Classes at Shoreline Tai Chi

Classes are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings

Our curriculum

Our Tai Chi classes serve a broad spectrum of age, size, fitness, gender, and skill. No prior experience is necessary. As a new student, you may expect:

  • Improvements in your strength, flexibility, balance, and overall health;
  • Friendly and supportive interactions with classmates;
  • Detailed guidance to refine your posture and movement;
  • Explorations of Taiji history, theory, and martial application.

Class level options

  • In our Monday beginners classes, we focus on one section of the traditional Yang style Tai Chi form, using simple drills and partner choreography.
  • In our Wednesday all-levels classes, we practice longer sequences, and a wider range of solo and partner drills. This includes moving push hands, martial applications, and other “closed-door” material which is not offered at other schools, or known by other teachers.

Lessons and feedback are always tailored to the current abilities of individual participants. Exercises are performed at low to moderate intensity.

Enrollment Requirements

Tai Chi is performed while standing. All students must be able to stand up without a cane or other assistance.

Participants must sign a liability agreement and media release, to be provided at their first class.

Locations

See the Contact Us page for location(s).

Starting in May 2024, our Monday and Wednesday classes will be held in different locations. Mondays will be held at Lake Ballinger Center. Wednesdays will be held at a private residence near Bitter Lake Community Center; the address will be provided after registration.

Current schedule

The best time to start learning is today! Feel free to join the current session in progress (if space allows), rather than waiting for the next scheduled block. Every class includes a mixture of old and new material.

Spring Quarter 2024

April 1 through June 26, 2024 (13 weeks)

Tai Chi for Beginners: Seven Stars

Monday evenings, 7pm to 7:55pm

Learn selected postures and movements from traditional Yang style Tai Chi, including “Step Forward to Seven Stars.”

Together we will practice a variety of solo drills and partner exercises, designed to help you remember, understand, apply and enjoy Tai Chi.

Tai Chi Pushing Hands for Beginners

Monday evenings, 8pm to 8:55pm

Improve your coordination, sensitivity and balance with the help of a partner. This fun and gentle exercise will clarify your understanding of Tai Chi, the solo form, and its relationship to martial arts.

Steelyard 27 Tai Chi Form (All Levels)

Wednesday evenings 7pm to 7:55pm

Learn our short form, which captures the essence of Tai Chi in a compact 4-minute sequence. Experience a traditional immersion method of learning. Class includes review, feedback and supplementary training drills.

Moving-Step Pushing Hands

Wednesday evenings 8pm to 8:55pm

Explore the connections between Tai Chi Chuan, movement and practical martial arts. Learn and play with a variety of traditional choreographies, and freestyle adaptations.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is Tai Chi?
A: Click here for the answer.

Q: How are your classes different than others nearby?
A: Please check the instructor qualifications, and student reviews. (You can also learn more about our unique approach by reading previous newsletters.)

Q: Can I try one class before registering for an entire session?
A: Yes. All visitors are welcome to a free trial class, if there is space remaining. It is common for our classes to be fully enrolled.

Q: What if the class session is fully enrolled?
A: You may join the waitlist, and/or consider private lessons.

Q: Is it okay to arrive to class late, leave early, or miss a week?
A: No problem.

Q: What should I wear? Where can I park? How should I prepare?
A: Read this orientation guide.

Q: What is pushing hands?
A: Click here for the answer. Click here for a brief demonstration.

Q: I don’t live in Western Washington. Can I still learn from you?
A: We offer private lessons by appointment, both online and in person. We also host quarterly community events. Our email newsletter is free and open to everyone.

Video: Peek Inside a Seattle Tai Chi Class

Watch: Casual Fajin in Yang style Taijiquan

Also…

➡️ Join the mailing list for announcements on future classes.

➡️ Don’t miss our special events list.