Chen Taiji

Sinew Metamorphosis

Wudang T'ai Chi Practice Style

24-Form

Yang Style 108 Form

William C.C. Chen

Insights into Qigong

Tai Chi/Qigong vs Yoga . . . .

 Among the key differences between yoga and tai chi/qigong are:

• Tai chi/qigong offer counterbalancing postures performed in continuous movement vs yoga's static poses aimed primarily to 'stretch and hold' followed by 'rest and return;'

• Yoga tends to 'stretch to relax' whereas t'ai chi 'relaxes in order to stretch;'

• Tai chi and qigong awaken 'equilibrium and balance' from a standing position vs yoga's poses primarily from the floor [downward dog, etc.] while the Iyengar standing warrior poses are aimed at stretching within an already developed sense of balance; 

• Tai chi/qigong develop increasing balance/stability using 'weighted/unweighted' stances with head always up, shoulders relaxed and pelvis seated vs yoga's multiple approaches [upside down head, etc.]; 

• Tai chi/qigong stay at 70% of range-of-motion vs yoga pushes people to stop just before 'pain' which can be in excess of 70%;

* Tai chi/qigong forms themselves enhance breathing through the movement sequences [as well as standing qigong] vs yoga focuses the mind directly on pranayama breath control;

* Tai chi/qigong build in 'rest' within the form [stillness] vs in yoga stronger, longer-held stretches are followed by shavasana pose which is performed primarily lying on your back on the floor;

Both practices are considered 'body work' as are various forms of massage including self-applied acupressure, tapping, etc. Meditation is embedded in both tai chi and yoga but is practiced more 'for the mind' in zen meditative sitting. The benefits of calming the mind are found in many practices and avocations [having a passion for something, music, art, etc.].  Tai chi/qigong can restore equilibrium, a physiological state, and thereby calming the mind. Yoga may be more about strength and conditioning. Tai chi/qigong is more about deeply connecting mind and body by activating the mind in the 'form' rather than simply 'dismissing' the mind.' 

T'ai Chi Ch'uan 1969 from Folkstreams on Vimeo.

Strengthen the body to support the lungs created: Hu Xiaofei in Beijing Sports University

24-Form T'ai Chi Back View ~ Master Amin Wu

Yang style 24-Form ~ Liang, Shou-Yu

NEW Saturday T'ai Chi/Qigong/T'ai Chi Ball beginning February 29 - Greece

New Class starting February 29, 2020  •  Saturdays

Greece Community Center • Long Pond Rd. [north of Latta]

9 am-10 am

Yang Family 24-Form for beginners - instruction

Qigong ~ easy to follow

T'ai Chi Ball - equipment provided

Barbara Carder, Instructor

First class - Free - 2/29-4/4/20

18-Form Shibashi Qigong

Fang Zuhao

Flying Phoenix Qigong

Tai Chi/Qigong Class Info

Join the Greece Community Center

• Visit the Front Desk at Community Center in Greece: Long Pond Rd. [north of Latta Rd.] Greece NY
• Bring photo identification which shows proof of residency (driver's license, etc.)
• Membership to the Town of Greece Community & Senior Center is free to
  Greece Residents
• Non-residents can purchase a Non-Resident Membership $50.00.
• One Day Non-Resident Fee $5.00
  All CSC activities require a membership to participate.
  
  
  0. Member Activity Credits: ‘credits’ can be purchased at the front desk.
     Tai Chi/Qigong class $.90/class @ $50.00 and $1.20/class @ $60.00 – For entire year.
     
  1. 
     

  Residents	$15.00 = 16 Credits	Non Residents	$20 = 16 Credits
  Residents	$30.00 = 33 Credits	Non Residents	$40 = 33 Credits
  Residents	$45.00 = 50 Credits	Non Residents	$60 = 50 Credits

  0. 
     
     
     Tai Chi/Qigong class $.90/class @ $50.00 and $1.20/class @ $60.00 – For entire year.

24-Short Form

T'ai Chi with Bach