8 Pieces of Brocade (Ba Duan Jin) Qigong Video Series

We just posted another Qigong video series on YouTube and this time it's for a Qigong set that is considered to be one of the most popular Qigong sets practiced around the world.  There are many versions and variations of the movements in this set, but they all work on the same principles and are considered very beneficial for health.  It is believed by many that this particular Qigong set was developed by the legendary Chinese General, Yue Fei, to keep his troops strong, healthy, and battle ready.  People all around the world now enjoy these exercises to stay fit, strong, and flexible.

In this video series the first video gives you an introduction and explains how the series works.  The next 8 videos each describe one of the 8 movements in this Qigong set.  The last two videos are follow-along videos that are silent, except for quiet chimes that alert you when it is time to change moves.  We hope you all find this series very helpful and useful in your daily exercise routine.  Enjoy!

A Tai Chi Year in Review (2013)

As this year comes to a close we wanted to take a moment to review some of the time we have spent together in 2013.  As you look through this post, we hope you are reminded of fun and memorable moments from classes, workshops, or even posts here on this site.  We look forward to the physical and mental development, personal growth, and enjoyable memories that we will all enjoy as we train together in the new year.   Happy New Year to you all!


January 2013
We were honored to host two Qigong workshops in Pine Grove, including a workshop on the "8 Pieces of Brocade Qigong Set."  This was also the month in which we posted a video of the 2nd part of the Yang Style Tai Chi Traditional Long Form as an aid to students practicing at home.

February 2013
Other than a Qigong workshop on a section of the "Five Animal Exercises Qigong Set," this was a fairly uneventful month, full of the consistent, dedicated training that produces the health benefits and skills that people seek in Tai Chi and Qigong training.  Bravo to the students who understand the rewards that only come from perseverance in training!

March 2013
More weekend Qigong workshops were held this month along with the regularly scheduled classes, but two events that set this month apart were the publishing of Andrew Plitt's first Qigong Workshop Manual and a post with information and helpful tips for students who wish to train in China.

April 2013
One of the most exciting month of the year, April is the month in which World Tai Chi and Qigong Day takes place.  We had a blast celebrating this day with our community!

May 2013
Another great month of steady training and overall improvement.  A big thank you to all of the dedicated students that never give up!


June 2013
This month was an exciting month for many of our students!  Two students earned their 3rd Level Orange Sashes and two students earned Their 1st Level White Sashes!  A very proud moment for all involved. 

July 2013
In July we posted the names of the postures in the Yang Tai Chi 24 Form and uploaded a video of Andrew Plitt going through the Qigong exercises we use as a cool down in class, which can be used as simple exercises at home for overall health.




August 2013
This month was mostly a regular training month, but we did post videos Andrew Plitt performing the Yang Tai Chi 24 Form and the 3rd part of the Yang Tai Chi Long Form to aid students practicing at home. 

September 2013
A month of diligent practice and Mind-body improvement.

October 2013
This Month we hosted our first "Open Tai Chi Night" in which anyone who wanted to attend was welcome to come enjoy Tai Chi with us, free of charge.  A big thank you to everyone who attended!  (stay tuned for future Open Tai Chi events)

November 2013
Another blissful month of Tai Chi and Qigong practice

December 2013
A wonderful month of practice with some time off for the holidays.  Along with the enjoyment of family, friends, and training, we posted a 6 video series of basic exercises to help beginning Tai Chi students develop a good root and sense of balance, as well as posting a video about Tai Chi vs. Arthritis.
 

Now we bring this year to a close with much gratitude to all of the wonderful people that train with us, shop at Amador County's Online Health Food Store, and seek self and community improvement through the practices of Tai Chi and Qigong.  Thank you for all that you do, thank you for all of your support, and we wish you the very best New Year!

Workshops Announcement

This is just a heads up to let you all know that some of the workshops that were listed on our Workshops and Seminars page have been canceled.  To see a list of the workshops that are still scheduled for this month please visit our Workshops and Seminars page.  We hope to see you all at these upcoming events!  :)

A Fun World Tai Chi and Qigong Day 2013 Celebration!

Yesterday was "World Tai Chi and Qigong Day" (WTCQD), a day where people all over the world gather at 10:00am in there time zones to practice Tai Chi, share ideas and skills, and teach others about these amazing arts.  In Pine Grove, CA at the KSW Karate Dojo we celebrated WTCQD with our Amador County community and enjoyed the incredible talent and knowledge of Sensei Rodney Peoples, the head Sensei and KSW Karate, as he led us through a ten-step breathing and energy cultivation exercise;  the sweet spirited, relaxing and flowing Tai Chi movements taught by the wonderful Marilyn Nutter, Tai Chi instructor in Sutter Creek; awesome chair massages from the talented Andrea Newman, the massage therapist at KSW Karate; and the fun and informative Tai Chi and Qigong workshops led by Andrew Plitt.

There was also free ice cream available to those who attended workshops, and we had smoothies for lunch made from the Pure Trim Wellness Shakes to keep everyone energized and ready for more celebration.

Unfortunately we did not take very many pictures of this event, but we will post the pictures we did take; mostly between workshops.  The good news is, we took a lot of video of the workshops and we will be posting video segments in the very near future.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event happen and to everyone who attended!  You all made this "World Tai Chi and Qigong Day" an incredibly fun, enjoyable and memorable event!

This is nearly everyone who attended, gathered with our celebration poster made by Samantha Hoarau. :)

 

Some of the wonderful people who attended, sipping on Pure Trim Wellness Shakes, grabbing a bite to eat and enjoying each others company between workshops.

More of the lovely people who attended enjoying a chat between workshops.

In this picture Marilyn Nutter is beginning her wonderful Chi Movement workshop by explaining what we will be doing and the benefits that come from the exercises she will be showing us.  

(Awesome workshop, by the way!)

 And, of course, the fun-stance photo.  :)

We hope you all enjoyed this event as much as we did and, if you were not able to attend this year, we hope you will join our celebration next year on April 26, 2014.  Check back soon for video clips and check out our Workshops and Seminars page for upcoming events.