*Please note that this page is constantly evolving as I apply new information and update the page.
“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.
There Will Be No T’ai Chi Classes Today
Monday October 11th
Classes will resume on Tuesday, October 12th
How to Join a Class
I am leaping into the current century, using a new scheduling/registration system for the independent MetroWest T’ai Chi classes. (Please note that for classes run by other organizations, you will not use this scheduling system. You will still register and pay through that organization.) This will make things easier and more efficient in the long run, however, there may be a bit of an adjustment period while people get used to the new way of registering for classes. To help you get acclimated, I am offering a few tips below.
MWTC Classes
Important: You will need to set up a Username and Password for this system. You may find it helpful to do that before trying to register for a class. You can do that here.
To register and join any of the MetroWest Tai Chi Zoom classes:
- Tuesday 8:30 – Qigong Class
- Thursday 8:30 – Qigong Class
- Thursday 11:30 – Traditional Full Form Practice Class
Click on the class in the calendar, or the class in the list below. (If you are not logged in, you will be asked to do so.) Once on the class page, click on the “Book” button. (As in, “Book your class”.)
From there, you will be asked to pay for the class. You can do that either by paying for the individual class (currently $5 per class), or you can purchase a 10 class package for $50 if you would rather not make individual payments each time.
Once you are booked in the class, the registration system will send you an email confirmation. It will also send you a link for the Zoom class prior to the start of the class. PLEASE NOTE that each class time will generate its own Zoom link.
Other Classes
All other classes are operated by the organization running them. Please contact that organization to participate in the class.
Prefer to pay by check? Click here
If you would prefer to pay by check, you can send it made out to Jonathan Woodward to:
Jon Woodward
MetroWest T’ai Chi
PO Box 3164
Framingham, MA 01705
Also, please give me a heads up about your check by filling in the information below:
Class Schedule List
Click on any of the classes listed below for a description of the class. More information coming soon.
Monday
8:00 – Lumina – T’ai Chi for Better Balance (In-Person)
Drop-In Class
This class takes the most beneficial practices from Tai Chi and other related arts, to improve balance, reduce stress and fear, and improve vitality. We will discover elements of rooting, pulsing, centering, and flow, to increase energy levels and overall well-being. With practice, we will restore natural posture, breathing, and life force to become stronger and gain improved vigor.
In this class, we will combine elements of the T’ai Chi Moving for Better Balance program with the Tai Chi for Better Balance class offered at Lumina in the past.
This class is free for members of Lumina and Longfellow. For more pricing information, go to Longfellow’s Pricing Page or you can call Lumina at 508-358-6022.
9:30 – Wayland COA – Traditional T’ai Chi (In-Person)
Drop-In Class
This class is held out doors in good weather, or indoors in inclement weather.
The class is currently focused on the first section of the form. We will gradually progress through the first section and will then spend some time refining these movements before moving on to the second section of the form.
This is a drop-in class. Payments for the class are made with Wayland’s “Fit-Bucks”. To learn more contact the COA at coa@wayland.ma.us or 508-358-2990. You can also check out their July/August newsletter here (pdf). The fitness classes are on page 4.
12:00 – Callahan Center, Framingham – Traditional T’ai Chi (In-Person)
Drop-In Class – Masks are optional
(As of June 1st)
We are just beginning at the start of the form again in this class. Over the summer, we will gradually progress through the movements of the first section of the form. While learning the movements, we will also explore elements that make the movements come alive and become more than just physical movements, contributing to a deeper experience in T’ai Chi.
Classes are $4 per class and are payable at the door.
2:30 – Sudbury Senior Center – Traditional T’ai Chi (In-Person)
Next Session Starts 5/2 – Registration Required
For the April session we will be working on the First section of the form. We will break it down into smaller, more easily digestible bits called “mini-routines”, progressing through them with a lot of repetition. This practice allows for greater familiarity of the moves and offers a deeper experience of T’ai Chi.
6:30 – Natick Rec Department – Traditional T’ai Chi (In-Person)
Session Begins 10/3 – Registration Required
Classes are held at the East School building in Natick in the spacious gymnasium. Classes will be offered in both the 1st Section and 2nd Section of the form during the 6:30 timeslot. We will progress through the movements of the form in great detail.
Classes are held at the East School building, 90 Oak St. Natick. (Corner of Oak St. and Rte 9.)
This is a 10-week session. Classes are $90 for Natick residents and $110 for non-residents. You can register for these classes by going to Natick’s Registration Website.
7:45 – Natick Rec Department – Traditional T’ai Chi (In-Person)
Session Started 4/4 – Registration Required
Classes are held at the East School building in Natick in the spacious gymnasium. A class in the 3rd Section of the form will be offered, as well as an Advanced class for those who have completed all 3 sections of the form. In the 3rd Section class we will progress through the movements, completing the form. In the Advanced class, we will refine movements from the form and will explore and discover deeper aspects of T’ai Chi.
