Chen Tai Chi

Chen Tai Chi utilizes relaxed movements that strengthens the tendons and ligaments and focuses on circular movements that flow with the natural way our bodies were designed. The movements were created with the intention of opening meridians and allowing chi to better flow through our bodies, thus helping to improve the overall health of the body.

By using softness and dissolving to emptiness, we find strength and peacefulness.

Tai Chi focuses on circular relaxed movement that is very low impact. Through this it works to build balance, coordination, and internal strength. Chen Family Tai Chi is known for its silk reeling spiral movements which works to circulate chi (or energy) throughout the body.

Tai Chi is called internal because it focuses on building oneself from the inside out. You learn how to feel the inside of your body and to awaken tiny muscles that have been asleep.

Tai Chi builds whole body strength that greatly helps with balance and sensitivity. It in a way rewires your neurological system to build whole body awareness. This type of advanced motor control can give you a unique edge when applied to any sport or physical activity.

Paired with Tao Philosophy, we learn to condition our minds so that they can remain calm and free in stressful situations.

Chen Tai Chi is taught Monday Evenings from 7-8:15, as well as Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 - 2:15 by Aaron

Classes begin with Silk Reeling Spiral Qigong exercises. These are unique to Chen Tai Chi and were developed over 100 years ago by Chen Fa-ke. When then do a short standing meditation followed by stance training. Students go through Chen Style Old Frame First Form, or Laojia Yilu.

After going through the form as a class, movements from the form are broken down into great detail. Concepts discussed include Tai Chi Principles and Methods, Martial Application, and Whole Body Spiral Mechanics. Aaron teaches the whole class on multiple levels together as a whole. Students who are learning movements for the first time work to grasp the basic concepts, while more advanced students are shown finer details of whole body movements and spirals.

Push hands exercises, which are sparring side of Tai Chi are reserved for the Pao Choi class. Pao Choi is also known as Chen Style Old Frame Second Form, or Laojia Erlu. This is where students learn Tai Chi as a martial arts style.

Class is concluded with a short Tao reading as well as sitting meditation.