QIGONG: (Personal Energy Cultivation). Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm. Balanced Movement Studio, 304 Weaver St. www.balanced-movement.com. $10 per class with pass card, $12 drop-in. [Teacher: Dr. Jay, 968-3936]

NEW FOCUS, begins March 4, 2008:
TAIJI BALL QIGONG

Come experience the playful power of Taiji Ball: a series of simple moves with hand-held spheres that match the elegance and spherical action of other Taiji (T’ai-Chi) forms. Taiji Ball conditions the muscles, nourishes the spine, strengthens the torso, teaches the mind to move internal energy (Qi: “chee”) and develops suppleness, circularity, smoothness, and sensitivity. We begin with lightweight spheres and increase the weight at an individual pace. Recently rediscovered, Taiji Ball was once a common training tool to develop root, power, coiling, and energetic awareness. It is an excellent foundation for further study of Taiji or as an auxiliary to any other sport or workout. Bring a light ball (less than 5 pounds: a child’s play ball of rubber or plastic, or a volley or soccer ball will do.)

THE ONGOING CLASS: We begin with quiet sitting and a reading from the classics to clear away superficial stress. Class focus shifts periodically through a variety of qigong practices found to be highly effective in maintaining health, treating a various conditions, relieving stress and enhancing relaxation, balancing energy throughout the body, and restoring vitality and flexibility. Class focus shifts to a variety of studies: 18 Luohan Qigong, Five Animal Frolics Medical Qigong, Four Seasons Qigong, and Rising Lotus Medical Qigong, a lovely 10-movement set that gently encourages the flow of qi (energy) throughout the body, improves circulation in and around the spine and clears blockages in the organ systems. The set was created by Dr. Jay's mentor in Qigong Therapy, Lisa O'Shea of the Qigong Institute of Rochester.

YANG STYLE TAIJIQUAN, BEGINNING. Session.
Tuesdays, 11:00 am-12:00pm. Page-Walker Ctr, 316 N. Academy St. Three sessions, Jan 8-Feb 19 and Feb 26-Apr 8 (7 wks) and Apr 22-Jun 3 (6 wks). No class May 27.

This class will study the traditional Yang family long form. Fundamentals including stance work, breathing and body alignment will also be covered. Call the Page-Walker Ctr, 316 N. Academy St. 460-4963 for information and to register. [Instructor: Lucy DeGerolamo, 832-4938]

T’AI CHI BASICS: DYNAMICS OF YIN & YANG: Session.
Wed 6:30-7:45 pm. Page-Walker Ctr, 316 N. Academy St. One 7-week session: Jan 9-Feb 20.

An introduction to the principles of T’ai-Chi Ch’uan (Taijiquan), an ancient art of gentle whole-body movement. Class includes breathwork, structural dynamics, walking, play with the diagram of yin and yang, and the ABCs of energy cultivation. Exercises open energy channels, stabilize the knees, loosen the hips, foster internal power, relaxation, and concentration. The teacher, Kathleen Cusick, M.A., of the Magic Tortoise School has practiced T'ai-Chi and qigong for over twenty years. Call the Page-Walker Ctr, 316 N. Academy St. 460-4963 for information and to register. [Teacher: Kathleen Cusick, 968-3936]

QIGONG: FIVE ANIMAL FROLICS: Session.
Wed 6:30-7:45 pm. Page-Walker Ctr, 316 N. Academy St. One 7-week session: Mar 5-Apr 16.

Qigong (ch’i gong) refers to practices which cultivate personal energy. The Five Animal Frolics are a set of gentle exercises which imitate the spirit and movements of the crane, bear, monkey, deer and tiger. Accompanied by deep, relaxed breathing, they have been practied in China for 1800 years to strengthen organs, nerves, muscles, bones, to prevent and cure diseases, to promote balance and to celebrate life. The teacher, Kathleen Cusick, M.A., of the Magic Tortoise School has practiced T'ai-Chi and qigong for over twenty years. Call the Page-Walker Ctr, 316 N. Academy St. 460-4963 for information and to register. [Teacher: Kathleen Cusick, 968-3936]

T’AI CHI: YANG STYLE EXPERIENCED: Session.
Wed 6:30-7:45 pm. Page-Walker Ctr, 316 N. Academy St. One 7-week session: Apr23-Jun 4.

A class devoted to corrections and enrichment of the choreography and underlying principles of the Yang Style long form. This class is open to students who have studied most or all of the form. The instructor, Kathleen Cusick M.A., of the Magic Tortoise School, has studied with the Yang family lineage holder, Grandmaster Yang Zhen Dou, and has practiced T'ai-Chi for over twenty years. Call the Page-Walker Ctr, 316 N. Academy St. 460-4963 for information and to register. [Teacher: Kathleen Cusick, 968-3936]

T’AI-CHI: YANG STYLE, BEGINNING. Session.
Wed 7:45-9:05 pm. Three 7-week sessions: Jan 9-Feb 27 (no class Feb 6), Mar 5-Apr 16, Apr 23-Jun 4.

