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, purity 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. Learning Tai Chi Chuan therefore not only becomes a physical exercise but also a deeply spiritual art form and experience that equally involves and stimulates the heart, mind and spirit.

“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

Classes are taught in a very 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.

Our classes strive to be lively and engaging and students at Tai Chi Chuan Berkeley so beautifully and generously share their passion and enjoyment for their Tai Chi practice with all of their fellow students which makes the learning environment a very personal, welcoming and enjoyable one.

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

For beginning students our curriculum starts with learning the basic Tai Chi postures and movements and gradually progresses to more advanced hand and weapon forms. For students who are already further along in their forms practice the focus shifts to learning the intricate details of the various forms, as well as feeling the unity of body & mind and of connectedness and flow. 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.

 

 

* 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 personalized and gentle instruction tailored to each individual student or experience level. At the end of each class a form (sequence of movements) is practiced and experienced as a unified, harmonious group which lets the class end on a note of stillness and tranquility and of accomplishment and joy.

Should your work or private schedule not allow you to take advantage of our regular class schedule, please feel free to inquire about private instruction possibilities.

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.

Tuition

Single class: $13*

First class is FREE to new students.

(* pay classes one by one, weekly or monthly)

Location

THE BEAT
The Berkeley Performing Arts

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

THE BEAT is a non-profit organization and offers a great variety of moving arts classes under its umbrella. The center is dedicated to excellence in instruction and to further cultural creativity & diversity, personal development and artistic expression and serves the Greater Bay Area Community.

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.

If you are closer by and prefer to come by bike, the ride to the studio is a breeze (no hills!) and bike racks are located at the entrance of the building.

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 don't hesitate to contact me at: 510.653.4809 or
email: asmusa@comcast.net

I would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

See also: TaiChiChuanBerkeley.com