Taiji ("Tai Chi") is a system of moving meditation beneficial for balance, coordination and mental focus. With practice, Taiji is infused into daily life and is a process of self-cultivation. There are several major family styles. Our beginning level classes are in Yang style Taiji. This style was founded by Yang Luchang in the mid 1800s after many years learning from the Chen family. Yang Taiji is known for broad movements at a relatively even and slow pace. Excellent for relaxation while maintaining structural integrity.

Qigong (chi gong) utilizes gentle movements with posture, breath and the mind to improve health and vitality. This class will investigate appropriate exercises in accordance with the Qi of the seasons and their associated meridian systems. Qi Gong teaches us to use our own energy with more awareness, skill and efficiency.

Sally has over 16 years of martial arts experience including Taiji Chuan, Qi Gong, and Bagua Zhang. Group and private lessons availble.

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Taiji Principles --Chang Sanfeng

In any movement the entire body should be light and agile, threaded together like a string of pearls. The Qi should be fully stimulated, but the Shen (spirit) should be internally calmed.

All movements are motivated from the Yi (mind/intent), not externally. When moving above, one must not forget below. When going left, one must consider the right. When advancing, one must remember retreating. If one wishes to go upward, one must have the idea of exerting force downward. As in lifting something; one must push down first to break the opponant's root, then they will easily be toppled.

The substantial and insubstantial must be clearly distinguished.

Every part of the body has such a substantial and an insubstantial aspect at any given time. All the joints should be threaded together so the entire body is without the slightest discontinuty.

Text excerpted from The Tai Chi Classics compiled by Ted Mancuso. Available at Plum Publications
Calligraphy by Dong Qichang, Ming dynasty.
Painting of the Daoyin Tu is the earliest depiction of exercises for curing illness. Late 3rd century BCE, Three Kingdoms period.

Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Sally Chang, L.Ac., DNBAO
phone: 415.450.8071 Acu(at)SallyChang(dot)com