Classes are held at Normandale Community College, and Wayzata Central Middle School.
Instructor Soderberg teaches a variety of classes ranging from beginner classes to classes for advanced students with many years of experience. Some classes are taught on an on-going basis. Others, since there are too many to offer them all continuously, are rotated into the schedule on an intermittent basis. The level of student accomplishment that each each class is designed to reach is shown below in [square brackets]. For times and locations of classes starting soon, see the Upcoming Events to the right.
Classes Taught on an On-going Basis:
- ABCs of Tai Chi – In this beginners class, students start to learn the Yang Style Short Form described in more detail below. It allows students experience Tai Chi Chuan with other beginning students, and find out whether Tai Chi is for them. Form postures can be modified for students with limited mobility or physical issues. Many students “graduate” to the Yang Style Short Form Class. [Level: Beginners]
- Yang Style Short Form – Instructor Soderberg teaches a version of Cheng Man Ching’s 37-Form in this class. The form includes most of the moves found in the traditional long form, but with most of the repetition removed. Consequently, it takes about 6 minutes to perform. This form includes kicks and one-footed postures. [Level: Intermediate through Advanced]
- Yang 108-Form (Traditional Long form) – This is the traditional long form as taught by my Sifu, Fong Ha. The Long Form takes longer to both perform (15 – 20 minutes) and to learn. It may include martial applications. Students often start with the Yang Style Short Form, then progress to this class. [Level: Intermediate through Advanced]
Classes Taught on an Intermittent Basis:
These classes rotate into the schedule based on student interest, and as class schedules permit.
- Qigong – Qigong means “Energy Practice”. In this class, we learn the Eight Pieces of Brocades, and other practices related to Qigong. The Eight Brocades is easy to learn and very healthful to practice. [All levels]
- Yang 10-Form – A great form for beginners, this form is easy to learn and provides an introduction to Yang style tai chi. [Beginners]
- Yang 24-Form – An easy to learn form. The 24-Form is often practiced in the parks in China. Consequently, it is the most commonly practiced form around the world. [Beginners to Intermediate]
- Two Person Work – also known as Sensing Hands, or Push Hands, teaches the student about their own balance and how to sense another person’s balance. It provides feedback to allow a student to improve their form and to obtain a new level of understanding of Tai Chi Chuan. [Intermediate through Advanced]
Note: If you look up Push Hands on the internet, you will find it, and it will look like skinny sumo wrestling — this is not how we practice sensing hands. - Weapons Forms – Weapons forms require that the student know and understand most of the moves in the Yang Style Short Form or Yang 108-Form. They help the student to learn to extend their chi into the weapon. Weapon classes provide a better understanding of balance to the student (because of holding a 2 – 3 pound weapon at arm’s length). Instructor Soderberg teaches different weapons forms. [Intermediate through Advanced]
- Saber – The saber, or dao, is a sword with a curved blade. This form is shorter and easier to learn than the sword form.
- Sword – This class teaches the use of traditional Jian or straight sword. The sword form is the most advanced weapon form.
- Cane — I teach two different cane forms. One is quite simple and easy to learn. The second form is more challenging, but also more rewarding, because it is a two-person set.
- San Shou Form – This is a two person form that focuses on the Martial Applications of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. It requires that the student know and understand the moves in the Yang Style Short Form or Yang 108-Form. It will illuminate your form. This is the most advanced form work. [Advanced]
Private lessons are also available; contact Instructor Soderberg.
The format of a typical class does vary a bit because not all items below can be included in each class. However, each class includes several of the following elements:
- Meditation – sometimes we will meditate for a few minutes at the beginning of class (see my post about natural meditation)
- Tai Chi Ruler – this is an excellent warmup before practicing the form, which can be very meditative and helps improve balance
- Tai Chi Walking – this is great for balance!
- Warm-up exercises (typically Qigong such as Eight Pieces of Brocades, or Yi Jin Jing)
- Form Practice – always included
- Learn new moves, or study one or more currently known moves more in-depth – always included
- Cool down exercises
Instructor Soderberg tailors classes to each group’s abilities and interests. We have fun while improving participant’s health and making new friends. Come join us!