Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that is practiced as a series of individual movements that flow smoothly from one to another in sequence. It is practiced primarily for health and well-being, with a major benefit being enhanced balance and relaxation. When you practice Tai Chi, the body becomes stronger and more supple. The mind becomes calmer and better able to deal with adversity.
We teach the long form (108 movements) of Yang-style Tai Chi. This form is broken into three sections, so you learn the easier “first section,” followed by the more challenging “second section,” then the balance of the moves. It is not really necessary to learn more than the first section, however, as it makes a perfect practice and only takes about two minutes a day to do.
In the beginning …
Each week, you will learn and practice the Tai Chi “basics” of relaxed movement, body centering, weight shifting, and slow, deep breathing as well as the first 17 moves of the form. We go through the entire first section every week but also teach you the individual movements one at a time. In about six weeks, most students have a general understanding of how to perform this section.
As we move on …
Having gained strength, balance, and a feel for the moves in the first section, we move into the slightly more difficult second section. We also work on making our movements more continuous and flowing, how to relax the body more deeply, and initiate each move from the waist/core. We may break up the group to work with “pure” beginners and “advanced” beginners separately.
More advanced training (2026 or by private lessons)
Advanced students learn the third section and practice the entire 108-movement form. Though this may sound daunting, it is not as difficult as you might imagine. We also go deeper into the internal nature of these arts, cultivating and working with the chi and refining the meditative aspects of the practice.
When is it?
Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m. in the SaddleBrooke One Fitness Center. Private lessons are available by appointment. Call Carol Emerson at 520-373-3778 or Kenny Emerson at 520-784-1475.