This class focuses on learning a variety of Chi Kung sets and postures, primarily those from Grandmaster Mantak Chia's Healing Tao system. Chi Kung practice strengthens the body, regulates and builds physical energy. and cultivates ones mental concentration and spirit. Regular practice of Chi Kung develops a deeper understanding of the internal aspect of the martial arts, and serves as a form of moving meditation.
This class also includes the practice of Yang style Tai Chi, including stepping practice, push hands, and the 108 long form. Collectively these movement and energy practices emphasize posture, biomechanics, and mobility while also teaching you how to cultivate and control Internal energy. Good for all ages, these practices form a practical and doable movement discipline that will keep you strong, balanced, and mobile, while ameliorating the effects of aging.
Instructor: Zachary Stevens
Bio: Zach Stevens Hatch has been practicing martial arts since his mom, a Karate black belt, first brought him to the dojo at age five. Growing up on a farm in southern Vermont Zach studied and earned black belts in Goju-Ryu Karate and Nihon Jujutsu, and competed in folkstyle wrestling in high-school. Later he trained Judo in Chicago, Sanda Kickboxing, Tai Chi, and Chi Kung in California, Pekiti Tirsia and Dogbrothers Kali in Argentina, Taoist meditations, Chi Kung, and Tao Yin in Thailand, and Brazilian Jujitsu in England. His teachers include Brent Hamby, a former student of Kwan Saihung and Wong Jack Man, and Grandmaster Mantak Chia. He believes that both hard and soft styles of martial arts should be available to everyone to be practiced at all stages of life. He believes that when learning is fun it can last a lifetime!