The School of Tai Chi Chuan
of Metropolitan Washington, Inc.
A nonprofit educational organization
Teaching Tai Chi (T'ai Chi, Taiji, Tai Ji, Taijiquan) classes at
Rock Spring Congregational Church
5010 Little Falls Road
Arlington, Virginia USA
New Class for Beginners starts January 9, 2012
Winter 2012 Schedule
New Tai Chi Class for Beginners - Mondays 7:30-8:30 pm:
| January 9, 2012 |
First Class (may be taken as a Free Introduction) |
| March 19, 2012 |
Last class of B1 |
FREE INTRODUCTION: You may take the first class of B1 as a free introduction - and decide at the end of the class whether you want to sign up for the cours. The first class will include a demonstration of the first third of the Tai Chi form, a class in which you will learn the opening moves, and a question and answer period. No preregistration required. If you can't come to the first class, you may attend the second class and decide at the end of class if you want to join the course.
BEGINNER'S CLASS: In this course, you will learn the First Third of the Beginning Tai Chi Form up to Cross Hands. You will be introduced to basic principles including correct placement of the feet, alignment of the knees and hips, a straight and relaxed spine, and above all complete relaxation of the major joints in the body. It is this relaxation that allows the qi (chi, vital internal energy) to flow freely in your body, bringing a pleasant sense of well-being, and pointing you in the direction of good health.
Cost: $175 per semester. Payment is by semester, not by the class.
No pre-registration is required: You may register when you come to the Free Introduction or one of the first classes.
Repeats for Beginning Level classes only: $120 for the semester, or $15 per class.
Our Teaching Location
ARLINGTON: Rock Spring United Church of Christ (Congregational Church), 5010 Little Falls Road, Arlington, Virginia (near Glebe Road and Old Dominion). From Glebe, turn onto Little Falls Road and go down the hill several blocks (crossing Old Dominion) to the church on the left (where Columbus meets Little Falls Road). We meet in Carpenter Hall-the new hall behind the Neighborhood House. Enter through the hallway that connects the Neighborhood House and Carpenter Hall.
For more information about our local programs, call us at: (703) 845-0083, or e-mail us at info@taichischool.org. Visit our website at: www.taichischool.org. The School of Tai Chi Chuan of Metropolitan Washington, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation. Mailing address: P.O. Box 2415, Reston VA 20195.
For information on classes in other locations, visit the website of the Tai Chi Foundation: www.taichifoundation.org.
Health Benefits of Tai Chi
Tai Chi Chuan is a traditional Chinese health exercise that develops strength, relaxation, and vitality. Gentle enough for everyone to practice - whether young or old - it is deep enough to satisfy the most profound study. It is said that whoever practices Tai Chi twice a day will gain the pliability of a child, the strength of a lumberjack, and the mind of a sage.
Tai Chi has many health benefits from the Western point of view, including the following:
· increases circulation (vital energy, ch'i)
· strengthens the legs
· improves balance and stability
· relaxes the entire body
· reduces stress
· relaxes and deepens the breathing
· improves posture
· focuses the mind, improving concentration
Winter 2012
All classes meet on Mondays 7:30-8:30pm (except Warm Ups at 7:15)
Winter 2012 Semester starts on January 9 and ends on March 19.
Mini Class: Tai Chi Warm Ups!
Mondays 7:15-7:30 pm
A drop-in class, open to all currently registered students -- for free! Learn and practice some easy exercises based on the Tai Chi form to warm up for your regular class. These exercises reinforce basic Tai Chi principles.
B1: Beginning Form, first third
In this course you will learn the first third of the Tai Chi Form - from Cross Hands to the Second Lift Kick. Prerequisites: None.
B2: Beginning Form, second third
This course will begin with a thorough review of the second half of B1, and will then continue on to B2 - from Cross Hands to the Second Lift Kick. Prerequisite: B1
Form Corrections
An on-going course for students who know the entire form and want continuing work on the form. The class will include review of form as needed, work with principles from Fundamentals and Intermediate levels. Some qigong exercises will also be included this semester.