Classes are held at the East School building, 90 Oak St. Natick. (Corner of Oak St. and Rte 9.)
This is a 10-week session. Classes are $90 for Natick residents and $110 for non-residents. You can register for these classes by going to Natick’s Registration Website.
Tuesday
8:00 – MWTC Class – Qigong (Zoom Class)
Drop In Class – 50-minute Class
On Tuesdays we run through the set of Qigong moves mostly silently for a deeper, more peaceful experience. (Thursday’s Qigong Class is a “spoken” practice class.)
In this class, we practice a set of Qigong called “Hunyuan Qigong”. (This can be roughly translated as “Primordial Qigong”.) This is my favorite set of Qigong with movements that promote a greater experience of energy than any other set I have practiced. This set is comprised of 12 movements (some are multi-part movments) that take about 45-50 minutes to complete. The intention of this set is that we bring ourselves back to our original state of energy. (Our so-called Primordial state.)
While this class is practiced silently, the movements are easily followed. If you prefer practicing the set while I offer some light verbal guidance, please consider the Thursday morning class.
Classes are $7 per class.
9:30 – Weston COA – Traditional T’ai Chi (In-Person)
Drop In Class
We are currently going through the moves at the end of the 3rd section of the form, nearing the end of the entire form. Once completed, we will run through the form and will review moves and sections as needed. We will also work on refining movements and will explore deeper concepts of T’ai Chi.
Classes are $5 per class. Contact the COA at 781-786-6280 to sign up for the classes you are interested in.
HIDDEN – 11:30 – MWTC Class – XX Course (Zoom Class)
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11:45 – MetroWest YMCA – T’ai Chi for Better Balance (In-Person)
Drop-In Class
This class takes the most beneficial practices from Tai Chi and other related arts, to improve balance, reduce stress and fear, and improve vitality. We will discover elements of rooting, pulsing, centering, and flow, to increase energy levels and overall well-being. With practice, we will restore natural posture, breathing, and life force to become stronger and gain improved vigor.
In this class, we will combine elements of the T’ai Chi Moving for Better Balance program and the T’ai Chi for Healthy Aging and Better Balance program.
This class is free for Y members (included with membership). Non-members should contact the Y for more information.
5:30 – Brookline Tai Chi – Yang Style Form – (Zoom Class)
Section 3 Class – Semester Starts 4/5 – Registration Required
The Yang style is the most widely practiced form of Tai Chi in the world today. It emphasizes rooted, flowing movements; relaxed, yet mindful awareness and intention; and the integration of mind, body, and energy. Originally developed in the early 1800s by Yang Lu Chan, it built upon the martially-oriented Chen style adding elements of Taoist internal work to increase the art’s value to health and spiritual development.
One characteristic of the Yang style is the variety of physical and energetic qualities it contains. The same movements can be performed in small, medium, or large frames; at different heights or levels; at different speeds; and with differing purposes and intentions. The “pillars” of Yang Tai Chi are its orientations for health and longevity; martial skill and power; and for meditation/spiritual growth.
In this class we will learn the movements of the First Section of the Yang Style Long Form, a 3 minute “moving meditation” that expresses the basic qualities of Rooting, Centering, Pulsing, Flow, and Whole Body Integration while moving continuously and smoothly, with deep breathing and a relaxed but focused awareness.
To register for this class, please visit the Brookline Tai Chi website and click on the “REGISTER” link.
Wednesday
3:00 – North Hill – (Residents Only Class)
This class is offered to North Hill residents only. For more information about this class, please contact Jon directly. Contact Page
7:00 – Lumina – Traditional T’ai Chi (In-Person)
Drop-In Class
In this class we will focus on reviewing the Traditional form. The content of the class will largely depend on who attends the class. However, with the pandemic shutting down the class for over a year and a half, we will likely review the form starting from the beginning. This class is open to both beginners and experienced T’ai Chi practitioners.
This class is free for members of Lumina and Longfellow. For more pricing information, go to Longfellow’s Pricing Page or you can call Lumina at 508-358-6022.
Thursday
8:30 – MWTC Class – Qigong (Zoom Class)
Drop-In Class
On Thursdays we practice this set of Qigong while I give spoken verbal guidance. (Tuesday’s Qigong class is a mostly silent practice of the Qigong set.)
In this class, we practice a set of Qigong called “Hunyuan Qigong”. (This can be roughly translated as “Primordial Qigong”.) This is my favorite set of Qigong with movements that promote a greater experience of energy than any other set I have practiced. This set is comprised of 12 movements (some are multi-part movements) that take about 45-50 minutes to complete. The intention of this set is that we bring ourselves back to our original state of energy. (Our so-called Primordial state.)