T'ai-Chi Ch'üan (Taijiquan) is an ancient movement art practiced for health, relaxation, and self-defense. This class focuses on fundamentals of stance, alignment, and energy cultivation, as well as on learning the traditional Yang family style long form. Yang style is the most popular style of T'ai-Chi in the world, and is characterized by generous circles and smooth, strong postures. The teacher, Kathleen Cusick, studied with Yang family lineage holder, Grandmaster Yang Zhendou, and has practiced T'ai Chi for over twenty years. [Teacher: Kathleen Cusick, 968-3936]

WU/HAO TAIJIQUAN & QIGONG. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Mondays, 3:30-4:30pm. Carol Woods Retirement Community. $5 per class. Contact: Elaine Roberts, 918-3431. [Teacher: Dr. Jay, 968-3936]

WUDANGSHAN STYLE, BEGINNING. Session.
Mondays, 6-7:30 pm. The Community Church, 106 Purefoy Rd. Call 542-0688 for info. $15 per class for six or more classes; single class $17. Followed by Push-Hands (see below). [Teacher: Lao Ma, 542-0688]

PUSH-HANDS. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Mondays, 7:30-9 pm. The Community Church, 106 Purefoy Rd. $15 per class for six or more classes; single class $17. 20% off if taking any other MT course. Tournament simulation first Monday, every month. (Preceded by Wudangshan, above). [Teacher: Lao Ma, 542-0688]

MEDICAL QIGONG: Five Animal Frolics, etc. Ongoing class, begin anytime.
Tuesdays 10:30-11:45 am. Integrative Health Center of Chapel Hill, 55 Vilcom Center, Suite 110 (off Weaver Dairy Road near Timberlyne Shopping Center) 919-929-7990. $12/class for bundle of 6 classes; $14 per single class drop-in. Register at the front desk.

This class provides an ongoing and varying experience in medical qigong, including Five Animal Play, Rising Lotus Qigong, the Six Healing Sounds, and other explorations. Five Animal Play (Wuqinxi) Qigong is divided into three sections: Crane/Bear, Monkey, and Deer/Tiger. This set is an excellent and delightful lifelong exercise, utilizing deep, smooth, breathing matched to movements that mimic the crane, bear, monkey, deer and tiger. The aim is to enhance the flow of qi (life energy), harmonize the five phases of change (fire, water, earth, wood, and metal), strengthen the internal organs, nerves, muscles, and bones, prevent and cure diseases, improve the health and vitality of body, mind, and spirit, and prolong life.

WU/HAO TAIJIQUAN & QIGONG. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Tuesdays 12-1:15 pm. Integrative Health Center of Chapel Hill, 55 Vilcom Center, Suite 110 (off Weaver Dairy Road near Timberlyne Shopping Center) 919-929-7990. $12/class for bundle of 6 classes; $14 per single class drop-in. Register at the front desk.

The Wu(Hao) is an understated, tranquil, meditative style, with small steps and subtle movements that disappear into formlessness and appear ordinary. It fosters “mind method”: internal focus and awareness through a concentration on breath and the opening and closing of energy gates. Dr. Jay studied this style privately with his primary teacher, Master Jou Tsung-Hwa. We will study Taiji Qigong (breathing and visualization matched with elegant movement) and two shorter choreographies– “Moonlight”and “Starlight”– as preparation to learn the full 108-movement long form.

TAIJIQUAN & QIGONG. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Wed & Fri, twice weekly, 7:55-8:55 am, Triangle Yoga, 930 Airport Rd, triangleyoga.com, 933-9642. $11 per class with 20-class passcard; $15 drop-in. [Teacher: Dr. Jay, 968-3936]

Class resumes Wed, Jan 9, 2008. Current focus is on Taiji Ball. Before class practice, 7:30-7:55 am: Complete Chen form practice on Wednesdays, and Sword and other forms on Fridays, open to current/former students, donation requested.

WU/HAO TAIJIQUAN & QIGONG. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Wednesdays 1-2 pm. UNC Wellness Ctr at Meadowmont, 100 Sprunt St, 966-5500. Non-members pay single class fee at the desk: less if guest of a member. [Teacher: Dr. Jay, 968-3936]

WEAPONS. Session.
Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30. The Community Church, 106 Purefoy Rd. $15 per class for six or more classes; single class $17. (Followed by Wudangshan, below). [Teacher: Lao Ma, 542-0688]

WUDANGSHAN STYLE, BEGINNING. Session.
Fearrington Village, Chatham County: Wednesday, 7:15-8:15 pm. Millennial Sports Club, 11 Cole Place Chapel Hill, 27517 (behind Cole Park Plaza on 15/501 South from Chapel Hill on the Chatham/Orange County line). $14 per class for six or more classes; single class $16. HALF OFF this class if taking any other Wudangshan class! [Teacher: Lao Ma, 542-0688]

WUDANGSHAN STYLE. Session.
Wednesdays, 7:30-9:00. The Community Church, 106 Purefoy Rd. $15 per class for six or more classes; single class $17. (Preceded by Weapons, above). [Teacher: Lao Ma, 542-0688]

