Programs
Asian Center Tai Chi Group
Tuesday Classes
7:30pm - 9pm. Asian Community and Cultural Center at 2631 ‘O’ Street.
Thursday Classes
7:00pm - 9pm. Life Style Center (gym) at St. Paul Church at 12th and M streets.
Sunday Classes
10am – 11:30am Elliot Elementary School gym at 24th and M streets.
Frequently asked questions about our classes:
1) What is the appropriate age?
Any age group is welcome in our organization. Most children, however, find taijiquan boring because of the slow pace of the movements.
2) What is the preferred attire for the class?
Loose clothing so you have freedom of movement. Flat, soft soled shoes. No hard dress shoes or shoes with high heels. Avoid athletic shoes (running shoes) that have thick support under the heels. They throw the body weight forward and can affect your balance when standing on one leg.
3) What is the practice schedule?
Three times a week – see times and locations above. Members are welcome to come to any one or all sessions.
4) What are the practice sessions like?
Generally, all sessions will begin with warm up exercises (15 to 20 min minutes). Warm-up exercises can be led by different members. Next, an instructor will lead the group in fundamental movements and explain self-defense applications (30-40 minutes). Following, the group will learn and practice various hand forms (30-40 minutes). Opportunities are also provided for group practice in weapons (saber and straight sword) and Push Hands, a partner exercise.
5) How much are the fees for the class?
The classes are free!
6) Can students start at any time, or is it a block or a series of classes?
Students can start at any time. Think of this class being the start of a life-long learning experience.
7) Is there any prior experience required for the class?
No, members at all levels of experience with taijiquan are welcome. Members with prior experience are encouraged to share their knowledge.
8) What type of taijiquan is practiced by this group?
There are different styles or variations of taijiquan, each named after its founder. Gary Yuen, the primary instructor, was trained by several masters of the Yang style. This system is the most widely practiced worldwide and emphasizes soft, slow, fluid movements. Solo hand forms practiced in the classes include two short forms, one developed by Master Ding Shuide and the other by the late Master Cheng Man-Ching, in addition to the “long”, or classic, form.
9) How is taijiquan or Tai Chi Chuan pronounced?
In the common, or “Mandarin”, Chinese dialect, it is pronounced: tie (as in “tie your shoe”)/gee (as in “gee whiz”)/chwen (rhymes with “hen”).