Tai Chi Chuan
is known for its many health benefits for both
body and mind
and promotes an overall sense of well-being, vitality and inner calm. Tai Chi's gentle flowing movements encourage the body to let go of any stress or tensions: balance and flexibility improves, joints/ligaments and muscles are strengthened, blood circulates more freely and the mind and spirit become clear and full.
Andreas has studied Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan in the Plum Blossom International Federation system and has been instructing at a
local Tai Chi school in Berkeley
with great success before branching out on his own. His experience in ballroom dancing and passion for Tai Chi give him a special capacity to teach the preciseness, purity and beauty of movement and at the same time to transfer the experience of flow and a feeling of connectedness of body and mind to his students. Learning Tai Chi Chuan therefore not only becomes a physical exercise but also a deeply spiritual art form and experience that equally involves and stimulates the heart, mind and spirit.
“To be able under all circumstances
to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue;
these five things are gravity, generosity of soul,
sincerity, earnestness and kindness.”
- Confucius
Classes are taught in a very open, friendly and supportive atmosphere with special attention given to learning the underlying
principles of Tai Chi Chuan
through a systematic approach to stance, posture and forms training while also giving insights into martial arts applications. This gives students a very effective and strong foundation for their Tai Chi practice and translates into a rich, rewarding and in-depth experience of the art.
Our classes strive to be lively and engaging and students at Tai Chi Chuan Berkeley so beautifully and generously share their passion and enjoyment for their Tai Chi practice with all of their fellow students which makes the learning environment a very personal, welcoming and enjoyable one.
The integration of Tai Chi forms and Chi Kung (Qigong) exercises into the class schedule also helps students appreciate and experience the meditative aspects of Tai Chi Chuan very early in their practice.
For beginning students our curriculum starts with learning the
basic Tai Chi postures and movements.
At the beginner level it is recommended to attend classes twice a week to ensure an effective and consistent learning process. Forms training then gradually progresses to more advanced
hand and weapon forms
and for students who are already further along in their forms practice the focus shifts to learning the intricate details of the various forms, as well as feeling the unity of body & mind and of connectedness and flow.Within our diverse group of students we encourage each and every one to learn at his or her own comfortable pace, fitness level or ability to further the benefits and enjoyment of this powerful and beautiful centuries-old martial art.
Tai Chi Chuan Berkeley sees as its first and foremost mission to provide an open door to everyone to have the opportunity to experience, learn and enjoy the Art of Tai Chi Chuan with an open heart and mind in a dedicated, focused, respectful and peaceful class setting and learning environment.
Our curriculum follows the very pure, traditional & authentic way by which Tai Chi Chuan has been passed down by Tai Chi masters for centuries. We strive for quality instruction that motivates and inspires and that continuously sparks the students' love & enthusiasm for learning Tai Chi Chuan.
Tai Chi Poems Quotes Quotations
“We shape clay into a pot,
but it is the emptiness inside
that holds whatever we want.”
- Tao Te Ching
“When I let go of what I am,
I become what I might be.”
- Lao Tzu
“To the mind that is still,
the whole universe surrenders.”
- Lao Tzu
“A journey of a thousand miles
must begin with a single step.”
- Lao Tzu
“Act without doing,
work without effort.”
- Tao Te Ching
“Eight forces sustain creation:
Movement and stillness, solidification and fluidity,
extension and contraction, unification and division.”
- Ueshiba
“The Yin & Yang symbol is the
interlocking, melting together of
the flow of movement
within a circle.”
- Chungliang Al Huang
* TaiChiChuanBerkeley's logo: Dragons in Chinese culture have a positive connotation and represent power, excellence, and striving for goals and high values, as well as being a benevolent force which radiates goodwill, good luck, and blessings. The color red is associated with luck and happiness.
© Andreas Asmus | Tai Chi Chuan Berkeley. All Rights Reserved.
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Tai Chi Curriculum
Hand Forms • 24 Form • 8 Form
• 16 Form
• 40 Form • 108
FormWeapon Forms
• 32 Tai Chi Straight Sword Form
• Plum Blossom Fan Form
Tai Chi Classes
Tai Chi classes begin with a series of Chi
Kung
exercises (The 8 Brocade) which is one of the oldest exercise systems in the world
and promotes the
free circulation of Chi (“Life Energy”) throughout the body. Standing meditation, stretching, light cardio workouts and sensitivity training
are also part of the class schedule.
Afterwards
stance & forms training
begins with personalized and gentle instruction tailored to each individual student or experience level. At the end of each class a form (sequence of movements) is practiced and experienced as a unified, harmonious group which lets the class end on a note of stillness and tranquility and of accomplishment and joy.
Should your work or private schedule not allow you to take advantage of our regular class schedule, please feel free to inquire about private instruction possibilities.All skill, experience and fitness levels welcome.
No uniform requirement. Comfortable, loose fitting clothes and flat/flexible sole shoes (and a smile!) are recommended.
Tuition
Single class: $13*
First class is FREE to new students.
*pay per class, weekly or monthly. No sign-up fees
If you prefer you can pay your tuition online with your preferred credit card via PayPal (a PayPal account is not required).
Class Location & Schedule
THE BEAT
The Berkeley Performing Arts
2560 9th Street, #119 •
Berkeley, CA 94710
Class Schedule:
5:00-6:00pm Intermediate
6:00-7:00pm Beginner
5:00-6:00pm Intermediate
6:00-7:00pm Beginner
We have a free introductory class on the
first Monday of any month (Beginner). Our next introductory class is on:
MON 03/01/10 at 6:00pm
THE BEAT is a non-profit organization and offers a great variety of moving arts classes under its umbrella. The center is dedicated to excellence in instruction and to further cultural creativity & diversity, personal development and artistic expression and serves the Greater Bay Area Community.
Tai Chi classes are held in a beautiful large studio with high ceilings and hardwood floors that give a feeling of openness and space. The studio has lots of natural light and the front and side walls are mirrored. Lobby and waiting areas are available. There is ample free parking directly in front of the building.
The studio is located on the ground level (1st floor) and has changing and bathroom facilities.
A few steps away from THE BEAT you'll find the Westside Bakery Café and NOLO Bookshop. Caffe Trieste, the popular Bacheeso's, Sea Salt Restaurant and the Sawtooth Building with its many artisan and performing arts studios are in walking distance; the trendy 4th Street restaurant and shopping district as well as the diverse San Pablo Avenue corridor and Berkeley Bowl West are only a few blocks away.
THE
WORKS (Wednesdays)
Cooperative Dance Studio
2566 Telegraph Ave •
Berkeley, CA 94704
Photos 
Map 
Schedule | Print
THE WORKS is a cooperative exercise & dance studio. Its mission is to provide physical health and fitness through physical conditioning & creative dance to the Bay Area community at large and is within walking distance from the UC Berkeley campus.
THE WORKS offers a beautiful expansive hardwood floor with high ceilings and mirrored front and side walls. Street parking is available in the surrounding residential/business area.
THE WORKS is located at the lively entrance of Telegraph Avenue that leads to the University of Berkeley campus.
THE BEAT is easily accessible from East Bay locations making it a very convenient destination from Oakland, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, San Pablo, Alameda, Piedmont, Montclair, San Leandro and other San Francisco Bay Area cities. Public transportation services are also available.
If you are closer by and prefer to come by bike, the ride to the studio is a breeze (no hills!).
Questions or Inquiries?
Please don't hesitate to contact me at: 510.653.4809 or asmusa@comcast.net
I would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have in regards to the Tai Chi Chuan program.
With best wishes,
Andreas Asmus
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