Tai Chi Simplified 25 *

Beginner's Level - I

This is an exercise class, and is the first step towards learning the Tai Chi Simplified 25 Form, as taught by Master Teacher, Raymond Sol, MS. Ed.  Students will be introduced to a special Tai Chi Form that was first created by the Chinese Sports Committee in 1956, in China.  This Form, sometimes called the Beijing Form, was later revised and simplified, and is now probably the most widely practiced Tai Chi Form in the world.  This revised Form has been modified further by Raymond Sol, MS. Ed., and includes 25 Tai Chi movements.

Normally, it will take about 14 to 16 weeks to learn the 25 Tai Chi Level - I movements.  After learning the movements and how to "go with the flow," students may wish to move up into the Tai Chi Level - II class, where they will further refine and fine tune all the movements.  There are no prerequisites for this class.  This class meets at 12noon, M&W.

Tai Chi Simplified 25

Advanced Level - II and Certified    

This is an exercise class, and is a continuation of the Tai Chi Level - I class, where students have already learned the 25 Tai Chi movements of the Tai Chi Simplified 25 Form, as taught by Raymond Sol, MS. Ed.  This class will further refine the 25 Tai Chi movements and now introduce Qigong deep breathing exercises associated with each movement.  This will also further enhance the Tai Chi Simplified 25 Form into a truly moving relaxation experience.  This is an "ongoing" class where the 25 Tai Chi movements will be repeated many times.  The prerequisite for this class is the Tai Chi Level – I Simplified 25 class.  This class meets at 10:30, M&W

GUANG PING YANG STYLE TAI CHI *

No Special Clothes, No Special Equipment 

No special clothes or equipment are needed for these classes.  Students are asked to wear loose comfortable clothing.  Cross training shoes that have not been worn outdoors on dirt or sandy surfaces, or are scrubbed clean, should be worn to keep the workout floor clean.  The Tai Chi movements will all be done standing and you will not be required to get down on the floor.  You must check with your doctor to confirm that the Tai Chi health and wellness exercises will be OK.  This is your responsibility.

Future Programs and Classes

Also planned are two Special Tai Chi and Qigong Classes, that will be offered at various times during the year.  There are no prerequisites for these Special Classes.  Again, these are all exercise classes focusing on balance and stability, flexibility and strength, and relaxation and stress relief.

Dragon Sword

Please note, you don't need to know Tai Chi.

You will learn the moves in class.

This is a very beautiful and elegant Tai Chi Form, that uses a 3 foot sword to help people exercise for health and wellness.  In ancient Chinese history the sword was considered a feminine weapon.  Many upper class women became great sword fighters.  Celtic women warriors always fought with swords along side their husbands.  Ask the Romans in Britain.  Some mythological Asian women warriors fought with two swords, at one time! 

Gasp! 

The Dragon Sword Form has 32 tai chi movements.  The class is scheduled for 14 weeks and students will learn new moves every class, as they progress through the Form.  This is a great exercise program for the working the arms, shoulders, and upper body. Balance and stability, along with strength and flexibility will be emphasized while the students progress through the form.  Students will be provided with a practice sword, or they can bring their own sword.

Lotus Blossom Fan

Please note, you don't need to know Tai Chi.

You will learn the moves in class.

This is a very elegant and beautiful Tai Chi Form, that uses a hand fan to help people exercise for health and wellness.  In ancient Chinese history the fan was considered a masculine weapon.  Then during the 18th century the fan became a woman's close companion, and was used to "signal" different messages to people "who knew" the language.   However, in this class all the Lotus Blossom Fan's movements taught, are the ancient Tai Chi warrior skills.  Very deceptive! Yet elegant! You'll just look beautiful while you knock his lights out.

Yikes!

This is also a great exercise routine to strengthen the upper body including the wrists, elbows, and shoulders.  The upper body joints will become more flexible with these exercises.  The Form has 32 Tai Chi movements.  The class is scheduled for 12 sessions, and students will learn new moves at every class, while they progress through the Form.  Students may supply their own hand fan or purchase one from the teacher.

Tiger Staff

Please Note, you don't need to know Tai Chi.

You will learn the moves in class.

Known as the "Grandfather of Weapons", the staff was the first weapon the monks learned how to use for protection, fighting, and exercise.  As the monks traveled between temples, they were frequently attacked by bandits, and robbed or killed.  Once Tai Chi was introduced to the monks, they quickly developed fighting skills using the staff.  Unlike mild shepherds tending their sheep, the staff in the hands of a warrior monk became a knock-out weapon.

Ouch !

The Tiger Staff has 44 movements, plus a few extras, to make this a great way to further practice the balance and stability exercises that tai chi is known for developing.  Great for exercising the upper body and balancing on one leg.  The class is normally 20 sessions, and students will learn new moves at every class. Ample time to practice is always provided.  Practice staffs (5 foot) will be provided, or students can bring their own. 

Standing Stork (the Extension)

The Tiger Staff Form has a newly created extension of 21 Staff movements.  This extension of the original 44 Staff movements is called the Standing Stork Form.  A major characteristic of this new Form are the wide sweeping movements of the staff.  A warrior with these skills would clear a wide field of the enemies surrounding her.  The enemy would be very wise to give a warrior with these skills a lot of room, especially room to run away from her.

OMG !

The Standing Stork Form can stand alone, as an Advanced Staff Form.  Or when transitioned into, from the Tiger Staff Form, making a full 64 movement Form rivaling the Guang Ping Yang Open Hands Form.  The Form is not easy to learn, so bring lots of bandaids and tissues.   