Open to students who have taken Fundamentals or Intermediate Form, or by invitation for students who have completed B3 and who can practice the entire form on their own. This is an on-going course - no repeat prices.
Summer Vacation Programs
England: Dates & location to be announced
Five-day residential program in England.
For more information about summer program in England, visit: www.londontaichi.org.uk
Calendar & Prices:
Calendar: The Winter Semester begins on January 9 and ends on March 19. The Spring Semester begins on March 26 and ends on June 11.
Snow & Bad Weather Policy: If Arlington County schools are closed or their evening programs are cancelled, T'ai Chi classes will also be cancelled, and the semester will be extended to make up the lost days.
Prices: $175 per semester. Payment is by semester, not by the class. No discount for missed classes.
Repeating a Beginning Level class: $120/semester or $15/class. No repeat price for the Form Corrections class, or the Listening Hands class.
We guarantee an average of 10 class hours each semester. If we provide fewer classes due to snow days or other exceptions, the school year will be extended in June for make-up classes. Most semesters we schedule one or more additional classes, at no extra charge. These are either freebees or will be used for snow days or other exceptions when we cannot hold class. Schedule and fees subject to change without notice.
Advanced Classes: Further study includes more work with form and listening hands, plus the sword form.
Apprentice Program: If you are interested in learning to teach with the School of T'ai Chi Chuan, speak with your instructors for details about our apprentice program.
What Our Students Say
· I like the feeling of community, the continuity between the different classes, the personal attention.
· I like the energy of the teachers, their quiet presence, their attention to detail. They care if we do it right. I also like the location -- the big, sunny, white room.
· I like the relaxed atmosphere, the friendly teachers and small classes.
· I find myself able to relax more easily, less tense throughout the day.
· I have relaxed my shoulders quite a bit. After a rough Monday, T'ai Chi class tends to put my perspective on things in a healthier, more empowered frame.
· I appreciate the patience of the instructors and their willingness to repeat often. They give individual personal attention to correct our movements.
· T'ai Chi is an important part of my health regime.
· I like the detailed precision of the teaching, the gentleness but thoroughness and competence of the teachers, the camaraderie.
· The teachers are great! They explain the moves well. Small classes, friendly people. Good pace of instruction.
· T'ai Chi has served as a "centering" event to focus on personal spiritual development. Aids in relaxation.
· The attention to basic principles in class enables me to work on my own.
· I respect the instructors' knowledge of the form and the history.
· I've become more relaxed, rooted, balanced, serene.
· Feedback is non-judgmental, teaching us to rely on our own inner responses, deepening our ability to listen to our bodies.
· I like all of the teachers. They are kind, cheerful, and so eager to teach. They all teach in such a way that confidence is instilled in the student.
· I can tune out, shut down, and focus at the drop of a hat.
About the Teachers
All of our teachers have been trained by The School of T'ai Chi Chuan, an international school with over 100 teachers in six countries. Teaching is done in teams of two or more teachers, so there is always a teacher to follow up front. The School of T'ai Chi Chuan has developed a precise teaching method that makes it easy for students to learn the T'ai Chi form and principles.
Teachers in the School of T'ai Chi Chuan of Metropolitan Washington, Inc.:
Bev Burns, B.S., M.A., US Navy, retired; bookseller
Deb Davies, massage therapist
Gene Giffen, B.A., Ms.T., R.Ac., classical acupuncturist
Jack Pion, licensed electrician
Lisa Ruedi, administrator
Peter Schwartz, B.A., screenwriter
John Shackford, Ph.D., editor
Vicki Shackford, B.S., R.N., Hawaiian Swimming teacher
Erik Wenberg, computer scientist
© 2009 by The School of T'ai Chi Chuan of Metropolitan Washington, Inc.
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