If you prefer practicing the set without verbal quidance, please consider the Tuesday morning class.
Classes are $7 per class using the pay button above.
10:00 – MWTC Class- Traditional Form Instruction (10-Week Zoom Course)
10-Week Registration Course 9/15
In this class, we learn the moves of the form by progressively working our way through the movements. This is a 10-week course that will allow us to progress through the movements methodically and in detail. We will also spend some time digging in to some of the “essences” of T’ai Chi – some the aspects of the T’ai Chi that make the movements something more than just physical movements.
Because this is a registration class, I will also make videos of the class available for the week following the class. That way, if you are not able to attend the class, you can use the video to experience the class that you have missed. This will also allow students to review class materials during the week in between classes.
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The cost for the 10-week course is $80.
11:30 – MWTC Class – Traditional Full Form Practice Class (Zoom Class)
Drop-In Class
We take this hour-long class to practice the entire form. Some weeks we will run through the form 3 times during the class. Other weeks we will run through it twice and spend a little bit of time focusing on refining a move or exploring an element of T’ai Chi.
Classes are $7 per class.
HIDDEN – 1:30 – MetroWest YMCA – T’ai Chi for Better Balance (In-Person)
Drop-In Class – Class Starts on September 14th
This class takes place on both Tuesdays and Thursdays
This class takes the most beneficial practices from Tai Chi and other related arts, to improve balance, reduce stress and fear, and improve vitality. We will discover elements of rooting, pulsing, centering, and flow, to increase energy levels and overall well-being. With practice, we will restore natural posture, breathing, and life force to become stronger and gain improved vigor.
In this class, we will combine elements of the T’ai Chi Moving for Better Balance program and the T’ai Chi for Healthy Aging and Better Balance program.
This class is open to active Y members only. This class is free for Y members (included with membership).
3:30 – MWTC Class – Tao Te Ching Book Club (Zoom Class)
Drop-In Discussion Group
The Tao Te Ching is considered the text of the Taoist philosophy. T’ai Chi emerged out of Taoism and is considered a Taoist practice,
In this group, we study one chapter of the Tao Te Ching at a time, exploring a variety of translations and commentaries, discussing our perspectives on the meaning of the chapter.
Friday
9:30 – MWTC Class – Push Hands Practice Group (In-Person)
Drop-In Practice Group
IMPORTANT: Open only to those who are fully vaccinated
Please Note: due to the nature of “Pushing Hands” this class involves physical contact with other. We are currently meeting masked and outdoors (indoors if the weather is inclement). This class may be cancelled at any time depending on the Covid situation at the time.
“Pushing Hands” is a two person T’ai Chi exercise that implements the movements, elements and philosophies of the T’ai Chi. Pushing hands can take many forms, from drills to (very light) “sparring” to sensitivity exercises and more. This practice can give us a much deeper understanding of the T’ai Chi form and offers a deeper insight into our relationship with the world around us.
If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Jon.
You can find brief descriptions of each of the classes below. Just click on the name to expand the text.
MWTC – Traditional Full Form Practice
Thursdays, 11:30 AM
We take this hour-long class to practice the entire form. We typically run through the entire form twice while also spending a bit of time focusing on refining a move or exploring an element of T’ai Chi, but always within the context of the entire form.
Zoom – $5 Per Drop-In Class
Lumina – T’ai Chi for Better Balance
Mondays, 8:00 AM
Class Starts 9/12/22
This class is strongly focused on the T’ai Chi for Better Balance program. Each week we will focus on one or two elements of T’ai Chi that help improve balance. We will also practice movements from the program, applying what we have learned to those movements.
In-Person – Free for Lumina and Longfellow members – Drop-In Class – For non-member pricing, please contact Lumina
Beginner Friendly
MW YMCA – T’ai Chi for Better Balance
Tuesdays 12:30
This class is strongly focused on the T’ai Chi for Better Balance program. Each week we will focus on one or two elements of T’ai Chi that help improve balance. We will also practice movements from the program, applying what we have learned to those movements.
In-Person classes
Free for Y members – Drop-In Class – Run by the Y
Beginner Friendly
Natick Rec Department 1 & 2
Mondays, 6:30 PM
Starts 10/3/22, Ends December 5th
Classes are offered in both the 1st Section and 2nd Section of the form during the 6:30 time slot.. Beginners can focus on the First Section of the form while those who want to progress on can focus on the Second Section of the form. We progress methodically through the movements so that the student can build a stronger and stronger sense of familiarity with the sequence of movements.
