Tai Chi Chuan Workshops

The Academy of Mixed Martial Ats is excited to offer a series of monthly workshops introducing the fascinating art of Tai Chi Chuan. Classes will be held on the first Friday of each month from 7:00 to 9:30pm. The cost of each workshop is $25. Workshops are conducted by Sifu Pete Landini, who teaches Tai Chi at Silk Wind Studio.

1. Tai Chi QiGong. Qi Gong is said to be the basis of the Tai Chi form. Through Tai Chi Qi Gong we practice to accumulate, balance, and coordinate the flow of our life forces to maintain health and well-being while also developing internal strength. This workshop will introduce students to a series of Qi Gong movements that are not only a wonderful practice unto itself, but will become the foundation for learning Tai Chi.

2. Tai Chi Form - Part-1 Tai Chi Chuan is an internal martial art, which in addition to being an excellent system of self-defense, is also practiced for its many health benefits. This workshop will provide continuing students with a review to gain more insight into their Qi Gong practice, while also giving new students the opportunity to learn. The first 7 postures of the Wu Ji Tai Chi Short form will be taught.

3. Pushing Hands. Tui Shou, translated as Pushing Hands, teaches the Tai Chi student through cooperative partner exercises to sense and respond to their partner’s energy patterns. These exercises will also provide feedback on one’s posture and movement under gentle resistance, thus improving the quality of their solo practice. After an in-depth review of the material covered in previous workshops, several methods of Tui Shou will be introduced and practiced.

4. Tai Chi Form - Part 2. This Workshop will begin with a Qigong set and review of the Tai Chi form learned thus far. Corrections will be made to improve student’s posture, balance, and quality movement. The next 7 movements of the Wu Ji Tai Chi Short form will be taught.

5. Tai Chi Chuan – Applications Tai Chi Chuan is such a beautifully choreographed exercise that some people do not even realize that each of the movements has a functional application in self-defense. In this workshop, the movements within the form will be practiced and then explored for self-defense applications. Students will discover why the movements have to be done in a certain way, and will begin to understand how they become ineffective if not done correctly. All in all, students will come away with a deeper understanding of the form and their practice.

One workshop will be covered each month.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is an internal martial art developed in China and trained as a set of slow, flowing, meditative movements. While it an excellent method of self-defense, Tai Chi is also practiced for its health benefits.

What can I expect in Class?

We begin class with a series of Qi Gong exercises followed by the Tai Chi Form. Instruction is provided to attain calm awareness and internal harmony through posture, breath, and movement. The self-defense applications are explored through instruction and cooperative partner exercises.

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong is literally "Energy Work". While Qi Gong comes in many different flavors, the one we practice is closely related to our style of Tai Chi. "Qi" is believed to be our life force energy, and by working with this energy we learn how to let it flow freely.

What if I am not interested in self-defense?

It is said that to comprehend the civil, one must understand the martial. Or, in order to keep the peace, we must be prepared for war. Tai Chi is based on balance, so while students are not forced to engage in hand-to-hand combat during class, lessons would be incomplete and may hinder a student's growth if the martial aspects were to be ignored

What are some of the health benefits?

By calming the mind and relaxing the muscles of the body, we can significantly reduce physical tension and emotional stress. The soft flowing movements are therapeutic to the joints, and the use of spiraling energy invigorates the internal organs. Traditional Chinese Medicine tells us that sickness comes to us as a result of an imbalance... Tai Chi is designed to unite the body, mind, and spirit into balance.

What style of Tai Chi do you teach?

There are many different forms of Tai Chi practiced in China and in the West. I teach the Wu Ji style taught to me by my teacher, Master William Ting. While it is practiced throughout China, specifically in the Shanghai region, it is not very well known in the United States.

How long does it take to learn Tai Chi?

The physical movements of the form can be learned and put to memory in a few months, however, one must approach Tai Chi as a lifetime endeavor. Although your form will come to look beautiful to those watching, the goal is not outward appearance, but feeling the power of your energy from the inside. Only then will you be doing Tai Chi.