Local Classes
The next Level I (beginning level) session will be held on Thursdays at 7:30 PM, beginning May 29, 2008, at the Illinois Disciples Foundation in Champaign. Contact Mike Reed at mreedtaiji"at"sbcglobal.net to pre-register. You may also just show up and register at the first class of the session. Click here to review the beginning class schedule for the entire year.
Cost
Students are welcome to register for more than one class - discounts are available for multiple class registration. The pricing schedule lists the costs of classes and class make-up policy. Gift certificates are available - please contact us with requests for gift certificates. Private classes are available on a very limited basis, with priority given to current CTS students. Please also contact us with requests for private instruction. We do not wish to exclude those incapable of paying tuition. Individual requests for tuition assistance will be considered - please contact us with tuition assistance requests.
Curriculum
CTS classes are progressive - each session is a continuation of the previous. Students are encouraged to progress at whatever pace they feel comfortable - some students elect to take multiple classes, while others often repeat previous sessions. The level of exertion of form movements and push-hands is easily adjustable to suit one's physical capabilities, and students of all ages and capabilities are welcome.There are three pillars of a complete Taiji training system: qigong, form, and push-hands. All are interrelated and essential to realize the full potential benefits of the art. Beginning students are taught Dr. Yang Yang's Evidence-Based TaijiTM and Qigong program, which was devised by Dr. Yang for research. In distilling this program, Dr. Yang asked himself the question, "What are the essential components of traditional training that will allow research subjects to see the most benefit in the shortest amount of time?" The program that he created in response to this question is a combination of a 7-movement Taiji form and static and dynamic qigong exercises.
Two 9-week sessions are typically required to complete the Evidence-Based TaijiTM and Qigong program. After that, students may either continue refining and deepening their understanding of these essential foundational exercises, or if they wish to continue challenging themselves in learning new motor skills they may join a Chen style 48 movement form class. Dr. Yang Yang refers to the form movements taught in this class as the "essential movements of the Chen Style 48 form". Additional static and dynamic qigong and silk reeling exercises are also taught in the 48-movement form class.
After learning the essential movements of the 48 form, students then progress through form refinements, push-hands, and additional form practices (e.g. pao cui or "cannon fist" and weapons forms).
Camps, Workshops, Conferences and Seminars
Please check the seminar, camps, and teacher certification pages for informantion on workshops and seminars, intensive training camps, and teacher trainng events, respectively.Other Locations Offering CTS Curriculum
Current and past students of Yang also offer limited CTS curriculum. Follow the Other Locations link for a partial listing of these schools.
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