TAI CHI AT OPEN SKY MARTIAL ARTS, HILLSBOROUGH & CHAPEL HILL, NC
Tai Chi is an internal art of self-defense and has considerable health benefits. It is a highly developed system of harmonizing the external body with internal energy. Its external movements stretch and strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, while the unique spiraling and twining movements massage the body’s internal organs as well as circulate chi energy throughout the body. This important art is practiced daily to preserve and enhance vitality. Research by Western scientists has documented numerous health benefits enjoyed by people who regularly practice Tai Chi.
"Jason is a great teacher. In addition to being patient with beginners, he also knows how to push just enough to get more out of your performance. . . . I have studied tai chi with very good teachers in the past, but with Open Sky, I have found a new level of body awareness and depth with the art.”—Ben Blaisdell, assistant professor, ECU
Classes emphasize Silk Reeling exercises, the Chen Tai Chi form, and Chi Gung (Tai Chi breathing exercises). These practices develop one’s awareness of centralizing movement, building and solidifying the base of movement in the legs and abdominal area. The upper body is soft and relaxed and allows the base to send energy through it without tension. That is why Tai Chi is considered an “internal” martial art and does not rely on muscular-looking strength to be effective. Tai Chi combines mental intention with chi (internal energy) and breathing to move trained power.
The exercises and form are very important tools for self-development. The slow movements of Tai Chi allow students to observe and feel their own body in motion. Daily practice gives one the means to improve one’s own flow of energy and power. As students feel their own posture and change of balance improve, energy flows, healing and strengthening the body.
Teachers Steve Kaufmann and Jason Widener study Tai Chi with Master Wang Hai Jun, a master teacher of the Chen style of Tai Chi. Master Wang is a protégé of Chen Zenglei, one of the Four Tigers of Tai Chi.
Steve Kaufmann began his studies of Tai Chi over 30 years ago along with Aikido and meditation practice. He has studied with such notable Tai Chi teachers as William Chen, Lou Kleinsmith, Paul Gallagher, Lindsay Williams, and Bruce Kumar Frantzis.
CLASS SCHEDULE
Hillsborough Thursdays & Saturdays
Thursdays 5:45-6:45 Mixed Level Tai Chi
Saturdays Tai Chi for Older Adults 12:-12:45. Seniors welcome. Interested in using your body to its best capacity.
Chapel Hill Sundays
9-10 Chen Forms class For athletic adults, new form starts September.
10:15-11 Tai Chi for Health
TAI CHI BEGINNING SERIES Sundays, 10:15–11 a.m. Triangle Youth Ballet location.
Tai Chi for Health
This class is aimed at beginning adults who may want to learn Tai Chi for the first time, or who are healing themselves and want to learn a low-impact, aerobic, weight-bearing exercise that is great for their health. The class will be 45 minutes long and provide students with a daily practice that they can use to fine-tune awareness of their own body. Tai Chi is recommended by the Arthritic Foundation and the American Geriatrics Association to improve flexibility, mental acuity, and balance.
The course is $50/month. Email info@openskymartialarts.com for more info. Triangle Youth Ballet, 1708 A East Franklin Street, Gateway Commons, Chapel Hill, NC 27515 Map for Triangle Youth Ballet
Open Sky Tai Chi demonstration, Chapel Hill, NC
