MWTC Independant Classes

This page lists all the MetroWest T’ai Chi classes that are run independantly from other organizations. At the present time all of these classes are Zoom online video classes.

“Grasp The Sparrow’s Tail” Mini-Course

Starts Tuesday, July 20th

4 week mini-course delving into the depths of one of the most important moves in T’ai Chi.
Course fee is $35. Registration is required.

All Classes are Off

Monday, July 5th
in observance of the July 4th holiday

Classes will resume on Tuesday, July 6th

MetroWest T’ai Chi independent classes are now $5 per class (with the exception of the T’ai Chi Basics classes on Mondays and the TCHABB classes on Mondays/Thursdays or Wednesdays/Fridays).

Any of the classes shown in white on the calendar are now $5. Please use the PayPal button below to make your payment.

This calendar shows only the MWTC Independant classes. To see the full calendar and the full list of classes, click here.

All Classes are Off

May 3rd – May 7th

The normal schedule will resume on Monday, May 10th.

MetroWest T’ai Chi independent classes are now $5 per class (with the exception of the T’ai Chi Basics classes on Mondays and the TCHABB classes on Mondays/Thursdays or Wednesdays/Fridays).

Any of the classes shown in white on the calendar are now $5. Please use the PayPal button below to make your payment.

How to Join a Class

To join any of the classes shown in white or yellow on the calendar above, click the name of the class below, then clicking the “Join” button. Please note that if you join before the previous class ends, you may be put into Zoom’s “Waiting Room”. All is okay. I will admit you into the class once the previous one has ended.

For classes listed in Orange or Green, I will send an email for those who have registered for the class.

You can find brief descriptions of each of the classes below. Just click on the name to expand the text.

Following is a list of classes held around the greater Framingham area. Many of the classes are currently running, while others begin throughout the month of September. Please click on the link for more information.

Below is information about the the different types of programs that I offer.

Traditional Form

The “Traditional Form” that I teach is a version of the Cheng Man-Ch’ing style or the Yang 37 form. (For those who are more knowledged about these things, it is a variation of the routine with a blending of elements from both the Yang style and the Cheng Man-Ch’ing style.)

This form consists of a set routine of movements that takes about 15 minutes to go through. For the purpose of the classes, this routine is divided into three sections, each one offering challenging movements. The first section can be learned and used as a stand alone form, taking about 5 minutes to run through.

Practice of this style offers not only a relaxing, meditative experience, but also explorations into areas such as:

  • Awareness of body structure
  • Improved focus
  • Development of internal energy
  • Sense of fluidity and flow
  • Greater overall awareness of self
  • Martial applications
  • Philosophies and ideas from T’ai Chi

While this style of T’ai Chi involves a greater level of commitment and perseverance than the T’ai Chi for Balance program, the experience tends to be deeper with greater impact on life.

T’ai Chi for Balance

This program is focused primarily on improving balance, with a lighter emphasis on the areas of T’ai Chi listed above. While there are 8 movements in the basic set used for this program, they are generally easier to learn and to follow, allowing us to put a greater emphasis on the elements of T’ai Chi that help to improve our balance.

T’ai Chi for Balance programs go by several different names and include:

  • T’ai Chi for Healthy Aging
  • T’ai Chi for Healthy Living
  • T’ai Chi for Better Balance
  • Movement for Better Balance

There are many studies that have shown that T’ai Chi in general is a practice that helps to maintain and improve balance as we go through life. The T’ai Chi for Balance programs offered here have been built to focus specifically on aspects of T’ai Chi that have the most impact on improving our balance. In these programs the moves are simpler and fewer while an emphasis is placed on posture, weight shifting and body awareness, among other aspects of T’ai Chi.

The movements take about five to seven minutes to go through the initial set of eight movements. These movements can be done in any order so that there is no need to remember a particular routine. The full set of fifteen movements takes anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes to perform.

Qigong

The term “Qigong” (pronounced Chi Gung) refers to any number of styles or systems that focus on improving and balancing our flow of energy (or “Qi”). Qigong may consist of a set of movements, or meditative postures and typically emphasize aligning our posture, regulating our breathing and using mind intent to create the benefits we seek.

The practice of Qigong predates T’ai Chi and includes a much broader spectrum of styles. Qigong can be used as a stand alone practice or as an excellent complement to T’ai Chi.

Currently, the style of Qigong that we most often practice in classes is called “Hunyuan Qigong”. This style of Qigong is very focused on working with Qi. Regular practice of Hunyuan Qigong will help to develop a stronger sense of Qi within our bodies while also increasing and improving the flow of Qi through various organ systems.

Practicing

Practicing is certainly helpful and is fairly necessary to learn the movements of both T’ai Chi and Qigong. Practicing will also help us to get the most benefits from T’ai Chi and Qigong and to explore the deeper aspects of our T’ai Chi and Qigong experience. To learn the movements and routines from any of the programs, it is recommended that participants practice at home what they have been learning in class. The more we practice, the more we get out of our practice. However, even fifteen minutes a few times a week will have a vast positive impact.

That being said, while practice is urged, we will never make you feel embarrassed or guilty if you do not practice. Everyone has their own path and their own reasons for taking classes. Practicing may simply be difficult for some of the students.

Ultimately, I want participants of our classes to enjoy the experience of taking their T’ai Chi classes. So the classes are typically fun and lighthearted. I believe that this is often the most effective environment to learn.

(The one exception to this is the early morning Advanced Class in which practice is expected.)

If you have any questions about the classes, feel free to go to the contact page and connect with me. I’ll do my best to answer your questions.