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THE WELL.
The town may be changed,
But the well cannot be changed.
It neither decreases nor increases.
They come and go and draw from the well.
If one gets down almost to the water
And the rope does not go all the way,
Or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.
Every human being can draw in the course of his education from the in-exhaustible wellspring of the divine in man's nature. But here likewise two dangers threaten; a man may fail in his education to penetrate to the real roots of humanity and remain fixed in convention - a partial education of this sort is as bad as none - or he may suddenly collapse and neglect his self development.
I Ching - 48 The Well
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Included on this page
Classes Offered - Tai Chi Program
A Note About Our Curriculum
4-Week Introductory Class in Tai Chi Form
Ongoing Classes in Tai Chi and other Forms
Meditation (Neigong)
Health and Philosophy Study Group
Wellness Tai Chi (especially good for seniors and physical therapy/rehab)
Teacher Training and Applications Class
Seminars
Special Events
Private and Semi Private Instruction
Classes Offered - Yoga Program
Yoga with Tracy Von Kaenel
A Note About Our Tai Chi Curriculum
With Elizabeth Wenscott the complete system of Tai Chi consists of many forms for martial and spiritual training.
The Chinese Taoist medical tradition holds that when the natural development of the human --- youth, adult, senior --- is matched with correct mental and physical practice, health and longevity are assured. Children need to play with large, expansive, expressive movements. At about the age of 18 people are ready to begin a lifelong study the subtleties of movement while maintaining their youthful high spirits into their middle years. By around the age of 60 youthful expression begins to fade and is replaced with the wisdom of internal practice.
Traditionally in Tai Chi, the highest martial arts, health, and life skills are commanded by senior practitioners --- women and men who are so agile, relaxed, strong, and wise as to be untouchable.
 4-Week Introductory Class in Tai Chi Form
All students begin by taking an Introductory class, which meets once a week for a month (4 classes). Students will be introduced to the simple and profound fundamentals of the art, and to the friendly, energetic spirit of our community.
In the course you will learn learn 8 postures out of the 64 postured Yang Style tai chi, as well as the basics of stance and alignment. You will explore how these affect comfort, motion, breathing, balance, relaxation and even the ability to use Tai Chi Chuan as a form of self defense.
Introductory Class Times and Costs
Ongoing Classes
Students then may enter ongoing classes at a beginning level and continue learning the 64-posture Tai Chi Chuan form. All forms other than the 64-posture Tai Chi Chuan form are initially taught in special seminars. Weekly classes accommodate practice time for all forms, as well as time to have questions answered by Elizabeth. Weekly classes are structured as a pyramid in order to optimize your learning experience. The more advanced you become the more classes you are able to attend. It takes approximately 10-15 years to complete the entire Master of Tai Chi program with Elizabeth. However, great benefits of health and awareness can be had within two years. Advancement within the curriculum is based on: commitment, attendance, and individual and group readiness.
This Tai Chi program does not have a belt system nor are tests given. Tests are only given to those who enter into the Teaching Program and want to become a Certified Instructor of Tai Chi Chuan or Certified Master of Tai Chi.
Included in the Ongoing Tai Chi program is the Health and Philosphy Study Group.
Read the Health and Philosophy page for times and topics.
The Ongoing Tai Chi Sequence
Beginning Level I
In the Ongoing Beginning Level 1 classes you will learn the rest of the 64 Posture Yang Style form, created by Grandmaster Hsu Fun-yuen, while continually delving deeper into the relationship between mind and body, art and technique, health and martial application. In time, the health, internal strength and relaxation aspects that are gained in class will begin to become apparent in your everyday life.
Beginning Level II
Tan Tui*
Tui Shou - Beginning Push Hands
Intermediate Level
Tai Chi Chien - Sword
Tai Chi Guan - Staff
Jen Shen Chuan*
Advanced I
Tai Chi Dao - Knife
Da Lu Chuan
Hsing I Wu Ching Chuang -Hsing I Exercises
Man Chiang Hung Chien - Sword*
Nei Gong
Tai Chi Chuan (37 Posture Yang Style, created by Professor Cheng Man-ching)
Advanced II
Two Person Tai Chi Staff
Two Person Da Lu
Wu Ching Lien Huan Chuan - Hsing I Form
Tung Bei Chuan
Yin Yang Chien - Sword
Advanced III
San Shou Tu Ta Ko Shih Ming Cheng - Two Person Tai Chi Chuan
San Tsai Chien - Sword
Tai Chi Spear
Ongoing Class Times and Costs
Return to Top of page
 Meditation
Taoist Neigong sitting meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Neigong translates as "inner work" or "inner cultivation" and is considered an important part of a Tai Chi person's complete practice. Meditators learn to generate, transform and circulate internal energy for the purpose of health and longevity by stilling, emptying and calming the mind.
Click here for more details.
Health and Philosophy Study Group
This group meets to read and discuss classics of Taoism, Chinese culture, Chinese medicine, and contemporary texts of Tai Chi philosophy. Topics include nurturing wellness and applying Tai Chi principles of relaxation, gentle attention and "going with the flow" in everyday life. One Sunday of the month is dedicated to Chinese Health studies all other sundays are dedicated to Taoism and or Tai Chi philosophy.
Click here for more details.
 Wellness Qigong
All Qigong and Tai Chi practice promotes wellness. In fact, health and longevity are traditionally considered the primary goals of these arts. Wellness Qigong is especially good for those who are looking to enhance their health and well-being but who don't want to commit to the long learning process that tai chi requires. Qigong has been proven to help people advance along the road of wellness from wherever their starting point happens to be. It can be a challenging practice for those who are healthy and fit. And it can also be adapted to accommodate students whose primary concern is wellness and who may have been advised by health providers to find a non-stressful, low-impact form of exercise, including those recovering from illness or injury who need special accommodations. (Be sure to ask your doctor to confirm your choice of Tai Chi or Qigong.)
Click here for more details.
 Teacher Training and Applications
Part of a fully rounded Tai Chi life is teaching. In fact Elizabeth often states that the three activities necessary for superior Tai Chi skills are: studying with a qualified teacher, investigating the art on your own, and teaching --- even if it is simply helping a beginner find the training room or sharing a bit of useful Taoist wisdom with a friend.
Elizabeth is the inheritor of a rich and marvelous treasure --- forms and wisdom passed to her by Hsu Fun-Yuen and which she is bound to pass along to future generations. Students who demonstrate the proper sincerity, non-agression and maturity --- and who put in the hard work to build their skills --- are able to attend the Teacher Training and Applications class. Teaching methods are imparted, as well as detailed explanation and practice of the higher level martial applications inherent in the forms.
More details coming soon!
 Seminars
Seminars are given several times a year. Seminars are an in-depth study of forms, weapons, or two person exercises. Seminars are an excellent way to teach you a new form in a short period of time. For those repeating previously offered seminars it allows you to concentrate on details to better your performance and understanding as well as supporting the first timers.
Upcoming Seminars.
Special Events
This can be anything from a trip to China, to a tai chi demonstration amongst a field of vegetable at an organic farm open house, to a visit from a significant Master.
Upcoming Special Events.
Private and Semi Private Instruction
An alternative way to learn at your own pace, or receive an in-depth evaluation of your development.
Email info@taichicenter-chicago.com for private class rates.
Yoga Program
 Instructor Tracy Von Kaenel is a degreed dance and yoga instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience. Tracy received her Advanced Level II Certification for Yoga Instructors from the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago.
More on Tracy Vonkaenel and the Yoga Program.
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