In-Person classes
$100 for 10 week session for Natick Residents, $120 for non-residents
Run by Natick Rec Department
First Section is Beginner Friendly
Natick Rec Department 3 & Advanced
Mondays, 7:45 PM
Starts 10/3/22, Ends December 5th
We also run two classes during the later 7:45 class. Those who have progressed through the first two sections can move on to the Third Section of the form. Others can take the Advanced Class where we focus on deeper concepts and refinement of the form.
In-Person classes
$100 for 10 week session for Natick Residents, $120 for non-residents
Run by Natick Rec Department
Sudbury Senior Center Zoom Class
The content of this class will depend heavily on who signs up for the class. It will likely feature Mini Routines as a basis for the class that we can use to apply different concepts and ideas. Beginners and experienced students alike are welcome to join the class.
To register for the class, call the Senior Center at 978-443-3055 or email Chery Finley.
Zoom – $39 for 8 week session – Starts 5/24 – Run by Sudbury Senior Center
Beginner Friendly
Tao Te Ching Book Club
Each meeting we study a different chapter of the Tao Te Ching. Using different translations and commentaries, we attempt to interpret the deeper meanings of each chapter.
As we are part way through the book, this class is closed to new participants. At some point in the future, I will either start at the beginning again or we will move on to a different book. At that point this group will open up to new participants.
Qigong
We currently practice a style called Hunyuan Qigong. This is a very internal style of Qigong with a strong focus on working with and moving energy (Qi) throughout the body. There are 12 “movements” in the set (although some moves have multiple parts). It takes about 45 minutes to go through these moves.
Zoom – $5 Per Drop-In Class
Beginner Friendly
HIDDEN TCHABB – T’ai Chi for Healthy Aging and Better Balance
This is a new and improved Better Balance program! This is a 12 week / 2 classes per week course focusing on elements and exercises that help improve balance and stability. Students must be able to attend the majority of classes.
In this program, there is less of an emphasis on T’ai Chi movements and more on the elements, ideas and concepts within T’ai Chi that can instantly improve our sense of stability. It is a common experience for students to feel changes to their sense of balance and stability immediately after practicing and exercise. These T’ai Chi concepts will also be applied directly to real life, everyday activities so that we can move easily bring this experience into our everyday world.
Zoom – Free 12 week session – Start date 9/21
Zoom – Free 12 week session – Second Course Added – Start date 9/30
Very Beginner Friendly
HIDDEN Deeper T’ai Chi
In Deeper T’ai Chi we will discover new ways of experiencing the movements of T’ai Chi and sometimes Qigong moves. This class will be a mixture of movement and discussion.
We explore how the physical movements can include various awarenesses of energy or flow. We explore deeper overall experiences of the movements. And we explore how we can bring those deeper experiences into our everyday lives.
Zoom – $5 Per Drop-In Class
HIDDEN T’ai Chi Basics
This is a free class open to anyone who is interested in exploring T’ai Chi. We cover basic elements that inform the rest of our T’ai Chi and apply that to a short, easy to learn routine of movements. This is a very “Beginner Friendly” class. However, experienced students can also benefit from more deeply exploring the essential concepts of T’ai Chi.
Zoom – $5 Per Drop-In Class
Very Beginner Friendly
HIDDEN Section 1 Details (Previously Mini Routines 1)
Mini Routines are short groupings of movements that are part of the Traditional form. We connect the end of the routine back to the beginning to create a “loop”, allowing us to explore deeper aspects of Tai Chi with a relatively simple set of moves.
In this class, we will focus on the Mini Routines from the first section of the form.
Zoom – $5 Per Drop-In Class
Beginner Friendly but also challenging
HIDDEN Section 2 Details (Previously Mini Routines 2)
We focus on Mini Routines from the Second Section of the form. This class also provides and excellent opportunity to learn and practice the Second Section of the form.
Zoom – $5 Per Drop-In Class
HIDDEN Section 3 Details (Previously Mini Routines 3)
We focus on Mini Routines from the Third Section of the form. This class also provides and excellent opportunity to learn and practice the Third Section of the form.
Zoom – $5 Per Drop-In Class
HIDDEN Weston Zoom Class
We focus primarily on the Traditional Form, often using the Mini Routines to explore it. The Mini Routines help make this more accessible to those who are new to T’ai Chi or who come from the Better Balance class. We also bring in other concepts and ideas into this class to help complement and reinforce both the Traditional Form and the T’ai Chi for Better Balance program.
Zoom – $5 Per Drop-In Class – Run by Weston COA
Somewhat Beginner Friendly but also challenging
HIDDEN Wellesley Zoom Class
We will likely focus on the Mini Routines from the Second Section of the form in this class while also incorporating elements that help improve balance and rooting.
Zoom – $50 for 8 week session – Starts 5/13 – Run by Wellesley COA
Beginner Friendly but also challenging
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.