Yang Tai Chi Fan Form Practice – Saturday Mornings
Sat, January 25, 2025 @ 10:00 am – Sat, April 19, 2025 @ 10:15 am
Class Description
In preparation for World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, this is a series of practice sessions for those that have previously participated in the Yang Tai Chi Fan Form class.
The Yang Style 18-move Fan Form is a graceful and intricate Tai Chi routine performed with a traditional Chinese fan. Rooted in the principles of Yang Style Tai Chi, this form combines fluid movements, controlled breathing, and focused intention to cultivate balance, harmony, and inner peace. Each movement flows seamlessly into the next, creating a continuous, meditative sequence that promotes physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual well-being.
Class Objectives:
- Learn the fundamental techniques and principles of Yang Style Tai Chi.
- Master the 18 movements of the Fan Form, focusing on proper posture, alignment, and coordination.
- Develop mindfulness and concentration through synchronized movement and breath awareness.
- Cultivate relaxation and reduce stress by practicing gentle, flowing motions.
- Enhance flexibility, balance, and agility through the dynamic range of motion and weight shifts.
- Appreciate the cultural significance and historical context of Tai Chi as a traditional Chinese martial art and wellness practice.
Class Structure:
- Warm-up: Gentle stretching exercises and Qigong movements to prepare the body and mind.
- Basic Techniques: Introduction to Tai Chi stances, hand positions, and breathing techniques.
- Fan Form Practice: Step-by-step instruction of each of the 18 movements, emphasizing proper form, timing, and transition.
- Integration: Combining individual movements into a continuous sequence, focusing on flow and rhythm.
Prerequisites:
- Prior experience in Yang Style Tai Chi is preferred.
- Participants should have a basic level of physical fitness and mobility.
- Openness to learning and practicing mindfulness techniques.
Class Requirements:
- Comfortable clothing suitable for movement.
- Students must supply their own Tai Chi fan (typically made of bamboo or lightweight material). Possible places to buy fans:
Local Store: Rising Sun Martial Arts Supply 2058 Marshall Ave, St. Paul, Minnesota 55104, 651.647.6987
Online: Amazon (Search for “Tai Chi Fans”), Kung Fu Direct (https://www.kungfudirect.com/)
Course Objective for Students
Learn to maintain your balance while holding a two-pound sword and performing Tai Chi postures. Enhance your understanding of the open hand form. Explore extending your chi to the end of the sword.
Instructor Biography
Jay Soderberg has been studying Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong since 2006. He has studied several Yang style forms during this time, including the traditional Long Form (108 moves), the 24-Form, and Chen Man Ching’s 37-Form. He has studied with Fong Ha—a widely respected Instructor living in Berkeley, CA—who teaches world-wide. Jay has been certified to teach Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan by Fong Ha since 2012. Since then, Jay has been assisting his teacher, Keith Root. Jay also began teaching in other communities in 2014 to help spread the benefits of Tai Chi Chuan. His experience with teaching Yang style includes form work, applications, push hands, saber, sword, meditation, Yiquan, and Qigong.
Cost
Schedule
Class Dates: 1/25, 2/15, 3/8, 3/29, & 4/19
Skip dates: None
Registration Information
PHONE: 763-221-0626
MAIL: 16235 9th Ave No, Plymouth, MN 55447 (via check)
VIA CREDIT CARD:
Organizer
Jay Soderberg
soderbergjay@comcast.net