Practicing Tai Chi Chuan
The physical techniques of Tai Chi Chuan are described in the Tai Chi classics as being characterized by the use of leverage through the joints based on coordination in relaxation, rather than muscular tension, in order to neutralize or initiate attacks.
The study of Tai Chi Chuan primarily involves three subjects.
- Health: Medical studies of Tai Chi support its effectiveness as an alternative exercise and a form of martial arts therapy. Practiced regularly, Tai Chi can help you reduce stress and also offers many other health benefits.
- Meditation: The focus and calmness cultivated by the meditative aspect of Tai Chi is seen as necessary in maintaining optimum health (in the sense of relieving stress and maintaining homeostasis) and in application of the form as a soft style martial art.
- Martial art: The ability to use Tai Chi as a form of self-defense in combat is said to be the most effective proof of a student's understanding of the art's principles. The study of Tai Chi Chuan martially is the study of appropriate change in response to outside forces; the study of yielding and blending with outside force rather than attempting to meet it with opposing force.
Tai Chi training first and foremost involves learning solo routines, known as forms.
The solo form should take the students through a complete, natural range of motion over their center of gravity. Accurate, repeated practice of the solo routine is said to retrain posture, encourage circulation throughout the students' bodies, maintain flexibility through their joints and further familiarize students with the martial application sequences implied by the forms.
The basic principals of Tai Chi are: balance, centeredness, empty versus full (weighted & non-weighted), alignment, careful attention to precise movement, intent, rootedness of the legs, flexibility of the waist, sinking one's energy to the 'dantien', internal stillness, continuous flow without interruption. The dantien or tan t'ien is an important focal point for internal meditative techniques and refers specifically to the physical center of gravity located in the abdomen three finger widths below and two finger widths behind the navel. In Chinese and Japanese tradition, it is considered the physical center of gravity for the human body and by extension the seat of one's internal energy (chi)
Tai Chi Chuan Berkeley teaches Tai Chi through a very systematic approach which makes sure students have a grasp of the study material before moving on to the next posture or form. This steady progress and in-depth understanding ensures students' enjoyment and appreciation of the art on a physical level but also on a level that involves the mind, heart and spirit.
In addition classes include stretching, light workouts and sensitivity exercises to build up flexibility, strength and to experience physical movement as connected, in harmony and "the body moving as one".
The curriculum covers a great variety of hand and weapon forms and also includes forms that require a "smaller footprint" and therefore can be practiced in smaller spaces at home.
Daily PracticeTo reap the greatest health benefits from Tai Chi, consider practicing it regularly. Many people find it helpful to practice Tai Chi in the same place and at the same time every day to develop a routine. But if your schedule is busy, do Tai Chi whenever you have a few minutes.
You can even draw on the soothing concepts of Tai Chi without performing the actual movements. By applying the basic principles of Tai Chi in your daily life your mind and body will be better equipped to cope with challenging situations.
Curriculum
Hand Forms• 24 Form • 8 Form
• 16 Form • 40 Form
• 108 Form
Weapon Forms
• 32 Tai Chi Straight Sword
• Tai Chi Fan
Class Times
Mondays:
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Thursdays:
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Tuition
Single class: $13
Location
THE BEAT -
Eddie Brown Center
for the Arts
2560 9th Street, #119
Berkeley, CA 94710
Map 
Photos
Contact/Inquiries
Please contact Andreas Asmus at 510.849.0892 or 
asmusa@pacbell.net