Starting with simple, easy to learn exercises that help improve posture, balance, and flexibility, we progress to learning the flowing movements of taiji. The relaxed practice of this discipline reduces stress and aids concentration. Taijiquan emphasizes fluidity and trains the body and mind in flexibility, balance, and control. Classes consist of stretching and strengthening exercises, learning a series of traditional stances that compose the sequential movements of the form, and include some basic qigong exercises. Suitable for any fitness level.

Physically more challenging, this class teaches the traditional Guang Ping Yang long form of 64 movements. Emphasizes development of balance, harmony, and physical strength. Taijiquan emphasizes fluidity and trains the body and mind in flexibility, balance, and control. Classes consist of stretching exercises, learning a series of traditional stances that compose the sequential movements of the form, and include some basic qigong exercises. Beginners welcome.

Concentrates on improving balance and flexibility. Gently strengthen and tone muscles in the limbs and core. Taijiquan emphasizes fluidity and trains the body and mind in flexibility, balance, and control. Classes consist of mild stretching and strengthening exercises, learning a series of traditional stances that compose the sequential movements of the form, and include some basic qigong exercises. Geared more toward the less physically active, those with specific health concerns, and/or limitations of movement, or other conditions requiring accommodation.

Explores basic techniques for calming the mind, shedding stress and aligning vital energy. Develop mind-body connection and promote improved health and vigor. Seated, standing and moving meditation. Make use of techniques from a range of traditions and disciplines. Requires no prior experience. Suitable for any level of fitness.

This class teaches the system of the "30 Basic Exercises" developed by Doctor Y. C. Chiang at the Chung Hua Clinic of Traditional Chinese Medicine, El Cerrito, CA. Taught as conditioning and prerequisite for the study of all forms of traditional Kung-fu at the Wen Wu School of Martial Arts for more than 30 years, these exercises are designed to improve flexibility and balance, strengthen the body core and foundation. They can be practiced for aerobic benefit as well thus making a complete fitness system. They are adaptable and can be approached at any level of fitness allowing anyone to achieve a healthier, more active way of life. Master Chiang’s basics are augmented in this class with carefully selected stretches, balance enhancing and strengthening exercises from other sources, as well as specially chosen activities targeted at individual student needs.

This 42 movement Short Form provides an introduction to the traditional Chinese internal martial art and meditative exercise, taijiquan (t’ai chi ch’uan). The form was developed by Professor Cheng Man-ch’ing and augmented by his senior student Grandmaster William C. C. Chen, and is designed to promote health and strengthen the body while providing an excellent foundation for self defense. The relaxed practice of this discipline reduces stress and aids concentration.

This rare, 64 movement, Yang family form is the oldest surviving Yang family treasure predating theYang style forms that are popular today. The Guang Ping Yang style set takes its name from the village where Yang Lu-chan, Yang style founder, and his famous son Yang Ban-hou taught their "secret" fighting arts to local family and clan members before traveling to Beijing, at the request of the Chinese Emperor, to teach the Imperial family and private guard. It is said that while in Beijing the Yangs modified their teachings and disguised some of their secrets in order to make it more difficult to truly master and thus to deprive the Manchurian rulers of the true essence of the art. Fact or legend, the martial roots and close connection to the Chen family styles from which it is derived are certainly evident in the long, low stances, circling/spiraling energies, and powerful movements of the Guang Ping Yang form. The postures and movements are in clear accord with the principles of yin and yang, and embody both the internal harmonies (heart to mind, mind to qi, qi to jing) and external harmonies (hand to foot, elbow to knee, hip to shoulder). Emphasizes fluidity and trains the body and mind in flexibility, balance, and control.

This abridged version of the Guang Ping Yang style form was developed to be more accessible to beginning students and to provide a bridge between the smaller framed and less physically challenging Yang Style Short Form. The set provides a complete system for practice while avoiding some of the most difficult movements requiring more advanced skills and physical stamina. Emphasizes fluidity and trains the body and mind in flexibility, balance, and control.

Forms of "energy work" that can be practiced either for health benefits alone or as an adjunct to taiji practice to improve understanding of the energetic principles of taiji and/or develop greater power and control. Taiji qigong generally involves still postures, single movement exercises, and short sequences of forms.

Developed by Kuo Yun Shen and codified by his student Great Grandmaster Wang Xiangzhai, as a way of building and controlling internal energy which can lead to great martial power, it is also an extremely effective practice for health and self-healing. The U.S. I-ch’uan Association sponsors "World I-ch’uan Self-Healing Circles" (WISH Circles) each year in conjunction with World Tai Chi and Qigong Day to promote its health benefits. Yiquan initially focuses primarily on the use of standing postures and progresses slowly to ways of moving that are simple yet can be highly effective in self-defense. Described by some as the "formless form" yiquan zeroes in on the development of the mind, using Intention (yi) to lead the qi which brings power. That power can be either healing energy or explosive martial power for application.

The practice of push-hands is the perfect way for the taiji player to both test and improve her/his understanding of the taiji principles and the various types of energies and techniques learned in the empty hand forms. A series of progressive individual and two-person exercises culminate in learning and playing the game of uprooting. Played in a cooperative spirit the players attempt to overbalance each other in more and more challenging situations as their skills improve. The game can be played with any set of rules and restrictions agreed upon by the players in order to practice desired skills/techniques. The game of push-hands can also be played, with organized rules, at as a competitive sport in tournaments and competitions at the regional, national, and international level.

These choreographed, empty hand two-person forms are designed to both teach and demonstrate the uses of the taiji movements in martial application. They are practiced with all the softness and fluidity of the solo empty hands forms, but in close contact with a partner. Each of the two parts can also be practiced singly as a separate form to improve understanding of martial applications. Based on the movements of the Yang and Guang Ping Yang styles of taiji. Players learn both sides of the form.

An advanced practice that progresses from restricted movement and techniques to completely unrestricted movement and free use of all taiji techniques. Feather boxing is a form of "sparring" named for the fact that, while Intention is practiced, the level of contact maintained is the "touch light as a feather." A fun and challenging game in which the players cooperate to help each other improve the full range of skills. Where taiji push hands is limited to the notion of uprooting one’s "opponent", Feather Boxing can make use of the full defensive and offensive repertoire of the players.

Taiji Saber (Dao), Taiji Sword (Jian), Staff, Spear. Taiji weapons forms help the player learn the use of the weapon as an extension of her/his own body and to direct the qi into that extension. Proper weapons practice can inform and improve one’s practice of the empty hands techniques as well.

 
Wen Wu School of T’ai Chi 820 Sprague Ave. Walla Walla, WA 99362 (509)529-2028

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