Types of Classes

Tai Chi for Health

These classes are for people whose primary interest in taking Tai Chi is for health reasons. Students in these classes have concerns such as balance and joint concerns(these students do fine in the wellness classes also) or moderate (not minor) health concerns such as a chronic illness such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain syndrome, diabetes, MS, rehabilitation issues, etc. They may also suffer moderate to severe pain such as joint problems, back pain, trouble standing for more than one hour, disabilities, etc. All programs practice gentle breath and joint flexibility exercises, meditation practice, and the gentle Chinese moving meditation program. These one hour classes are taught weekly and students may drop in or enroll monthly. Click here for information about class costs. We recommend ONE of the following programs (see also the Specialty Class "Tai Chi for Caregivers":

Tai Chi for Arthritis

Dr. Paul Lam designed this program using his family Sun Style Tai Chi. He found that as he got older, his arthritis made it challenging for him to do his regular Tai Chi movements without causing flare-up of this disease. He modified the Sun style so as to be so gentle that it would not cause him an Arthritis flare up.

We have found this program to be a wonderful one hour program for others with chronic illnesses and therefore our Tai Chi for Arthritis program is named "Tai Chi for Health." All instructors are certified by the Dr Paul Lam program and receive additionally training with the Bending Tree Tai Chi Instructor Training program prior to receiving an Associate Instructor position with the company.

This program is a wonderful place for those with arthritis (and other chronic illnesses) to exercise gently and improve their overall wellness. Students in this class often find that after completing this gentle form, they are able to move on to the Tai Chi for Wellness program. Find any of the Tai Chi for Health or Active Senior Programs on the schedule page for the wonderful Tai Chi for Arthritis form. Click here for more information from the Arthritis Foundation about the benefits of Tai Chi.

See the Schedule page to find a class near you. Click here for information about class costs.

Tai Chi for Diabetes

Diet, exercise, and controlling stress are the cornerstones of diabetes management. Tai Chi for Diabetes is a carefully designed exercise program based on Tai Chi principles and movements that has been shown to be safe and effective in improving the control of diabetes. This program was designed by Dr. Paul Lam, Internist, to address many of the major problems and complications associated with the various types of diabetes. The class is one hour long, meets once a week, and focuses on building strength, balance and flexibility through slow, fluid movements combined with mental imagery and deep breathing. Studies have shown Tai Chi to have beneficial effects on cardio-respiratory fitness, muscular strength, balance, peripheral circulation, reduced tension and anxiety which in turn helps minimize the complications of diabetes.

This one hour is specifically designed with exercises, breath work, and the modified Sun Style form for people with Diabetes.

See the Schedule page to find a class near you. Click here for information about class costs.

Qigong Practice

Qigong is often referred to as the "Mother of Tai Chi". The primary difference is that Qigong movements are not based on martial arts (as Tai Chi movements are) but are an internal energy practice. The six forms of the Nam Hoa system and supplementary practices are based on practices from the Qigong Nam Hoa Temple in Southern China. The Longevity Tree form is the beginning level of these six forms that introduces students to the theory and practice of Qigong and Tai Chi. All forms interplay the dynamic of yin and yang energy. The Qigong form is a moving meditation exercise suitable for most students. Those with moderate or severe health concerns should enroll in the Tai Chi for Health program first. The best way to learn about the Qigong form it is to attend a sample class. Students interested in the Qigong practice should enroll in the Tai Chi for Wellness program to learn the Longevity Tree Form.

See the Schedule page to find a class near you.

Specialty Classes

Tai Chi for Caregivers

This sitting tai chi class is designed for those who are caring for others who have disabilities or age related symptoms. This one hour class is designed for you and the one you are caring for in a split classroom environment. You can determine your level of participation. You might want to attend the first part of the class to participate and learn the exercises and gentle "Range of Motion" Tai Chi that will allow your loved one to participate in a seated gentle tai chi program to improve their health and wellness. You will then be able to practice with them at home. Or you might want to get them settled in and work in the other side of the divided room on your own tai chi while they are working on their program. The class will split (with your charge on the other side of the curtain) and you will be with your own instructor to learn meditation and other tai chi and qigong principals that will reduce stress and help you to create a sense of peace and harmony. The last part of the class will allow caregivers to exchange helpful resources and strategies for a peaceful co-existence with your special person. Note: Caregivers who have charges who are home bound only, may want to consider coming to our regular classes for their own wellness. Click here for information about class costs.

See the Schedule page to find a class near you.

Chi Development

KinderChi is the first Chi Development class offered by Bending Tree Tai Chi Kung. The purpose of the class is to help us feel Chi, to deepen our practice, and to celebrate our movement. KinderChi is not a form practice but rather we practice breathing, mindfulness, posture, and movements that enhance our awareness and our wellness.

Students will learn gentle movements to increase awareness and suppleness and be introduced to the lyrical movements of silk-reeling, warm-up exercises of head-to-back suspension, relaxation of the pelvis and legs, and directed movement through the joints. KinderChi students practice the internal strength and alignment of peng jin (ground-path energy); the mindfulness, alertness, and calmness of sung; and the posture and rooting of standing tree. They learn to use soft, mindful moves to increase awareness of the vertebral column, the extremities, and particularly, of the pelvis.

In the latter part of the class, we learn the fundamentals of Dantian rotation. They also learn to increase their strength with soft, directed motion, and standing to increase our internally directed energy (our intent). At the end of each session, those who know the Longevity-Tree Form bring the concepts of the Chi Development class into their form practice.

Students who enjoy the KinderChi program continue into the Chi Development program and often see improvement in their Qigong forms, and enjoy the many benefits of an advanced practice. Students who continue into the Chi Development practice are then invited into the Internal Strength class on Saturday mornings (invitation only). There are many branches of the Bending Tree, and all lead to the wonderful benefits of the ancient moving meditation.

See the Schedule page to find a class near you. Click here for information about class costs.

Meditation for Beginners

Have you always wanted to know more about meditation? Are you unable to concentrate or always in a hurry? Do you have trouble Sleeping? Does your family call you a "worry wart?" Is stress starting to stress you out? This is the right class for you whether you are just a beginner to meditation or one of our regular students. This six week curriculum designed by our teacher, Judith, and meditation instructor, William Osborn, and using Master Jim's "Seven Steps to Artful Living" will take you from the proper way to sit and stand in meditation, the use of meditation devices, benefits of meditation to the guided meditation time for practice and discussion with other fellow meditation students. Explore the expanded world of meditation in different philosophies and develop "habit energy" for your health and wellness with our Beginning Meditation Class.

Advanced Meditation

Students who complete the beginner meditation program or those who already have a regular meditation practice will enjoy this six week course designed to deepen the practice of a variety of meditation types, continue learning new information about meditation, and sharing information with others who meditate for an insightful look into the practice. Beginners to the practice should come the hour before to learn the basics first.

See the Schedule page to find a class near you. Click here for information about class costs.