The Wu/Hao is one of the five major family styles of Taijiquan, derived from the early Chen and Yang styles by Wu Yuxiang, author of a major part of the traditional Taijiquan Classics. 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 . Class is also currently studying the 1,800-year-old Five Animal Frolics Medical Qigong, a delightful set of over 40 exercises which strengthen organ function and enhance qi flow. Class focus shifts every so often to other practices found to be effective in maintaining health, treating a various conditions, relieving stress and enhancing relaxation, balancing energy throughout the body, and restoring vitality and flexibility. Some topics: 18 Luohan Qigong (dynamic set said to be the basis of Shaolin gongfu, and dating from the 6th C), , Taiji Ball (a series of simple moves with hand-held spheres that coordinate and condition muscles and strengthen posture, root, and power), 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).

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 for over twenty-five years.

The interactive exercises of T'ai Chi will enhance your ability to touch with sensitivity, to listen, to interpret, and to respond appropriately--to flow with situations and yet maintain our center, our balance, and root. Open to beginners as well as experienced practitioners, the class will be fun and relaxing and will focus on simple T'ai Chi drills and sets for two or more people. The teacher, Kathleen Cusick, M.A., has practiced T'ai-Chi since 1984.

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 teacher, Kathleen Cusick, M.A., of the Magic Tortoise School has studied with Yang family lineage holder, Grandmaster Yang Zhen Dou, and has practiced T'ai-Chi for over twenty-five years.

T'ai-Chi Ch'uan (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, M.A., of the Magic Tortoise School has studied with Yang family lineage holder, Grandmaster Yang Zhen Dou, and has practiced T'ai-Chi since 1984.

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.

The Wu/Hao is one of the five major family styles of Taijiquan, derived from the early Chen and Yang styles by Wu Yuxiang, author of a major part of the traditional Taijiquan Classics. 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, the 108-movement long form, two shorter choreographies (“Moonlight” and “Starlight”), and the “master key” exercises: Five Element Fajin and Eight Gates Walking Chansi.