Tai Chi Chuan

is known for its many health benefits for both body and mind and promotes an overall sense of well-being, vitality and inner calm. Tai Chi's gentle flowing movements encourage the body to let go of any tensions: flexibility improves, blood circulates more freely and the mind and spirit become clear and full.

Andreas has studied Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan in the Plum Blossom International Federation system (founded by Grandmaster Doc-Fai Wong) where he also took part in martial arts tournaments, placing in medaling positions. Before branching out on his own he had been instructing at a

local Tai Chi school in Berkeley

with equal success. Andreas has the special capacity to teach the preciseness, purity and beauty of movement and at the same time to transfer the experience of flow and a feeling of connectedness of body and mind to his students. Learning Tai Chi Chuan therefore not only becomes a physical exercise but also a deeply spiritual art form and experience that equally involves and stimulates the heart, mind and spirit.

“To be able under all circumstances
to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue;
these five things are gravity, generosity of soul,
sincerity, earnestness and kindness.”
- Confucius

Classes are taught in a very open, friendly, non-competitive atmosphere with special attention given to learning the underlying

principles of Tai Chi Chuan

through a systematic approach to stance, posture and forms training while also giving insights into martial arts applications. This gives students a very effective and strong foundation for their Tai Chi practice and translates into a rich, rewarding and in-depth experience of this powerful and beautiful centuries-old martial art.

Our classes strive to be lively, challenging and engaging
and students at Tai Chi Chuan Berkeley so beautifully and generously share their passion and enjoyment for their practice with all of their fellow students which makes the learning environment a very personal, welcoming and enjoyable one.

The integration of Tai Chi forms and Chi Kung (Qigong) exercises into the class schedule also helps students appreciate and experience the meditative aspects of Tai Chi Chuan very early in their practice.

For beginning students our curriculum starts with learning the basic Tai Chi postures and movements. At the beginner level it is recommended to attend classes twice a week to ensure an effective and consistent learning process. Forms training then gradually progresses to more advanced hand and weapon forms and for students who are already further along in their forms practice the focus shifts to learning the intricate details of the various forms, as well as feeling the unity of body & mind and of connectedness and flow.

Tai Chi Chuan Berkeley sees as its first and foremost mission to teach the Art of Tai Chi Chuan with an open heart and mind in a dedicated, focused, respectful and peaceful class setting and learning environment.

Our curriculum follows the very pure, traditional & authentic way by which Tai Chi Chuan has been passed down by Tai Chi masters for centuries. We strive for quality instruction that motivates and inspires and that continuously sparks the students' love & enthusiasm for learning Tai Chi Chuan.

* Tai Chi Chuan Berkeley's logo: Dragons in Chinese culture have a positive connotation and represent power, excellence, and striving for goals and high values, as well as being a benevolent force which radiates goodwill, good luck, and blessings. The color red is associated with luck and happiness.

We chose the bamboo as our representing visual since it so beautifully visualizes the spirit of Tai Chi Chuan - displaying great intrinsic elegance and beauty while at the same time combining incredible core strength with spring-like energy and flexibility.

Tai Chi Classes

Tai Chi classes begin with a series of Chi Kung
exercises (The 8 Brocade) which is one of the oldest exercise systems in the world and promotes the

free circulation of Chi (“Life Energy”) throughout the body. Standing meditation, stretching, light cardio workouts and sensitivity training

are also part of the class schedule.

Afterwards

stance & forms training

begins with personalized and gentle instruction tailored to each individual student or experience level. At the end of each class a form (sequence of movements) is practiced and experienced as a unified, harmonious group which lets the class end on a note of stillness and tranquility and of accomplishment and joy.

Should your work or private schedule not allow you to take advantage of our regular class schedule, please feel free to inquire about private instruction possibilities.

• Recommendations
Good general physical fitness is recommended. Since practice sessions can be physically demanding classes may not be well suited for people with pronounced physical or range of motion difficulties. There is no uniform requirement. Comfortable, loose fitting clothes and flat/flexible sole shoes (and a smile!) are recommended.

• Location

The Berkeley Performing Arts

2560 9th Street, #119 •

Berkeley, CA 94710

510.653.4809 • asmusa@comcast.net

 Photos  Map    Printable Memo

Directions & Public Transportation

Monthly Tuition:

1 class per week: $58/month

2 classes per week: $104/month

First class is FREE to new students.

Payment policy:

Tuition is payable in advance the first week of the month. Please understand that the monthly tuition is a fixed fee as in any other martial arts, fitness or health program and cannot be reduced if classes are missed. Some exceptions apply - please ask the instructor.

* If you prefer you can pay your tuition online with your preferred credit card via PayPal (a PayPal account is not required).

Class Schedule:

Holidays 

No classes on THU 06/24/10

 MON

 

5:00-6:00pm Intermediate

 

6:00-7:00pm Beginner

 THU

 

5:00-6:00pm Beginner

 

6:00-7:00pm Intermediate

We have a free introductory class on the
first Monday of any month (Beginner). Our next introductory class is on:
 MON, August 2nd at 6:00pm

The Berkeley Performing Arts is a non-profit organization and offers a great variety of moving arts classes under its umbrella. The center is dedicated to excellence in instruction and to further cultural creativity & diversity, personal development and artistic expression and serves the Greater Bay Area Community.

Tai Chi classes are held in a beautiful large studio with high ceilings and hardwood floors that give a feeling of openness and space. The studio has lots of natural light and the front and side walls are mirrored.

We are located on the ground level and waiting and changing areas are available. You will find ample free parking directly in front of the building. If you are closer by and prefer to come by bike, the ride to the studio is a breeze (no hills!).

A few steps away from our studio you'll find the Westside Bakery Café and NOLO Bookshop. Caffe Trieste, the popular Bacheeso's, Sea Salt Restaurant and the Sawtooth Building with its many artisan and performing arts studios are in walking distance; the trendy 4th Street restaurant and shopping district as well as the diverse San Pablo Avenue corridor and Berkeley Bowl West are only a few blocks away.

THE WORKS (Wednesdays)
Cooperative Dance Studio

2566 Telegraph Ave •

Berkeley, CA 94704

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THE WORKS is a cooperative exercise & dance studio. Its mission is to provide physical health and fitness through physical conditioning & creative dance to the Bay Area community at large and is within walking distance from the UC Berkeley campus.

THE WORKS offers a beautiful expansive hardwood floor with high ceilings and mirrored front and side walls. Street parking is available in the surrounding residential/business area.

THE WORKS is located at the lively entrance of Telegraph Avenue that leads to the University of Berkeley campus.

The studio is easily accessible from East Bay locations making it a very convenient destination from Oakland, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, San Pablo, Alameda, Piedmont, Montclair, San Leandro and other San Francisco Bay Area cities.

Questions/Inquiries about the Tai Chi Program

Please don't hesitate to contact me at: 510.653.4809 or
email: asmusa@comcast.net

I would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

See also: TaiChiChuanBerkeley.com