Greetings, everyone.

It’s been a vibrant summer at the studio, filled with movement, connection, and community. While the season still lingers, the first golden tones outside gently remind us that autumn is on the way. In this issue, you’ll find details about our upcoming annual fundraiser, photo memories from the Summer Social, Part 2 of The Five Families of T’ai Chi, new class offerings, and more.

—Paul

Coming Soon: Our Annual Fall Fundraiser

October marks the start of our only fundraiser of the year—and once again, every gift you give will be doubled thanks to a generous $5,000 matching donation.

Together, we’ve met (and surpassed) the match seven years in a row. Let’s keep the tradition alive this fall!

Stay tuned for details in our October newsletter.

It Came in August

The air thickens, heavy with waiting.

Clouds muscle across the sky,

their bellies swollen with the forthcoming deluge.

The rain arrives in sudden sheets,

a thousand fingers drumming the rooftops,

soaking the trees, polishing every stone and leaf,

washing away our plans.

And then, as quickly as it rose,

the fury rolls itself away—

leaving only the quiet drip of branches,

the scent of wet soil; sunbeams dry the land.

And then…

A whole bunch of T’ai Chi people had a picnic!

Okay, it rained a little in the morning. Still, you could’ve stayed home. Thanks to all of you who came to this year’s Summer Social. It was a blast. Special thanks to Libby Frost, our event coordinator, to Todd Nesser for the wonderful posters and online sign-ups, and to all of you who brought stuff to share and helped out (it’s not a picnic without watermelon—thanks, Karen and Stephan). We appreciate all of you so much.

New Classes

A Simple Stick, a Powerful Practice:
Join Our Cane Class (October 1)

Discover how a simple cane can open up powerful movement and energy in your T’ai Chi practice.

Discover the power and grace of the T’ai Chi Cane—a classical weapon form that draws from both the sword and broadsword traditions. The cane is practical, versatile, and accessible: All you need is a simple stick to begin.

In this class, you’ll:

• Learn flowing movement patterns that expand on the T’ai Chi Solo Form

• Explore practical applications and energy projection with the cane

• Deepen your understanding of T’ai Chi through a new, dynamic perspective

The T’ai Chi Cane is an ideal introduction to weapon forms while also offering depth for those with experience. If you’ve completed the Solo Form or just want to refine your cane practice, this class will help you build skill, strength, and confidence.

Come join us—and bring your cane!

Begins Wednesday, October 1, 7:30–8:30 p.m.

Explore Your Inner Cosmos:
Learn the Microcosmic Orbit (September 8)

The Microcosmic Orbit is one of the foundational practices of Daoist meditation and Qigong. At its core, it teaches how to circulate qi (life energy) through two main energy channels in the body, creating harmony, balance, and vitality.

In Daoist thought, the body is a microcosm of the universe. Practicing the orbit helps align us with natural rhythms of yin and yang, day and night, Heaven and Earth.

Benefits of practice include:

• Health and vitality through balanced energy flow

• Emotional and energetic balance (yin/yang harmony)

• Spiritual connection with the greater cosmos

• Longevity through nourishing life energy

In this class, you’ll learn to open the orbit step by step, using intention, breath, awareness, and gentle movement—both seated and standing.

Monday Qigong & Meditation Class

Begins Monday, September 8, 7:30–8:30 p.m. (12 weeks)

Current Class Schedule

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

Tuesday
T’ai Chi Symmetries Levels 2 thru 6 6:00 p.m.–7:15 p.m.
Advanced Symmetries 7:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

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

Thursday T’ai Chi in the Park
Open Practice 5:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Solo Form 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Weapons Review 7:00 p.m.–7:15 p.m.
Beginning Push-Hands 7:15 p.m.–8:15 p.m.

The park class is scheduled to run through October 9, weather permitting. During late summer and early autumn, the sunset time changes rapidly. So will the times for the Form, Weapons, and Push-Hands. The Open Practice time and Solo Form start time are fixed. Check the website for time changes, and they will be announced for the coming week during the park classes as well.

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

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

The Five Family Styles of T'ai Chi Ch'uan – Part 2

By Paul Abdella

Yang Luchan, the founder of the Yang- Style T’ai Chi we practice at TCTCC

Yang Family Style

Yang Luchan (1799–1872) 

Chen Chang Hsing, the 14th-generation grandmaster of Chen Family T’ai Chi Ch’uan, was the first to teach the art in depth to someone outside the Chen family; his name was Yang Luchan. From humble beginnings, Yang Luchan would go on to create a style of T’ai Chi that would become the most widely practiced form of T’ai Chi in the world, bringing good health and peace of mind through relaxed and graceful movement to millions of people while maintaining its integrity as a martial art. In addition, he transmitted the art to the founders of four of the five family styles of T’ai Chi. The following is a brief biographical sketch of Yang Luchan and his descendants. 

Rise and Shine

Meditation and Movement in the Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains rise in soft, undulating waves, shifting from deep green to misty blue as distance increases. Morning fog lingers in the valleys, and afternoon clouds brush the peaks. A winding drive up Black Mountain passes streams and wildflowers before descending to a quiet log cabin. There, a circle of friends gathers—finding peace as the self moves in harmony with the rhythm of the heart and in union with heaven and earth.

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.