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What is tai Chi?

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise with movements that originated  from the martial arts. It is known as an “internal” or “soft” martial art which is pronounced Tai Chi Chuan (Tie jee chen). The martial art of Tai Chi is considered the most advanced expression of these arts. Sometimes referred to as meditation in motion, Tai Chi is a series of slow, dancelike movements  performed in conjunction with slow, deep breathing and visualization.  The movements help circulate the body’s “chi” or bioelectric energy. This circulation removes blockages which, according to Chinese medicine are the basis of most illnesses.

There have been numerous studies that show the many health benefits enjoyed by those who practice Tai Chi. These benefits are among the main reasons  it is so widely practiced in addition to the stress reduction and relaxation it provides. Those in search of well-being and a way to combat stress have made Tai Chi, which is sometimes called “Chinese Shadow Boxing”, one of the most popular systems of exercise throughout  the world. Tai Chi is a true mind/body discipline that emphasizes  the meditative aspects as much as the physical.

 

Tai Chi For beginners (Tai chi for health)

At Great Bay Tai Chi, we teach Tai Chi for Health classes known as the Yang-Style Short Form. Beginners can also try a more slow-paced introduction to Tai Chi with our Beginners’ class.   Tai Chi for Health is an appropriate class for students of all ages.  The classes are tailored to the needs of the individual taking into account any special physical circumstances and limitations.

Tai chi short form

The Yang-Style Short Form was created  in 1956. At that time China’s top Tai Chi masters wanted to simplify and de-mystify this ancient art to make it available to everyone. This form has now become the most popular Tai Chi form in the world and is the most popular of our classes at Great Bay Tai Chi. Most students will start with the Short Form or Beginners’ class, while those looking for something more physical will try the Long form .

Qi gong

"Qigong" (pronounced “chee-gong”) is an energy practice that dates back 5000 years in China. Qigong is central to Tai Chi and is practiced in all styles of Tai Chi as the most important aspect of the art.  Both seated and standing methods attain calmness and a smooth circulation of energy or “chi”. This energy practice is renowned for its healing benefits.

health benefits

The  benefits of Tai Chi practice  are becoming known throughout the world. There  is now an abundance of research to confirm the many health benefits that are a result from practicing Tai Chi and Qigong regularly.  It is now common for even western doctors to prescribe Tai Chi for their patients.  Some benefits include:

· Improved strength, flexibility and balance;
· Greater awareness, calmness and overall sense of well-being;
· Relief from  the symptoms of  Arthritis and Fibromyalgia;                  
· Improved blood pressure;
· Strengthened immune system;
· Shorter recovery time from strokes;
· Better quality of sleep.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

It is not necessary to be in top physical condition to practice Tai Chi. The typical class will include gentle warm-up exercises that usually consist of moving gently, focusing on correct alignment.  This movement gradually strengthens the body and greatly improves balance. After the warm-up, a few gentle stretches will be practiced before it it time to go more "internal".  Internal is just another way of saying that the mind and the body are working together. If we just move our arms and legs, as in a typical aerobics type workout then it is not considered internal. The goal in Tai Chi practice is to move your body through the 24 different postures in a very relaxed and mindful way.


The most important part of your Tai Chi practice is called Qigong ("chee gong"). The qigong practice includes using visualization to circulate healing energy through your body.  If the body is relaxed and the mind is focused, then the Chi (bioelectricity) will flow smoothly through your body resulting in robust health.  Qigong is very easy to learn and follow. You will feel very relaxed and peaceful after practicing it for even a few minutes.

Tai chi schedule 

Short Form Classes

Amesbury/Newburyport

Monday 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Amesbury studio (Herb Crooks)

Tuesday 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Amesbury studio (Stephanie Hancox) Beginners Class

Tuesday 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Amesbury studio  (Chris Himmel) Beginners Class

Thursday 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Amesbury studio (Paul Mahoney)

Thursday 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. UU Church Newburyport (Marna Badavas) (begins September)

Saturday 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Amesbury studio (Paul Mahoney)

Topsfield/Hamilton

Monday 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. Topsfield Congregational Church/Emerson Center (Paul Mahoney)

Tuesday 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Hamilton Wenham Community House (Paul Mahoney)

Wednesday 9:15 - 10:00 a.m. Hamilton Wenham Community House (Paul Mahoney)


Classical Long Form Classes

Monday 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. Amesbury studio (David Bodoh)

