Tai Chi Beginning I

In this ten-week, introductory class the student will learn the basic philosophy and postural principles which underlie all Tai Chi movements. The class will progress through as many postures contained in the first third of Professor Cheng Man Ching's 37 posture (Yang style) Short Form as time permits. There is no need to rush. The instruction places particular emphasis on developing properly aligned postures and correct footwork as that is the basis for all subsequent learning. Maintaining the proper position and distance between the feet during  any change of direction and during the transitions from one posture to the next is a key part of this foundational training. Some soft, cooperative and non-violent partner work may be introduced.

• Prerequisite: None. Adults (18+).

• Class Meets on: Monday nights (6:00-7:00PM) for ten weeks. There is one Break Week for this class.

• Class Location: Blakely Hall, 2550 NE Park Drive, Issaquah, WA 98029

• Winter Class Starts: Monday, January 06, 2025 .

• Winter Class Break Week: Monday, February 03, 2025. No class on this date.

• Winter Class Ends: Monday, March 17, 2025.

• Mask Wearing in Class: For some peace of mind, mask wearing may be required of everyone while in the building.

• Cost: $150.00, payable in full the first night. Cash or check only. Price subject to change.

Tai Chi Beginning II

Tai Chi Beginning II is the second, ten-week session of classes. This class is intended for those who wish to continue learning the entire sequence of the Cheng Man Ching 37 posture (Yang Style) Short Form. New postures are regularly introduced and the students also refine the postures learned in the Beginning I class. Additional soft, cooperative and non-violent partner exercises are featured. Walking meditation is also conducted.

• Prerequisite: Tai Chi Beginning I or permission of Instructor.

• Class Meets: Monday nights (7:00-8:00PM) for ten consecutive weeks. There is one Break Week for this class.

• Class Location: Blakely Hall, 2550 NE Park Dr., Issaquah, WA 98029

• Winter Class Starts: Monday, January 06, 2025 .

• Winter Class Break Week: Monday, February 03, 2025. No class on this date.

• Winter Class Ends: Monday, March 17, 2025.

• Mask Wearing in Class: For some peace of mind, mask wearing may be required of everyone while in the building.

• Cost: $150.00, payable in full the first night. Cash or check only. Price subject to change.

Continuing Tai Chi

Continuing Tai Chi is intended for those who have completed the Tai Chi Beginning I & Beginning II classes. Students must know the entire Cheng Man Ching 37 posture (Yang Style) Short Form and be able to demonstrate it upon request. Over this ten-week session the students refine their understanding of both the entire form sequence and the transitions between each posture. More focus is provided on the subtle details of each posture together with additional cooperative, non-violent partner work. In addition, more time is spent on the "internal" aspects of tai chi form practice and tai chi partner work. Class includes some Chi Kung (Qigong).

"Search Center" Practice: This method of partner practice was developed by Master Henry Wang. It is an integral part of his Tai Chi Form instruction and his "Seven Principles" of Tai Chi movement. It involves the training and development of one's "internal energy" or "chi" and a recognition of the related sensations associated with its presence, growth and circulation. "Search Center" work allows the student to become more aware of the presence of the "chi trail" in their own form practice and to sense that same "chi" energy in their partner's body. Working in this soft and mindful manner with a training partner results in the development of refined "ting jing" or "listening energy" which is one of the hallmarks of Tai Chi's "internal" characteristics.

• Prerequisite: Completion of Tai Chi Beginning I & Beginning II or permission of Instructor.

• Class Meets: Tuesday nights (6:15-7:45PM) for ten consecutive weeks.

• Class Location: Blakely Hall, 2550 NE Park Dr., Issaquah, WA 98029

• Winter Class Starts: Tuesday, January 07, 2025.

• Winter Class Ends: Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

• Mask Wearing in Class: For some peace of mind, mask wearing may be required of everyone while in the building.

• Cost: $150.00, payable in full the first night. Cash or check only. Price subject to change.

Sword Form & Sword Fencing

Prerequisites:  The sword class is only open to Continuing Class students.

Offered Just Once a Year:  Students will learn Professor Cheng Man Ching's sword form and sword fencing as it was taught by the Professor to students at his Shr Jung school, New York City. Due to the time needed to learn its many postures, sword form instruction is only opened to students once a year.  A class is currently in progress and is not open to new students at this time.

Class Particulars: Sword form instruction is included during the last portion of the Continuing Class activities each Tuesday night. Students taking the Continuing Class are not required to learn the sword form. Those not wishing to learn it are welcome to remain in the classroom and continue their individual form practice, or engage in "Search Center" partner practice, or simply leave class early.

Class Equipment: Swords are not provided. Each student must bring their own. Sword suppliers can be found on the internet and the Instructor can also offer purchase suggestions. For sword form, students may use  either a metal (no sharp edges) or wooden sword. For sword fencing, students must only use a suitable wooden sword. Sword fencing is not aggressive, hostile or combative. However, it is performed by two contestants and thus requires a certain amount of alertness, agility and the ability to readily move the body around the classroom.

Commitment Required: Once in progress, the sword form class will continue throughout the year until the entire form has been completed. The sword form sequence is both intricate and dynamic. Daily practice between classes is highly recommended. Due to its length and complexity, students are advised that learning the entire sword form sequence could take several months.