Discover the ancient arts with instructor Chris Gibson.
Beginner’s chi gong, chen tai chi, and tai chi board sword classes are starting October 4 and will continue throughout the winter.
Chi gong is a unique exercise system that focuses on moving energy throughout the body to increase vitality, circulation, and inner harmony. Classes will start with a 20 minute chi-gong routine, into standing meditation and then move into learning the chen tai chi set.
Chen tai chi is one of the oldest tai chi styles and focuses on discovering body alignment (your structure), understanding the relationship between yin and yang within one’s body, utilizing spiraling energy, and developing full-body power.
Tai chi benefits both the mind and body as it works to co-ordinate one’s intentions with the expression of the body.
Gibson started his journey into martial arts over 20 years ago, beginning with the external approaches. It took him more than 10 years of external training until he realized the limitations of this external focus.
“At that time, I became disillusioned with the arts until I met Eric Tuttle (his present teacher) who over the last 10 years has passed down his understanding of the arts,” said Gibson.
“I’ve crossed-hands with many expert level martial artists, testing my skill, but nothing prepared me for touching into him. In my early 20s I was a tough fighting competitor. I met Eric in the park, which was an experience that changed the direction of my arts forever.”
With every month comes a printout explaining different elements and aspects of tai chi.
Classes are held a Central School gym from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.
Unique to this session will be the chen tai chi broad sword, which applies tai chi principles to the broad sword.
Beginners and advanced students are welcome. Call 250-505-4562 for more information.