Free Intro Demo / Workshop
Monday, January 9th, 7PM
A free introductory workshop for those interested in the upcoming Natick Rec Department classes.
Registration is required.
“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
Class Calendar
How to Join a Zoom 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 $7 per class), or you can purchase a 10 class package for $70 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 and stability, reduce stress and fear, and improve vitality. We will discover elements of rooting, pulsing, releasing, 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 for Healthy Aging and 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 non-member 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 outdoors in good weather, or indoors in inclement weather and during the winter months.
(As of March2023)
The class has progressed on into the second section of the form. We will still run through the first section every week and can review any moves from the first section at any time.
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 look in the latest Wayland COA newsletter here.
12:00 – Callahan Center, Framingham – Traditional T’ai Chi (In-Person)
Drop-In Class – Masks are optional
(As of March 2023)
We have progressed into the second section of the form and are exploring the first several moves of that section. Every week we will continue to run through movements of the first section and can explore or review any of these moves if that is of interest to members of the class.
For more information please contact the Callahan Center at 508-532-5980. You can also see their most current newsletter here.
Classes are drop-in and are $4 per class and are payable at the door.
2:30 – Sudbury Senior Center – Traditional T’ai Chi (In-Person)
Upcoming Session: 3/20 – 6/5/23 – Registration Required
No Class on 3/27, 4/17, 5/11, 5/29,
For the upcoming session we will be working on the Second 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 4/3/23 – 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. During this course, we will learn the moves of the form while also exploring some of the deeper ideas that make T’ai Chi such a powerful art.
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 running through 6/26. (No class on 5/8, 5/29 or 6/19.)
Classes are $100 for Natick residents and $120 for non-residents. You can register for these classes by going to Natick’s Registration Website.
Please note that there is a short registration window for this session. Registration opens for Natick Residents on March 22nd at noon and on March 29th for non-Residents. (That’s leaves only 5 days for non-residents.)
7:45 – Natick Rec Department – Traditional T’ai Chi (In-Person)
Session Begins 4/3/23 – 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 running through 6/26. (No class on 5/8, 5/29 or 6/19.)
Classes are $100 for Natick residents and $120 for non-residents. You can register for these classes by going to Natick’s Registration Website.
Please note that there is a short registration window for this session. Registration opens for Natick Residents on March 22nd at noon and on March 29th for non-Residents. (That’s leaves only 5 days for non-residents.)
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
This class is geared toward more experienced T’ai Chi students who have learned the all 3 sections of the form. In this class, we are working on the entire form. We will run through the form and will review moves and sections as needed. We also work on refining movements and 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.
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.
Wednesday
10:00 – UCC / Warren Center- Traditional T’ai Chi (In-Person)
6-Week Registration Course – New Session starts 4/5/23 – Registration Required
The class will begin this Wednesday 4/5 and will run for 6 weeks. In this class we will work on the second two “mini-routines” of the 1st section of the form, while exploring the moves with great depth.
You can find out more about the club by going to their site here.
1:00 – Weston COA – T’ai Chi for Better Balance (In-Person)
Drop-In Class
In this class we will focus on elements of T’ai Chi, such as “rooting”, structure and release, that benefit balance. We will also incorporate movements from the Traditional T’ai Chi form for those who want to progress on to the Tuesday morning class.
Classes are $5 per class. Contact the COA at 781-786-6280 to sign up for the classes you are interested in.
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 non-member 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 (12-Week Zoom Course)
12-Week Registration Course – New Session starts 3/2/23 and runs through 5/25/23
(No Class on 5/11/23)
In this class, we learn the moves of the form by progressively working our way through the movements. This session, we are running through the 3rd section of the form.
This is a 12-week course that will allow us to progress through the movements methodically and in detail. We will use the first 2 weeks to review the 2nd section of the form before moving on to the 3rd section. We will also spend some time digging into 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.
The cost for the 12-week course is $95.
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. Most weeks we will run through the form 2 times during the class. We also usually spend a little bit of time focusing on refining a move or exploring an element of T’ai Chi or exploring a deeper concept within T’ai Chi..
Classes are $7 per class.
3:30 – MWTC Class – Zhuangzi Book Club (Zoom Class)
Drop-In Discussion Group
The Zhuangzi (or “Chuang Tsu”) is typically considered the second most important text of Taoist philosophy. T’ai Chi emerged out of Taoism and is considered a Taoist practice,
Unlike the Tao Te Ching, the Zhuangzi chapters are closer to a style of prose and parables than they are to poetry. This is not to say the the stories will be easily understood. They will still take some effort to explore the depths and discover meaning.
In this group, we study one chapter of the Zhuangzi at a time, digging into the subtleties of the stories, discussing our perspectives on the meaning of the chapter.
Friday
9:30 – MWTC Class – Push Hands Practice Group (In-Person)
Drop-In Practice Group
Please Note: Masking is optional. Also, due to the nature of Push Hands Practice, we work in close proximity to our partner and there is physical contact. If you feel any symptoms of illness, please skip the practice until you feel better.
“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.
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.
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.