Public Programs: Open to All

[About Public Programs]

The Public Programs offer comprehensive and foundational Tai Chi classes derived directly from its birthplace, Chen Village. Designed to cater to modern lifestyles, the Public Programs are structured to provide accessibility and adaptability for all levels of practice, ensuring a supportive environment for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.

Our offerings include the Public Tai Chi 100 Series, a curriculum divided into four sections to meet the diverse needs of today’s participants:

[Public Tai Chi Programs: 100 Series]  

• Tai Chi 100: Fang Song
  "Fang Song," meaning "Relax" or "Loosen Up" in Mandarin, introduces Master Chen Bing's eight unique relaxation methods. This practice alleviates discomfort in the back, neck, and shoulders while enhancing overall balance and well-being. Beyond its therapeutic benefits, Fang Song lays the groundwork for Tai Chi’s internal      art, harmonizing body, breath, and mind to foster inner balance and tranquility.
• Tai Chi 101: Stepping, Reeling Silk & Explosive Power
  This course establishes a solid foundation in the core movements of Chen Family Tai Chi, essential for progressing to Tai Chi forms or routines.
  • Coordinated Stepping:  Techniques to maintain balance and stability while transitioning       seamlessly between postures, forming the groundwork for advanced Tai Chi forms.
  • Reeling Silk (纏絲勁, Chán Sī Jìn): Spiral energy movements that activate the Dantian (core), enhancing       coordination and ensuring the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body.
  • Explosive Power (發勁, Fā Jìn): Controlled energy release that exemplifies the dynamic interplay of Yin       and Yang, a hallmark of Chen Family Tai Chi.

                    Together, these principles cultivate strength, balance, and fluidity, equipping practitioners with the essential skills to approach Tai Chi forms

                    with precision and understanding.

• Tai Chi 102: Tai Chi Form Prep (Diamond Pounds Mortar)
  This posture embodies the profound teachings and wisdom of Chen Family Taijiquan. By mastering its variations, practitioners learn to seamlessly interconnect every movement in classical Tai Chi, creating a continuous and fluid flow without interruption.
• Tai Chi 103: Tai Chi for Longevity (Blue Dragon 8 Form)
  Derived from the Chen Family Old Frame First Road, this concise yet powerful form symmetrically opens the body, engaging forward, backward, and lateral stepping. It is suitable for practice in limited spaces, and the eight movements can be performed continuously without interruption. This repetition allows beginners and intermediate practitioners to develop their bodies and internal strength. Mastery of this routine provides the essential foundation required to progress to the Trademarked Programs.

[Public Elective Programs]

These classes focus on building physical strength and clarifying movement—areas often underemphasized in traditional Tai Chi practice. Designed to complement and enhance the core Public Programs, they support students in refining their foundations.

• Taiji Body Conditioning (TB Conditioning)
  Develop physical strength and resilience through myofascial release (MFR), standing exercises, and targeted core and leg conditioning.
• Taiji Body Mechanics (TB Mechanics)
  Refine movement precision and internal mechanics through equilibrium corrections, reeling silk breakdowns, and advanced movement refinements.

[Class Schedule]
Our classes follow a structured 10-week rotation aligned with an annual schedule to ensure steady and progressive learning:

[Weekly Schedule]

• Monday:
  07:00 PM – 08:00 PM: Tai Chi 100
  08:00 PM – 09:00 PM: Tai Chi 101
• Wednesday:
  09:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Tai Chi 103
  07:00 PM – 08:00 PM: Tai Chi 102
  08:00 PM – 09:00 PM: Tai Chi 103
• Thursday:
  07:00 PM – 08:00 PM: Taiji Body Conditioning (TB Conditioning)
  08:00 PM – 09:00 PM: Taiji Body Mechanics (TB Mechanics)
• Saturday:
  01:00 PM – 02:00 PM: Tai Chi 100 (Donation-Based, Community Class)

[Quarterly Rotation]

• Winter Quarter:  January – March
• Spring Quarter: April – June
• Summer Quarter: July – September
• Fall Quarter:  October – December

Whether you’re just beginning your Tai Chi journey or seeking to deepen your practice, these thoughtfully designed programs provide a progressive, enriching experience rooted in the classical principles of Chen Family Taijiquan. 

[Guidelines for Participants]

1. No Walk-Ins
Advance booking is required for all classes to ensure liability compliance and maintain a safe, organized learning environment.

2. Progressive Learning
Classes are designed to progress incrementally, building on skills each week. Participants joining after Week 3 will receive brief guidance to integrate into the program but should focus on current lessons while gradually adapting. This approach ensures a comfortable and seamless learning experience for all.

3. Attire and Footwear
Wear loose, comfortable clothing suitable for movement. Socks or indoor footwear are required. Please store outdoor shoes beneath the benches to maintain cleanliness.

4. Punctuality
Arrive on time to respect the flow of the session. If another class is concluding, enter quietly to minimize disruption.

[Venues]

• Los Feliz: 2724 Griffith Park Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027. Second floor above Starbucks, adjacent to Gelson’s Market. Complimentary parking available.
• San Gabriel: Sheng Ballet, 811 W Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776. Complimentary plaza parking. (Note: Discontinued in November 2024.)
• Koreatown: Location pending.

[Course Highlights]

Tai Chi 100: Fang Song

Learn the art of Fang Song (Relaxation) through therapeutic movements designed to alleviate tension and improve balance. This course, derived from the mother form of Tai Chi, helps address pain and prepares you for deeper exploration into the internal art of Tai Chi.

Tai Chi 101: Stepping, Reeling Silk & Explosive Power

Build a strong foundation with practices that combine relaxation, spiral energy (Reeling Silk), and power release (Explosive Power). This course provides the core principles necessary for advancing in Tai Chi.

Tai Chi 102: Tai Chi Form Prep

Dive into "Diamond Pounds Mortar," a preparatory form showcasing the depth of Chen Family Tai Chi. Ideal for beginners and intermediate learners alike.

Tai Chi 103: Tai Chi for Longevity – Blue Dragon 8 Form

A concise adaptation of the Chen Family's Old Frame First Road, crafted to promote wellness and longevity. Developed by Master Bosco Baek, this course delivers the essential principles of classical Tai Chi.

Taiji Body Conditioning (TB Conditioning)
Focus on physical strength and flexibility in this supportive class. Through myofascial release (MFR), standing exercises, and targeted core and leg conditioning, you’ll build the resilience required for classical Tai Chi practice.

Taiji Body Mechanics (TB Mechanics)
Hone movement precision and internal mechanics with this focused class. Starting with equilibrium corrections, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of reeling silk techniques and advance to refined movements that enhance balance and coordination.