Course Descriptions

Bagua Zhang	Bagua has the unique training method of walking and maneuvering in circles. The emphasis of Bagua as a martial are its quick footwork and maneuverability. These same movements used as self-defense methods are based upon Taoist walking meditation practices. Bagua can be described as turning, coiling, spinning, and gliding. Beginners will learn the basic warm-ups and walking meditation drills. As students progress they begin to work on partner exercises, drills, and self-defense methods. Advanced students learn a variety of weaponry unique to the Bagua curriculum. Though considered a 'sister' art of Taiji Quan since they share the same basic principles, Bagua is more physically demanding. After the first year students may enter the instructor's certification program. Video clips: Changes Advanced Sword Staff
Chen Taiji Quan	Chen Taiji Quan is the original style of Taiji. Different from the well known Yang Taiji, Chen emphasizes both slow and quick movements as well as soft and hard within its solo forms. The Chen Taiji form is physically more difficult than Yang Taiji and requires extra dedication and daily practice to learn and remember the movements. Contrary to Chen Village Taiji we believe it's important to practice both right and left sides of each movement to keep the body muscles well balanced. Beginners: Beginners will start learning a 10 movement short form which will take about 2 months. Then onto the expanded short form (24 movements) which is a continuation of the 10 movements already learned. Those wishing to continue will then proceed to learning the 4 sections, 96 movement symmetrical form which the short form is the first section. This club also emphasizes partner work and applications at the beginning level. The 96 movement form unique to Xin Qi Shen Dojo based on Master Feng Zhiqiang's 48 form. After learning this solo form continuing students will learn partner Taiji forms, push hands, roushou, applications, and weaponry. After learning the long form, students may enter the instructor's certification program. Chen Taiji Video clip: Form Master Gao Fu
Yang Taiji Quan	The Yang style of Taiji is the most common and what the public usually associates as Taiji Quan. Characterized by smooth, even flowing movements this is actually only the beginning and basic level. Yang style evolved from the original Chen Taiji and is less physically demanding and initially more relaxing in its practice. However it is equally effective and an exercise system and self-defense method. Similar to Chen style, the curriculum of Yang Taiji includes partner Taiji forms, self-defense practice, weaponry, and fast forms. Beginners: Beginners will start with qi gong warm-ups then proceed to learning the symmetrical short form (10 movements). This takes about two months. Students interested in continuing then learn the expanded short form (24 movements). The short form is the first section of the long form yet complete in itself. Students interested in continuing will then proceed to learn the entire long form. After the long form is learned student proceed to learn pushing hands, partner Taiji form and weaponry. After learning the long form, students may enter the instructor's certification program. Yang Taiji Video clips: Form Sanshou
Sun Taiji Quan	Created by grandmaster Sun Lu Tang, the Sun style of Taiji is very simple and direct. This system is excellent for the elderly who hasn't done any physical activity or those with knee problems. It's easy on the knees and simple movements, though still containing the excellent of the traditional Taiji martial arts and health benefits.
Roushou	Roushou translates as 'soft hands' describing its emphasis during self-defense techniques. Though from the art of Bagua, Xin Qi Shen dojo combines drills from Aikido, Taiji, Bagua, and Yueng Quan. We approach this practice as 'play' instead of fighting. Emphasis is on softness, sticking, yielding, balance stealing, and understanding body dynamics. Whereas Taiji push hands training with constant contact to push a partner off balance, Roushou deals with responding to various strikes, kicks, and punches. Self Defense oriented the movements teach blending in with the attack, stealing balance, and counter attacks. Each month features a theme on a specific exercise and developing techniques from them. Teaching certification is issued after students have learned all basic drills and taught a monthly class. Andrew Dale, Burk Dowell, David Wheeler, Bruce Brown, and Mike Ullmann alternate teaching this class. sample video click here
Tuishou	Xin Qi Shen Dojo emphasizes traditional push hands training. This views the practice as a partner exercise to refine and enhance each other's skill. We are not tournament oriented. Footwork, throws, and wrist locks are equally emphasized. Elements of Yang Taiji, Chen Taiji, Bagua, and Yueng Quan push hands are taught. Relaxation and softness is the first priority. Second we focus on pushing, body coordination, and issuing energy. Third we emphases counter attacks and stealing balance and energy. Video clip of Sifu Dale here
Sanshou	Sanshou is a traditional Taiji partner form designed to teach the basic applications of Taiji Quan. It is a unique and complex series of movements (2 forms) that interlink teaching footwork, sticking skills, and maneuvering in response to attacks. Though pre-arranged, the sanshou has many variables within the form in change of speed, emphasis, and energy that makes it a very important component in the martial aspect of Taiji Quan. At first the Sanshou is a fixed pattern eventually becoming a free form play time. Tuishou is the beginning, next is Roushou, then students progress to Sanshou.
Xing Yi Quan	A sister art of Taiji and Bagua, Xing Yi looks the least like an internal art that the others. The movements are forceful and very direct. However, the study of the art is to learn how to use our natural body energy and power: simply and efficiently. Also, Xing Yi emphasizes the intent and focus of concentration and the mind forcefully. The movements look very simple and easy but in actuality the internal work is very complex.

Teaching Curriculum
Tchoung Family Yang Taiji Quan Lineage of Yang Shou Hou	Chen Taiji Quan (xin jia) Lineage of Chen Fake	Bagua Zhang Lineage of Cheng Ting Hua	Xing-I Quan Lineage of Yuan Tao & Wang Xujin	Aikido Aikijujitsu Aiki Roushou
Qi Gong Practice Drills Yang Taiji Long Form Push Hands Rou Shou Partner Taiji 7&8 Yang Sword Partner Sword Double Swords Yang Broadsword Partner Broadsword Taiji Staff Taiji Spear Cane Form Partner Cane Short Staff Fast Form Xin-I Quan	Qi Gong Fa Sung Gong Chen Qin-na stick Chan Ssu Gong Taiji Ruler 96 Form Chen Taiji Sphere Push Hands Rou Shou Partner Taiji Chen Sword Partner Sword Pao Chui / Er Lu Chen Broadsword Partner Broadsword Chen Spear Partner Spear Taiji Cane Partner Cane	Qi Gong Inner Palms Eight Changes Linking Forms Push Hands Rou Shou Striking Forms Swords Broadswords Short Staff Bagua Spear Needles Deer Horn Knives Xin-I Quan Interlocking Rings Trapping Legs Dragon Palm Liang-I Quan 24 Animal Palms 64 Palm Changes	Zhan Zhuang Qi Gong Nei Gung Bang Bufa Beng Quan Zuan Quan Pao Quan Heng Quan Pi Quan Animals Linking Forms Wu Xing San Tsai Applications Xing I Quan is taught as part of the Bagua program and through various workshops.	PDF Files Basics Aiki Kihon Jo Aiki Tenkan Jo 8 Directions Jo Testing
The first year is devoted to form and basics. The second year is partner work and applications. The third year is weaponry. The forth year is teaching methods. Regardless of prior experience all new members start at the beginning unless passing tests on Qi gong, warm-ups and basic forms of the club. Teaching certifications are issued upon the successful completion of a system.