A calm mind, a strong, open body, and an ancient practice that can always go deeper. This is Tai Chi.
Tai Chi classes at New Orleans Shaolin are designed to be accessible by beginners, while simultaneously offering deep insights to experienced practicioners. Here’s the process we follow.
OPEN THE BODY
We begin classes with a series of exercises that target every movable part of the body. Energy can't move through a stagnant, or tense body.
These movements can be subtle shaking, flowing waves, or light static stretching. We gently move each part while keeping our awareness engaged in that area. This combination allows the area to open while simultaneously growing our mental connection to it.
CALM THE MIND
After all the exercises for opening the body, we come into stillness to feel the results.
Immediately, you will notice an amazing energetic warmth or tingle as your blood and energy can now move, uninhibited, through the body. We settle our minds into that feeling which removes the focus on the thoughts and allows us to sink ourselves down, letting gravity ground us into our feet.
This process encourages the natural energy of the body to condense and build.
MOVE THE ENERGY
Once we've settled our energy down, we can begin to create flows through body where our awareness and body move harmoniously. This is the gateway to energy work.
These flows begin with slow, simple, movements that can be looped to develop specific internal principles of our energy bodies (seen in the Five Primary Movements video below). As time goes on, however, we become ready for more complex movements which challenge our ability to stay present and open. For this, we break into small groups of people at similar levels for training that could include partner work, weapon forms, or even fast flows.
You'll always have something specific and engaging to train while developing the focus, strength, and grace that come with true internal skill.
Start Your Practice Now!
Classes at New Orleans Shaolin are always open and welcoming to beginners but we know it can feel intimidating to come in without any experience. Watch this video below to get a feel for the first five movements that everyone learns in class.
These movements are simple enough to learn quickly, but contain very important Tai Chi principles that you could continue developing for the rest of your life.
The video provides enough demonstrations from multiple angles that you can even follow along and learn all five without ever stepping foot in the door! Don’t worry about getting them perfect. We can always refine them in classes or private sessions. Give it a try!
How it Progresses
Tai Chi Curriculum at New Orleans Shaolin
Here’s what you can expect to work on as you move through the New Orleans Shaolin curriculum. When you’re ready to demonstrate your current material, you’ll take your test and progress to the next level.
White to Yellow Sash – Basics
- Five Primary Movements
- 1st Road of Yang 64 Posture Form (can be learned through our video module – see below)
Yellow to Blue Sash – Form
- Yang 64 Posture Form (entire form)
Blue to Green Sash – Pushing Hands
- Posture Test 1st Road of Yang 64
- Five Partner Pushing Hands Sets: Following, Push Hands Patterns, Pushing into Tension, Hua Ching, and Freeform Push Hands
- Pa Kua Circle Walking
Green to 3rd Brown Sash – Pa Kua Chang
- Classical 8 Section Pa Kua (bagua) Form
- Straight Sword Intro – Connecting Body and Sword
Plus much more weapons and empty hand forms when you make it to Brown Sash!
Learn Tai Chi at Home
Our studio is currently offering indoor/outdoor classes depending on weather, but we’ve also set up a great way for you to learn tai chi through online videos course.
The best approach, if you’re really serious about practicing Tai Chi is to do both. Get the video series to follow along at home, and come to class to hear specific instructions and get a little bit of feedback.
NEW: Tai Chi Online Video Course - Yang 64 Posture Form
Part of our Shaolin Arts Online video series. Learn the first section or "road" of the Yang-style Tai Chi 64-posture form in the privacy and comfort of your own home!
A form, once memorized and built into the neurology of the body, can be a gateway into the present moment. Use it to ground and relax yourself while flowing through gentle movements.
This 8 video series starts with a warm up video. Then it takes you through the form one posture at a time. Finally, it ends with a quick review video to follow along if after you've learned each movement.
Private Lessons In-Person or via Zoom
If you’re just starting out with Tai Chi, i highly recommend starting with a private lesson. We have a starter package that is one private lesson and two group classes for only $68. The private lessons will set you up with everything you need to know initially so you can better understand the group classes. Purchase this Starter Package here.
You can also get on-on-one personal instruction via Zoom. Develop a personal home practice and begin learning the 24-posture form while getting feedback real-time.
Shaolin Kung Fu
If you are looking for more vigorous and physically-demanding training, sparring, specific traditional Chinese martial art styles, or to get in shape with a fun fitness regimen, we recommend our time-tested Shaolin Kung Fu program.
Buy a shirt or sweatshirt through our store!
Support our small local business and represent your favorite Tai Chi studio at the same time! Click to go to our store. Email Nolashaolin@gmail.com with your size.