Who we are
Our classes are meant to foster community; a place where people feel welcome and comfortable.
Our teacher has been practicing and teaching Yang-style Tai Chi for over 35 years, having trained primarily under one teacher who preferred to be thought of as a guide, in a traditional long-term master–student relationship. The depth of study has gratefully provided a commitment to preserving the integrity, internal structure, and subtle principles of the art in the tradition he strives to maintain.
In addition to Yang-style Tai Chi, Michael has studied Xingyi, Pa Qua, Chi Kung, and Chen-style Tai Chi, as well as maintaining a Theravāda Buddhist practice, which has informed a deep appreciation for mindfulness, discipline, and inner cultivation. These complementary studies enrich Michael’s understanding of movement, intention, and awareness.
While drawing from this broad background, Michael’s teaching focuses primarily on Yang-style Tai Chi and Chi Kung, emphasizing alignment, posture and center through balance leading to a calm, clear mind. Students are guided toward a practice that supports health, balance, and clarity, both in class and continuing into the world around us.
Tai Chi and Chi Kung
Chi-Kung is an ancient Chinese system of therapeutic exercises. Chinese medicine views a human as an integral composite of mind, emotions and body which are intimately connected with the heavenly and earthly environments. Health and longevity results from harmonizing these components within oneself and in the environment. Illnesses are perceived as the result of imbalances in any of these aspects. Emotional stress can induce physical problems while physical problems can induce emotional response. The interrelationship between the physical and emotional state has guided Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Tai Chi originates as a martial art; a refinement of Kung Fu to its most fundamental principals. However, in our class the emphasis is on the characteristics of Alignment, Posture, and Center rather than combat. To that end, the martial applications are only shown as a way to confirm that the body is aligned, that posture is correct, and that all aspects are in center. These three characteristics help the student to be balanced in all aspects of their life. In the physical plane, this means learning how to move in such a way as to avoid unnecessary falls and to open the joints so as to reduce chronic pain and inflammation in day-to-day life. On the more subtle level it helps us to remain grounded and centered when encountering perceived threats whether they be emotional or physical.
Our students report all sorts of unexpected benefits of practice, but the only way to know how it might benefit you is to come and try for yourself.