Age: 17 years and older
The Tai Chi program at Wu Dao can be best defined as low impact martial arts training. Externally, students improve physical strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Students gain a thorough understanding of body mechanics and learn self defense. Internally, students work toward increasing inner serenity and focus, as well as developing their internal energy, referred to as "Qi" in the Chinese culture.
At Wu Dao, students begin by practicing basic Tai Chi movements and patterns, then progressing to learning Tai Chi forms. In Push Hands, students practice applications and techniques with partners to help deepen the understanding of structure, sensitivity, and movement.
Each Tai Chi workout has a balance of exercises and drills to increase strength, flexibility, relaxation, and mental and physical control. Like the Adult Kung Fu class, our Tai Chi class is 1.5 hours long. It consists of four primary sections: Warm Up and Stretching, Tai Chi Basics, Forms Practice, and Closing Exercise.
Warm Up and Stretching - Students perform a range of exercises and drills to increase the heart rate and oxygenate the body. Instructors then lead students through a stretching and strengthening routine. During each class, the instructor selects a subset of exercises to focus on. This approach allows students to consistently work on the critical areas of the body but still experience new challenges.
Tai Chi Basics - The instructor works with students on exercises that explore the eight Basic Tai Chi Hand Techniques and the five Basic Steps. The instructor leads students through stationary and floor drills that help to reinforce the correct alignment and motion in the performance of Tai Chi Movements. During this section, students also have the opportunity to experiment with Push Hands, which is the two person practice that enables both students to experience applied Tai Chi, identify structural weaknesses, and appreciate the philosophy of the Tai Chi system.
Forms Practice - During Forms Practice, the instructor works with students on the hand or sword form. Students practice what they have already learned and incorporate new movements into their forms. Students have time to work individually on refining techniques and postures and receive assistance from the instructor.
Closing Exercise - Tai Chi classes often begin or close with relaxation and meditation exercises that are helpful in alleviating stress and anxiety
