Greetings, everyone,

The summer solstice has come and gone, and the fire and rain of the season are keeping things green and getting us out and moving. Join us for T’ai Chi in the park and our full roster of summer classes in the Studio. 

—Paul

What’s New at the Studio

Our Summer Social Picnic

Some of the best aspects of having a T’ai Chi practice are the friends you make and the community you discover. Join us for our annual summer picnic; bring a friend and make one too.

This year, our Summer Social will be August 9, 4:00–7:00 pm. There will be an online sign-up as well as an in-studio sign-up posted soon.

The get-together will be at Wabun Picnic Area G, 4655 46th Ave. S., Minnehaha Regional Park. A box picnic lunch will be provided by the studio.

Current Class Schedule

Monday
T’ai Chi Solo Form 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm (also Zoom)
Qigong and Meditation 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Tuesday
T’ai Chi Symmetries Levels 2 thru 6, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Advanced Symmetries 7:15 pm – 8:30 pm

Wednesday 
Beginning Solo Form Fundamentals 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm
Beginning Solo Form 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
T’ai Chi Weapons: T’ai Chi Fan 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Thursday T’ai Chi in the Park
Open Practice 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Solo Form Refinements 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Weapons Review 7:20 pm – 7:40 pm
Beginning Push-Hands 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Saturday
Beginning Solo Form Sections 2 and 3, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Common Warm-Up & Qigong 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Beginning Solo Form Section 1, 11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Solo Form 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm (also Zoom)

Weapons Practice at Twin Cities T’ai Chi

At Twin Cities T’ai Chi, we teach a full cycle of T’ai Chi weapons that begins with the T’ai Chi Fan and cycles through to the Cane, Broadsword (Dao), Sword (Jian), and Double Broadsword (Shuang Dao). 

1. The Fan is the most un-weapon-like of all the T’ai Chi weapons. Most practitioners choose to practice the fan for its grace, color, and beauty. The quick snapping movements that open the fan develop the timing and release of energy for short power. Using a heavier metal fan will build strength in the hands. 

2. T’ai Chi Cane. The cane uses movements derived from both the Sword and Broadsword forms. It provides a varied range of movement with practical applications and is a perfect introductory weapon that only requires a simple stick to get started. 

3. T’ai Chi Single Broadsword/Saber. The broadsword has a single-edged blade, with the dull edge safe to be pushed with the free hand. This pushing action is accompanied by dynamic footwork, making the Dao or knife a perfect complement to Pushing Hands practice and upper-body development. 

4. T’ai Chi Single Straight Sword. The straight double-edged sword is most closely aligned with the Solo Form. The footwork and leg and waist movements follow the general mechanics of the Solo Form. The blade follows the body, and the eye follows the tip of the sword, providing a point of concentration and transmission of energy. The graceful choreography of the Sword Form and the rhythmic counterpoint of the free hand create a practice that is both meditative and energizing. 

5. T’ai Chi Double Broadsword. The Double Broadsword Form develops the right and left sides of the body simultaneously, teaches intricate flower patterns with the broadswords that coordinate the hands and feet, stretches and strengthens the shoulders, and is fun to perform (and to watch). 

A Brief History of T’ai Chi Ch’uan

Recently, there have been several requests from studio members for information on the history of T’ai Chi. Although there are numerous books and other resources addressing this topic, I thought I would reprint a three-part series I wrote five years ago on the history of the Five Family Styles of T’ai Chi that offers an overview of the rich history of the art. –Paul

Graduation News

These students have completed learning the following forms:

The Double Saber Form
Deborah Karasov, Susanne Leung 

T’ai Chi Symmetry 1  
Libby Frost, Sierk Oudemans, Amy Pittenger, Scott Williams, Karen Zeleznak

T’ai Chi Symmetry 5
Bill Card, Theresa Cira, Tom Dahlberg, Larry Elder, Melissa Johnson, Fran Myers, Dan Polsfuss, Sally Power, Steve Silver, Paul Stever

Congratulations!

Excellence in Our Community

Studio member Stephen May will present the final program in this year's Northfield Noontime Organ Recital series. This is the 18th season of free half-hour programs presented by local college faculty and church musicians. The series was once mentioned among the reasons for naming Northfield one of the best small towns in the country. The program is on Wednesday August 13 at 12:15 in the First United Church of Christ, 300 Union Street, Northfield, MN 55057. 

Studio Member Narate Keys has written a musical, Apsara, to be performed at the University of Minnesota Rarig Center Arena Theater on August 1, 2, 4, 7, 9. Check the theater for show times.

Studio member Woody Wolston and his wife Rose Levy Beranbaum visited our studio from New Jersey. They were on a book tour promoting their cookbook The 35th Anniversary Edition of The Cake Bible. It was an enjoyable meet and greet, with refreshments and of course cake, made by Todd Nesser. Thanks to all who helped set up and make the event possible.

Contact Us

For timely updates, follow Twin Cities T’ai Chi Ch’uan on Facebook. Email: mail@tctaichi.org Website: tctaichi.org Phone: 651.767.0267.
All articles and other content created by Paul Abdella unless otherwise noted.