Class Descriptions
Wu Shu
Wu Shu is the superset of all martial arts. It's also the term used in mainland China to describe it's unique style and presentation of modern competitive martial art hand and weapon forms. There are many different styles of Chinese martial arts. All students will learn from the beginning to practice line drills which consist of the basic kicks: front stretch, side stretch, inside and outside crescent, side kick, spinning and jumping kicks. Line drills are a continuous feature to training in Wu Shu. The fighting kicks and pad work are also introduced immediately and provide impact and focus feedback. Form work helps improve athleticism, coordination, strength development and flexibility. Students begin with empty hand forms and progress to learning weapon forms. All of these forms are devised to encourage confidence and continuous advancement.
Tai Ji
We offer a full curriculum of Tai Ji Quan starting with basic movement, theory and philosophy. The fundamentals are introduced and the student progresses through a series of different forms and techniques which become more advanced. The theory of how to move in Tai Ji is elaborated as the student becomes more familiar with the choreography of the various sets. The individual forms help the student work through and relieve tension, develop focus and balance, and retrain the nervous system to relax and yield before each movement. Learning to use the waist to redirect movement and force is essential to Tai Ji. The body, breath and mind fluidly adapt and synergistically utilize your energy, power and intention to release force instead of fighting against each other thereby inhibiting yourself. Ba Gua Zhang and Xing I Quan are part of our more advanced Internal Arts program.
Ba Gua Zhang
Xing I Quan
This style is like a roller coaster of movement with spins, turns and circles combined with a distinctive sliding footwork. The form moves in every direction including oblique angles. Ba Gua trains the waist and back to be supple and integrated to deliver power.
The 'Shape of a Thought' style denotes the physical fulfillment of your prior intentional force. This art form has classic postures that explode from one to the next. In Chinese martial arts, sometimes it's noted that your best defense is your offense. Xing I Quan is noted for its aggressive footwork and power. Yet before every strike, the body relaxes in order to release maximum force.
Tui Shou (Push Hands) teaches interpersonal skills for dealing with tension. Learn to utilize your Yi Nian (Intension) to deflect and neutralize an overwhelming physical or emotional force directed toward you. Acquire listening skills and respond appropriately instead of becoming tense and being reactive. Relax and play in the energy while releasing ingrained fear based habits. Reimagine perceived outcomes with new possibilities and solutions. Push Hands introduces a new method of approaching internal and external conflict.
Tai Ji Push Hands
This video demonstrates the skills and power developed through Tai Ji Push Hands practice.
Fitness
We use extensive bodyweight strength and conditioning programs including ring work, parallettes and other various features unique to our training facility. Students develop a great strength-to-weight ratio while learning to use the body in a more efficient manner. Flexibility is also increased with our approach to stretching and ballistic kicking drills.