Whispering Spear

Please Note, you don't need to know Tai Chi

You will learn the moves in class

This an exercise class using a 7 foot spear.  This Form has 32 movements and was created by Raymond Sol, M.S.Ed, using various Shaolin spear movements and techniques.  The practice spears are supplied to the student.  If a student wishes to bring their own, it must be approved by Sifu Sol.  This is a great class for exercising the whole upper body, with emphasis on the shoulders, the arms, and the legs.  Again, great emphasis is placed on balance and stability, plus strength and flexibility.  This class is normally 16 sessions.  The class size is limited to only 8 students because of the sweeping motions of the spears.

Prenatal Tai Chi

Group and Private classes

Group classes require at least 8 people to be scheduled at the Jazzercise studio.  The class is normally 10 weeks, but can be extended if needed.  The class would meet on Fridays at 11:30am to 12:30am.  The cost is $100 for the 10 sessions.  Extra extended sessions would cost $10/session.  Single sessions are $15.

Private lessons can also be scheduled.  The private sessions are normally held in the early afternoon at the student's home.  Each session is one hour, and the number of sessions will based on each person's individual need.  The rate is $50/hour

This is a very graceful and easy flowing Tai Chi Form, that was created for prenatal women who need to begin exercising for their own health, and the health of their new baby.  In this class Qigong beep breathing exercises will be incorporated into all the tai chi movements.  This is a major benefit that will help prenatal women increase the amount of oxygen they take into their blood stream.  The oxygen rich blood can then circulate throughout their body, and the new baby's body.  Improving the health and wellness of both mom and baby.

Another benefit of Tai Chi exercises is the overall strengthening of the prenatal women's body.  Many doctor's recommend prenatal women do light exercises like walking or swimming to help keep their bodies healthy.   Tai Chi does the same thing, but in a more relaxed state.

Tai Chi is also known for it's strong emphasis on balance and stability.  As the prenatal woman's body changes and the baby grows bigger, body balance can become as issue.  All the graceful flowing Tai Chi movements incorporate many balance elements to help maintain stability while moving.

It is also great for prenatal women who are already doing yoga or other exercise programs, and now want to add something new to their health routine.  The really nice thing about the Prenatal Tai Chi classes is that you never have to get down on the floor!  All of the Tai Chi flowing movements are done standing, with no bending over.  More details will follow.

Parkinson's Classes

Private Lessons

I am Certified by the Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi Association to teach Tai Chi for Balance.  This Certification is for people/students who have balance and stability concerns, and is specifically aimed to help Parkinson's students.  However, anyone with balance and stability concerns are also welcome to participate.

Normally, all Parkinson's classes are private, and the student needs to be mobile to receive instruction.  Two tests will be performed to determine mobility and if the student will qualify for either the standing/balance class (one hour), or the seated/flexibility class (half hour).  Private lessons will give me the opportunity to devote all my time and energy with the student, and maximize the benefits.

Please note, recently diagnosed people who are very mobile (driving, hiking, swimming, etc.) are welcome to join my regular Tai Chi and Qigong class at the studio.  Starting Tai Chi soon after the diagnosis, and with regular practice (2 to 3 times a week), may help to extend the period of time they can remain mobile.

Unfortunately, nothing is guaranteed, but many studies by the Mayo Clinic and the Harvard Medical School have shown that regular Tai Chi exercise is good for balance and stability concerns.  Plus, regular Tai Chi exercise is very important for maintaining good health and wellness.  Much will depend upon the student's attitude and the support of family and friends.  In addition, it is recommended that the student attend class at least 2 to 3 times a week. 

Private Parkinson's lesson rates are: $70/hour.   $40/half hour

Monthly Rates

Payments are due at the beginning of each month

Student's Restricted Schedule (2 Days/week)

Student only available on M/W or T/Th

Beginner = $80

Advanced = $80 (Certified)

Advanced Students Certified in "Both" Forms

Advanced = 2/days/wk = $80

Advanced = 4/days/wk = $95 or unlimited

Private Lessons:  $50/person/Session

Maximum 2 people/session at one time.

All Private lessons are held at the student's location (Home, Office, etc)

Daily Rate

Visitor = $15

Beginner = $12

Advanced = $10

Special Weapons Classes*

(Fan, Sword, Staff, Spear)

Days:  M/W  or  T/Th

Time:  11:30am

Monthly = $45

*Special Weapons Classes.  Please note, despite the term "weapon(s)", these are still health and wellness exercise classes.  Each Special Class is 30 minutes long and the monthly rate will be $45.  The Special Classes are now scheduled for 11:30am to 12noon M&W for one Form, and T&Th for another Form.  Check Schedule below to see what Form is being offered and on what days it will be taught.  You do not need to know Tai Chi to attend these classes.  You will learn the Tai Chi moves associated with each weapon.  

Fall Semester (start Sep 18th): Dragon Sword, Tue/Thur only

Fall Semester (start Sep 17th): Lotus Blossom Fan,  Mon/Wed only

Special One Time Class Offering.  SILK REELING

Tue. 9/11 (for 64 Form Students)

Wed. 9/10 (for 25 Form Students)

Developed first in Chen style Tai Chi, silk reeling is used to practice simple body movements, and later adopted by other Tai Chi styles.  I have modified both Yang and Chen tai chi movements help people learn how to "go with the flow."  I like to refer to it as learning "the gentle movements one uses to separate the fine silk threads from a cocoon".  This class was created to help students loosen their joints and spine, and relax while doing tai chi.