also helping students develop awareness of the inherent spiritual and physical health principles of Tai Chi Chuan that when applied to daily life can bring balance, harmony and a deep feeling of connectedness and positive energy as well as improving overall fitness, flexibility and general health.
Our first and foremost mission is to teach the Art of Tai Chi Chuan with an open heart and mind in a dedicated, focused, respectful and peaceful setting and learning environment. Whether you are a True Tai Chi Beginner, Experienced Tai Chi Practitioner, External Martial Artist or somewhere in between – we hope to be able to welcome you in one of our lessons and share with you the beauty of this centuries-old martial art.
FAQ's
Tai Chi Chuan is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for both its martial arts applications as well as its health benefits. The term “t’ai chi ch’uan” translates as “supreme ultimate fist“, “supreme ultimate boxing” and can also be translated as “the supreme or ultimate martial art“.
Since Tai Chi Chuan (or Tai Chi in short) is an internal martial art, great emphasis is placed on developing the spirit, mind and intent to regulate or initiate the flow of “Chi” (life energy) which in turn translate into physical force.
The concept of the ‘taiji‘ or “supreme ultimate” as represented by the Yin/Yang diagram appears in both Taoist and Confucian Chinese philosophy where it symbolizes the fusion of “Yin” and “Yang” into a single ultimate (“Wuji“) represented by a circle and therefore symbolizing completeness.
Lao Tzu is traditionally regarded as the founder of Taoism. He emphasized naturalness, spontaneity, simplicity, detachment from desires, and the principle of “wu wei” – of “effortless action” or “action without action“. In Taoist philosophy one always must place one’s will and actions in harmony and accordance with the flow of the natural universe.
Tai Chi Chuan can be seen as a constant balancing of yin (receptive, yielding) and yang (active, expanding) – ultimately finding balance and completeness within constant change through “listening and attuning oneself” to the universe.
The origins of Tai Chi are based in the martial arts. Tai Chi is an internal martial art (“nèijìng” – meaning internal strength) versus Kung Fu which is considered an external martial art.
Tai Chi as an internal martial art emphasizes awareness of the spirit, mind, Chi (“energy” or “life force“) and the use of relaxed leverage through sensitivity and softness rather than relying on muscular tension and physical strength alone.
Our Yang as well as Chen style is very much martial arts based while also emphasizing the meditative, mental and spiritual qualities of the art.
While not all movements have martial art applications learning the art with insights into the martial arts context we believe is the only way to experience its true origins and essence.
We are one of the very few schools that offer both Yang and Chen Style Tai Chi lessons.
The Yang style we teach is a very pure form of Yang style in the lineage of the Plum Blossom Federation founded by Grandmaster Doc-Fai Wong. Grandmaster Wong hails from a very rich tradition of Chinese Kung Fu masters and is a fifth generation grandmaster of the Choy Li Fut system of Kung Fu as well as a grandmaster of Yang Style Tai Chi. He studied with Hu Yuen-Chou, a closed-door student of renowned Grandmaster Yang Cheng-Fu, grandson of Yang Lu-Chan who is the founder of Yang Style Tai Chi.
Our Chen style follows the teaching of Master David Bao (8th Duan Wei). Born in Henan province in China, Master Bao is a 7th generation descendant of the Shaolin Temple martial arts lineage. He studied under many renowned Wushu and Tai Chi masters such as Wang Erping, China’s national Wushu and Tai Chi team coach and disciple of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei. In 2006 Master Bao went on to win the World Tai Chi Champion title.
Our styles are true to the origins of Tai Chi Chuan as a martial art as well as a spiritual and meditative art form with the aim of integrating and harmonizing body, mind & spirit.
One one the most fascinating and beautiful things in life is to explore or experience one thing from different points of views or perspectives – in our case: Tai Chi. The more perspectives we add, the more complete our understanding of the item at hand becomes.
