T'AI CHI ESSENTIALS  (THE BASICS)

Beginning students work on overall stretching, flexibility, balance and coordination, by learning the "Basics" of T'ai Chi. The principles of Chi Kung are also introduced.

More advanced students can also use these movements to continue to build on the basic foundations to further increase their physical strength as well as their awareness and concentration levels, thereby promoting stillness within themselves.

•   Five Temple Meditations
    /Five Elements

5 basic movements to introduce the body to various postures in order to begin to be able to find one´s "center", and begin to gently open up the body.

•   Eight Pieces of Brocade

A well known set of exercises in T'ai Chi, developed to work on flexibility and strength. Strengthens and nurtures specific organs through the use of the breath.

•   Eight Essentials

Continues to work on basics by introducing different principles of T'ai Chi. More emphasis is placed on balance in this set.

•   Chi Kung Meditation Postures

Individual T'ai Chi postures held for extended periods of time are designed to increase internal power, as well as strength and flexibility. The student stands immobile while continually trying to soften the tensions that arise in the body. These postures are very challenging for beginners, but quickly become very meditative and powerful.

•   Twelve Tao Yin

12 movements designed to concentrate on softness in the body. Continues to work on flexibility and strength, in the waist area in particular.

•   Six Stars

A meditative set of 6 exercises that are much more static in nature. These standing postures are "Yin" based and work very subtly on the energy systems of the body.

•   Hwa To´s Animal Frolics

Applying the "Basics", the student furthers their understanding of Energy or Chi....Three Animal Forms examine and develop Chi by using breathing in conjunction with movement.

CRANE - designed to open the body and to work smooth.... and balanced energy flow.

DEER - designed to work on flexibility and lightness of body - advanced movements strengthen the legs. This is a powerful workout.

BEAR - develops strong stances and connected power.

•   Silk Reeling

"Silk Reeling" is a class designed to deeply open up the joints of the body by using dynamic, circular movements. These movements incorporate almost all the joints in the body, from the smaller metacarpal bones of the hands to larger structures such as the hip joints. The term "silk reeling" originates from the old tradition of reeling silk from a cocoon.

SHAOLIN CHI KUNG - Energy Work  (INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED)

Thought to originate from the Shaolin Temples over 2000 years ago as a way for Taoist monks to cultivate "Chi" and longevity.

•   MARROW WASHING

(Bringing breath to the Marrow)
- a comprehensive exercise set of stretching and breathing for the entire body. It involves all the muscles, tendons, and joints and promotes overall well being. Practiced regularly, the Marrow Washing is also an excellent way to maintain flexibility, relaxation, vitality, and immunity to disease.

•   NORTHERN STAR

The Northern star Chi Kung exercise set is relatively new. It was created by Dong Haichuan in the 18th century. This set is not very difficult and can be performed in about 20 minutes. It provides all the health benefits attributed to Chi Kung discussed above.

•   18 LOHAN HANDS

A different set of exercises also designed to promote overall health, flexibility and strength. Standing meditation postures are included as part of this exercise routine.

T'AI CHI FORMS  (INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED)

Take several movements from the basic "essentials" and put them together to create the T'ai Chi forms. Learn to apply all the basic principles as well as their martial applications, in a series of connected movements called "forms". These are designed to promote balance and coordination

as well as a calm and "meditative" state of being. The forms taught will include, but will not be limited to, Beijing short form (a 24 movement set), the Yang short form (a 48 movement set) and the Yang long form (a 108 movement set).

SHAOLIN FORMS  (INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED)

Developed hundreds of years ago in the Shaolin Temples of China, these forms were adapted from the observation of animals and how they defend themselves in their natural surroundings. "Circle of Life" teaches the original Five Animal Fist Forms of the Shaolin Temples. These include the Dragon, the Tiger, the Crane, the Snake, and the Leopard. Diligent practice of these forms will allow the student to incorporate within themselves the strengths of these animals and adapt them to their particular circumstances.

Some of the additional benefits of practicing these forms include the development of physical strength, coordination, balance, as well as speed and flexibility. Practice of these forms has also contributed to bone development, "Chi" cultivation, internal strength and awareness.

"Wushu" is a Chinese martial art that stresses coordination, balance and flexibility, as well as fluidity of movement. Although empty hand applications are evident in this art, the focus will be on the use of "tools" or weapons in the development of the above mentioned benefits. Wushu weapons forms will include the use of the Staff, the Sword, and the Kwon dao.

This part of the curriculum is included in the Chinese Kenpo training program.

CHINESE KENPO

The Academy teaches this highly effective martial art adapted from the Shaolin Kung Fu system, which is based on the Temple's five animals, with an emphasis on self-defense. Kenpo, meaning "fist law", teaches speed, power, and timing, and also

emphasizes adaptation to technique based on situational and environmental conditions. The style is primarily taught in individualized instruction, and is recommended to highly motivated students.

KENPO DRILLS

A class that emphasizes basic drills and applications taught in the Kenpo private sessions. This class will develop the students skill level by repeating and applying the concepts and principles of the Kenpo system.

Two person drills will hone the student's skills by working self-defense techniques with a partner. Conditioning drills are also an important part of this class. These include jump-roping, medicine ball work, as well as flexibility and strength-training drills.