New Classes for Late Spring 2010
"I don’t always want new information,” says a long-time student. ”Sometimes I just need a place to practice and some guidance in getting all this in my body.”
The comment shines a light on how BTC’s core tai chi and chi gung programs are developing. Our latest reconfiguring of classes balances teaching the fundamentals with helping students integrate what they are learning and cultivate their own practice.
How this plays out in tai chi: The new Level II: Refinements & Practice will provide simultaneous tracks for those who have just finished and are refining Level I and for more experienced students who are revisiting the form and integrating more chi gung. These students tell us they are still finding new things in the Short Form even after years of study. Completing Level II is an excellent jumping off point to proceed with Core Chi Gung study or eventually with tai chi Long Form.
How this plays out in chi gung: Core Chi Gung focuses on the building blocks—pulsing and dissolving—of all advanced practices. In spring/summer, Heaven & Earth’s openings and closings help your body stretch and lengthen; in fall/winter, Energy Gates’ going deeper into your energetic system follows the seasonal rhythm of slowing down. Longer classes allow more time to absorb material. Beginners are welcome; the course is taught in separate tracks. Immersion week Heaven & Earth is a good launchpad.
Chi Gung Special Subjects focuses on several specific elements at a time—such as Bend the Bow, microalignments
(subtle lifts and drops of the body), or the whole progression of spinal work—that we have not always had enough time for. Topics depend on the interest and needs of the class. The course offers fresh exposure to new practice ideas throughout the year, on a more frequent basis than Core Chi Gung. Students can benefit from taking both courses.
Special Note about Ba Gua: Starting in the Late Spring, Ba Gua Circle Walking will now be offered on Thursday morning from 11:30-12:30 instead of 7:30-8:30pm. However, the 7:30 time will still be open as student-led practice. You'll find out more about how this works in class.