Monday 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Topsfield Congregational Church/Emerson Center (Paul Mahoney)

Tuesday 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. Amesbury studio Wudang Tai Chi (LuAnne Pigeon)

Wednesday 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. Amesbury studio (Paul Mahoney)

Classical Long Form & Push Hands

Saturday 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Amesbury studio (Paul Mahoney)

Tai Chi for Kids (ages 8 to 12)

Thursday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. Amesbury studio (Paul Mahoney)

Tai Chi Arts for Teens (ages 12 and up)

Thursday 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. Amesbury studio (Paul Mahoney)


Click here for the current Schedule  

please contact us for
more information and prices
978 388-1322


 

  • Class Descriptions

 

Yang Style Short Form (Tai Chi for Health)

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The healing benefits of Tai Chi have been reputed for hundreds of years by people practicing this ancient martial exercise. Practitioners have described curing themselves of many different ailments and improving overall health. Tai Chi for Health is a very gentle and relaxing class designed to reduce stress, improve balance and concentration while promoting a feeling of well-being.

Students learn the Yang style short form (24 form) also known as the simplified form as well as the complimentary healing Qigong (Chi Kung) exercises. This class is excellent for people trying Tai Chi for the first time.   

             

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Classical Yang Style Long Form

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The Tai Chi Long Form is more in depth study of Tai Chi . With the same healing benefits of the short form, this class introduces the theory of this amazing, soft martial art. Although somewhat more of a physical challenge than the Short Form, this form can be practiced by people of all ages. The complimentary health and martial Qigong will also be practiced.

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 Wudang Tai Chi

Great Bay Tai Chi now offers Wudang Tai Chi. This style is a six hundred year old Temple Style that incorporates the three internal styles of Tai Chi, Xing Yi and Bagua. Wudang Tai Chi will be taught to a limited number of students by LuAnne Pigeon who has been training in China with Master Shan. Master Shan will oversee the Wudang program.

Tai Chi Push Hands

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This class is a good compliment to the Long Form class. The student explores a deeper understanding of the movements of the Long Form by practicing the applications of the form with a partner. Students also develop a better understanding of energy while communicating through sensitivity exercises. With alignment, Qigong and centering, the students learn Tai Chi as a martial art. (Tai Chi Chuan).

Great Bay Kid's Tai Chi

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The Thursday after school program is designed for students eight to eleven. The class will be 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.

Great Bay Tai Chi Kids is an after school Tai Chi program that is designed to be fun, yet challenging. The students  practice a variety of agility drills while incorporating the essence of this traditional Chinese martial art. Students will train strength, flexibility and balance as well as employ Taoist meditative practices for a mind/body connection. The Yang Style Tai Chi form is taught. Paul Mahoney leads the class.  Paul has over thirty years of experience with the martial arts including more than 28 years practicing Tai Chi. Mr. Mahoney is assisted by two junior instructors 

 

        Tai Chi Arts for Youth


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Ages 10 and up in Topsfield. Ages 12 and up in Amesbury.

Great Bay’s “Tai Chi Arts for Youth” will now be offered at the Topsfield congregational church’s Emerson Center. This class is geared to those 10 and up and will include the study of the Classical Yang style Long Form, Tai Chi Push Hands, Chi kung (Qigong) and meditation. The theory behind the amazing, internal (soft) martial art of Tai Chi Chuan will be studied. Students will learn not only the movements (martial postures) with the study of the choreographed form but will practice the applications of the form by playing Tai Chi Push Hands with a partner. This practice will develop a better understanding of energy while communicating through sensitivity exercises. With alignment, Qigong and centering, the students will learn Tai Chi as a martial art.  

Benefits include:

Better concentration/improved awareness/ability to handle stressful situations better/ confidence/better coordination/practical self defense


                 

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Photo by Sarah Low

 

Shaolin & Tai Chi - Qin Na (Chin Na)

Qin Na literally means to seize and control. It includes locking the joints, cavity strikes, sealing the breath, sealing the vein and takedowns. It is one of the four fighting strategies of all Chinese martial arts. The others include punching, kicking and wrestling. Qin Na is the root of the Japanese martial arts of Jujitsu and Aikido. It is a strong compliment to any martial style as well as an effective self-defense tool.

Tai Chi Fan

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David Bodoh teaches the Flowing Water Tai Chi Fan form, Chinese Fan Boxing as well as other related fan skills.

 

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