Our Classes
Tai Chi Class
Yang Style Tai Chi classes are run to accommodate the different motivations of students in attendance. Some are pursuing the martial art of Tai Chi, others are pursuing health related benefits, while others are on a spiritual journey of which Tai Chi plays an integral role. My priority is to ensure everyone is comfortable and are able to express themselves through the medium of Tai Chi.
To get in the right frame of mind, each class starts with a gentle warm-up which includes some light stretching to reduce tension in the body. The warm-up is also a time for the student to prepare the mind for the lesson so they can focus and center themselves. It is also a good time to recap on anything done in the previous lesson and give students the opportunity to offer feed-back. The warm-up will usually conclude with some repetitions of a particular movement out of the long form to give the student an opportunity to investigate that move more deeply.
The main body of the lesson is then devoted to the latest section of the form that people might be working on. Or, depending on the class, push hands exercises for students that interested in trying some very gentle contact movement with a fellow student or the instructor. Push hands can help emphasise certain aspects of body positioning and co-ordination that only comes with physical contact.
The class concludes with another gentle stretching routine to ensure that students leave feeling relaxed and happy. The warm-down is also another time to discuss any issues that may come up during the class.
Class times
9am - 10am Tuesday
Brookfield Hall, 546 Brookfield Road,
Brookfield
$15 Casual
$50 per month
Kung Fu Class
With a flexible training program, we cater for all types. From the beginner with no experience (even someone who has done no physical activity in their life) to the experienced martial artist. The class starts with a skills-based warm-up consisting of techniques or exercises that are part of the training program. The class then progresses to Jongs (two person exercises) or individual skill work based on their grade level or the prevailing concept or idea at the time. Over the course of the lesson there is usually a natural escalation of intensity and application such that, by the end of the lesson, the student should feel they have extended themselves to a new level of understanding. This is both a physical and mental experience.
It is important for students to remember that questions are encouraged. Questions are useful in articulating any problems a student might have with their training model. The type of question asked also helps the instructor gauge where the student is at with their learning.
Classes must be fun and inclusive. We deal with serious topics, yet levity, and a sense of play, are important motivators and help the learning process. Be mindful of this when training anything of value.
Class times
6:30pm - 7:30pm Tuesday
8:00pm - 9:00pm Thursday
Ashgrove West Uniting Church
491 Waterworks Road, Ashgrove
$18 Casual
$120 per month