QIGONG FOR CHANGING SEASONS. Session.
Fridays 1:30-2:15pm. Winter session: Jan 11-Feb 15; Spring session: Feb 29; Mar 7, 14, 28; Apr 11, 18 2008. Carolina Meadows (3 miles south on Mt. Carmel Church Rd). Register with Michelle Davis, 370-7114. [Teacher: Dr. Jay, 968-3936]

QIGONG: SHIBA (18) LUOHAN GONG. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Mondays, 10 -11 am. Duke Health and Fitness Center, 3475 Erwin Rd, www.dukefitness.org Register 660-6660 or at front desk. Twelve-class ticket $80; drop-ins $8. [Instructor: Nina Maier 732-2722]

QIGONG: SHIBA (18) LUOHAN GONG. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Tuesdays, 11-12 am. Health Touch, 3500 Westgate Dr., Ste. 504. Five classes $40; drop-ins $10. [Instructor: Nina Maier 732-2722]

QIGONG & TAIJIQUAN FUNDAMENTALS. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 am. Duke Health and Fitness Center, 3475 Erwin Rd, www.dukefitness.org Register 660-6660 or at front desk. Twelve-class ticket $80, drop-ins $8 per class. [Teacher: LaoMa, 542-0688]

CHEN STYLE TAIJIQUAN: BEGINNING. Ongoing.
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:55 pm, Ninth Street Dance, 1920 1/2 Perry St, 286-6011, www.ninthstreetdance.com. Year-round instruction in the Chen long form and related chansigong (coiling silk) and qigong exercises. $14 per night if paying for a series of classes, $15 drop-in. [Teacher: Dr. Jay, 968-3936]

WU/HAO STYLE TAIJIQUAN: MOVING MEDITATION. Session.
Thursdays 9-10:30 am: Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. Contact: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Register at 684-2703 or 681-3476 for information. Meets at Judea Reform Education Building, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd. . [Teacher: Dr. Jay, 968-3936]

WUDANGSHAN STYLE TAIJIQUAN, BEGINNING. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Thursdays, 5:45-6:45 pm, Duke Center for Integrative Medicine, 3475 Erwin Rd. Register 660-6660 or just come. $8 per class. [Teacher: LaoMa, 542-0688]

WU/HAO STYLE TAIJIQUAN & QIGONG, BEGINNING & FULL FORM PRACTICE. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Fridays, 10-11:30 am, at the new Durham Center for Senior Life, 406 Rigsbee (behind—north—of McDonalds on the downtown loop). First hour, beginning instruction; last half-hour, practice of the long form. Seniors (65 and over): $5 per class for first hour, $7 if staying for form practice. Non-seniors: $8 per class for first hour, $10 if staying for form practice. Form practice only: $3. Location and Map: http://www.councilseniorcitizens.org/center_senior_life.html [Teacher: Dr. Jay, 968-3936].

CHEN STYLE TAIJIQUAN & QIGONG. Session.
Tuesdays 6-7 pm, Efland-Cheeks Community Ctr, Richmond Rd. Three 7 week sessions Jan. 8 - Feb. 19, Feb. 26 - April 8, and April 15 - May 27. $56 per session, drop-ins $10. Register: Orange County Rec & Parks, 732-8181 or 968-4501, ext 2660[Instructor: Nina, 732-2722]

WUDANGSHAN 108 TAIJIQUAN. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Wednesday, 7:15-8:15 pm. Millennial Sports Club, 11 Cole Place Chapel Hill, 27517 (behind Cole Park Plaza on 15/501 South from Chapel Hill on the Chatham/Orange County line). Call 967-7272 to register. Non-Club member fee $15 per class, or book of 10 classes for $70. [Teacher: LaoMa, 542-0688, assisted, every other week, by Wudangshan Senior Student Guhl Lentz]

Class begins with opening and concluding Wudangshan 108 Taijiquan postures, progresses to concentrate on 4-Flower/5-Element & simple Taiji Walking fundamental exercises, then focuses on complete 108 Form.

WU/HAO STYLE AND TAIJI QIGONG. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Mondays, 6-7 pm. Hillsborough Senior Center, Meadowlands Dr., 245-2015. $8 per class, register on-site. All adult ages welcome. [Instructor: Nina Maier 732-2722]

CHEN STYLE AND QIGONG. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Tuesdays, 1-2 pm. Hillsborough Senior Center, Meadowlands Dr., 245-2015. $6 per class, register on-site. This class is presented both seated and standing. All adult ages welcome. [Instructor: Nina Maier 732-2722]

WUDANGSHAN STYLE, BEGINNING. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Thursdays, 9:30-11 am. 70 Hearne Road. $12 per class for six or more classes; single class $15. [Teacher: Lao Ma, 542-0688]

WEAPONS. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. 10:30-12:30 pm. 70 Hearne Road. All levels, weapons, corrections & evaluations. $15. [Teacher: Lao Ma, 542-0688]

WUDANGSHAN STYLE, BEGINNING. Ongoing: drop-ins welcome.
Tuesdays, 8-9:30 pm, International Martial Arts Academy, 7340 Creedmoor Rd., Stonehenge Shopping Center. See directions. $15 per class if pay in advance for block of 4 or more classes; otherwise $18.00 per single class. [Teacher: LaoMa, 542-0688]