Tai Chi Chuan

is known for its many health benefits for both body and mind and promotes an overall sense of well-being, vitality and inner calm. Tai Chi's gentle flowing movements encourage the body to let go of any tensions: flexibility improves, blood circulates more freely and the mind and spirit become clear and full.

Andreas Asmus has been instructing at a local Tai Chi school with great success before branching out on his own. His experience in ballroom dancing and passion for Tai Chi give him a special capacity to teach the preciseness and beauty of movement and at the same time transfer the experience of flow and a feeling of connectedness of body and mind to his students.

Classes are taught in an open, friendly and supportive atmosphere with special attention given to learning the underlying principles of Tai Chi Chuan through a systematic approach to stance, posture and forms training while also giving insights into martial arts applications. This gives students a very effective introduction and strong foundation for their practice and translates into a rich, rewarding and in-depth experience of the art after only a short period of time.

The integration of Tai Chi forms and Chi Kung (Qigong) exercises into the class schedule helps students appreciate and experience the meditative aspects of Tai Chi Chuan very early in their practice.

The curriculum starts with learning the basic Tai Chi moves and gradually progresses to more advanced hand and weapon forms. Within our diverse group of students we encourage each and every one to learn at his or her own comfortable pace, fitness level or ability to further the benefits and enjoyment of this powerful and beautiful centuries-old martial art.

Tai Chi Chuan Berkeley sees as its first and foremost mission to provide an open door to everyone to have the opportunity to experience, learn and enjoy the Art of Tai Chi Chuan with an open heart and mind in a dedicated, focused, respectful and peaceful class setting and learning environment.

 

“To be able under all circumstances
to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue;
these five things are gravity, generosity of soul,
sincerity, earnestness and kindness.”
Confucius

 

* TaiChiChuanBerkeley's logo: Dragons in Chinese culture have a positive connotation and represent power, excellence, and striving for goals and high values, as well as being a benevolent force which radiates goodwill, good luck, and blessings. The color red is associated with luck and happiness.

Tai Chi Curriculum

Hand Forms

• 24 Form • 8 Form • 16 Form
• 40 Form • 108 Form

Weapon Forms

• 32 Tai Chi Straight Sword Form
• Plum Blossom Fan Form

Tai Chi Class Schedule

Tai Chi classes begin with a series of Chi Kung
exercises (The 8 Brocade) which is one of the oldest exercise systems in the world and promotes the

free circulation of Chi (“Life Energy”) throughout the body. Standing meditation, stretching and light cardio workouts

are also part of the class schedule.

Afterwards

stance & forms training

begins with instruction tailored to each individual student or experience level. At the end of each class a form is practiced and experienced as a unified, harmonious group.

Private instruction can also be arranged as needed.

Class Times

Beginner II & Intermediate I

Mondays: 5:00 – 6:00pm
Thursdays: 5:00 – 6:00pm

Beginner I

Mondays: 6:00 – 7:00pm
Thursdays: 6:00 – 7:00pm

* observed holidays

All skill, experience and fitness levels welcome.
No uniform requirement. Comfortable, loose fitting clothes and flat/flexible, non-marking sole shoes (and a smile!) are recommended.

Monthly Tuition

1 class/week: $58

2 classes/week: $104

First class is FREE to new students.

Location

THE BEAT
The Berkeley Performing Arts

2560 9th Street, #119 • Berkeley, CA 94710
Map   Photos

Tai Chi classes are held in a beautiful large studio with high ceilings and hardwood floors. The studio has lots of natural light and the front and side walls are mirrored. A lobby and waiting area are also available as well as bathroom and changing facilities. We are located on the ground level (1st floor) with ample free parking directly in front of the building.

The studio is easily accessible from East Bay locations and is literally minutes away from the Ashby or University exits (I-80), making it a very convenient destination from Oakland, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, San Pablo, Alameda, Piedmont, Montclair, San Leandro and other San Francisco Bay Area cities. Public transportation services are available.

Only a few steps away from the studio you'll find the Westside Bakery Café and the NOLO Bookshop.

Questions/Inquiries about the Tai Chi Program

Please contact Andreas Asmus at 510.653.4809 or asmusa@comcast.net

See also: TaiChiChuanBerkeley.com