Since all styles of Tai Chi Chuan derived from the Chen style it offers unique insights into the art and incorporates the most pure and original essence of Tai Chi and its traditional martial arts aspects and philosophical core principles.
Knowing both Chen and Yang style Tai Chi will no doubt lead to an exciting ‘cross-pollination’ between the styles and a more in-depth understanding of the multifaceted character of Tai Chi Chuan.
No matter which style you initially choose – Chen as well as Yang style Tai Chi so beautifully combine focus, intent and connectedness of body, mind and spirit into a holistic experience that engages and involves all our senses and a seasoned practitioner will go from an experience of “doing” to one of “being”.
The Yang Style is characterized by evenly paced, soft flowing expansive movements which are almost ‘zen-like’ distilled in their postures and transitions. The martial arts applications are implied much more subtly than for example in the Chen style. The feeling of a gently flowing energy (chi) and a mind/body connection that is focused on/connecting with only the present moment can be experienced throughout the form. The lesser physical requirements of Yang style Tai Chi make it suitable to a wider audience in regards to fitness level as well as age range.
The Chen Style is the oldest and founding style of all other styles of Tai Chi and therefore displays the roots of being a martial art much more prominently. The Chen Style has a high dynamic between slow/soft and fast/hard movements and is characterized by pronounced coiling & spiraling movements (silk reeling) with bursts of explosive releases of energy/power (fa-jin). The feeling of moving energy (chi), of “connecting and sticking” is felt quite strongly and cultivates a unity and harmony of body & mind – be it in the gentlest of wrist spirals or the powerful release of a fist punch.
No matter which style you initially choose to learn – Chen as well as Yang style Tai Chi so beautifully combine focus, intent and connectedness of body, mind and spirit into a holistic experience and you will learn to go from an experience of simple “doing” to one of deeply-felt “being”.
We offer instruction in the following forms:
Yang Style
- 24 Form
- 108 Form
- 48 Combined Form
- 32 Jian/Gin (Straight Sword) Form
- 13 Dao (Broadsword) Form
- Plum Blossom Fan Form
Chen Style
- 18 Form
- 56 Competition Form
- Lao Jia Yi Lu (Old Frame First Routine, 74 Form)
- 24 Fan Form
Qigong
- The 8 Pieces of Brocade also referred to as the “8 Jewels” (Ba Duan Jin)
Stretching
- Flexibility and light cardio workouts
Depending on the form it takes most groups around 4-6 months to learn a Tai Chi Beginner form. At this point in time the students know the moves and transitions – but refining a form in technique and ‘feeling’ can become one’s lifelong passion and endeavor.
Learning progress ultimately depends on the commitment of each individual student and also on how much you are able to practice outside of class.
Our lessons usually start with the “8 Brocade” Qigong warm up set and then continue on to form practice/instruction or review with gentle corrections and stance adjustments tailored to each individual student and experience level. More complex moves are explained and demonstrated in great detail in break out sessions.
At the end of class any new instruction material is integrated into the previously learned sequence and practiced and experienced as a unified, harmonious whole which lets the session end on a note of stillness and tranquility and of accomplishment and joy.
Flat, flexible sole shoes (most athletic shoes work) and loose comfortable clothing (especially pants) that allow you to move freely are recommended.
In most cases the answer is yes but ultimately it all depends on your specific physical and/or health condition. Generally people who practice Tai Chi experience improved physical health and strength and also improved mental balance and clarity. Medical research studies in recent years also point to a multitude of benefits of practicing Tai Chi.
People with more complex health conditions (knee, hip or spine) should inquire with their health practitioner for guidance and advice. An initial private lesson might also be a good option to evaluate if Tai Chi practice is suitable for your specific situation and health condition.
Online private Zoom sessions are $100 per hr., $75/45 minutes or $50/30 minutes.
Sessions can be shared (max. 2 people).
Preferrably tuition payments are payable online via Zelle – please inquire with the instructor about details. You can also pay by personal check.
