Classes

Classes are for everyone with a curiosity and desire to explore being in their body, improving their health, increasing their range of movement, and expanding their knowledge and skill within the traditions of Chinese movement and medical arts. Everyone works within their abilities from where they are at -- whether they are beginners or seasoned practitioners, and movement is difficult or easy. Come meet great folks and have fun!

Those experiencing pain or other medical issues are encouraged to try private instruction. There is a Special Deal for those currently enrolled in a class. Contact me to schedule a private lesson. Small group lessons are also sometimes available.

LIANGONG (a type of qigong)

is a great way to increase body awareness, range of motion, and internal energy while gently improving fitness, immunity and overall health. Many have improved their balance and found relief from pain, stiffness and other ailments. It also works well as a warm-up and cool-down for activities like work around the house, gardening, hiking and sports.

The Beginning Liangong class is a great place to start for folks without any experience in qigong or taiji. It is also great for people who have taken classes in the past and want to renew their practice, especially if they don't remember the movements.

The next session was to begin April 22 and go through July 22 (14 weeks, $170), meeting on Thursdays, 7:00-7:50 p.m. It has been postponed four weeks due to the rising number of new COVID cases locally. The hope is that once the class starts, it does not have to be canceled due to new restrictions on studio participation. If new COVID cases level off and show signs of decreasing, the class will start on May 20 and end on August 26 (14 weeks, no class on July 29).

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited to 20; it usually fills before the first class (it is almost full). A space in the class is secured based on when the registration form and payment are received. Please know that details may change and the class may even be cancelled depending on the local COVID situation and guidelines.

The first class will be online using Zoom. Students will then be divided into three groups. The groups will rotate being in the studio (face coverings and physical distancing required, see details at "COVID-19 Safety in Studio" page on this website) on a schedule. The class in the studio will be simultaneously broadcast online to the others in the class. The studio time in small groups will offer students the personal attention needed to obtain the best results from Liangong while maintaining COVID-19 safety.

People comfortable with participating in the studio and online using Zoom will have priority for joining this class.

For more information on upcoming classes and events, click below to get on the list to receive the newsletter.

TAIJI (Tai Chi)

movements are complex, involving differing changes in direction, speed  and acceleration among the limbs and torso while maintaining alignment and relaxation. Practitioners marvel at the range of lessons to be learned at the beginning through advanced levels. An advanced form of qigong, the health benefits it was designed to provide become evident and its martial essence revealed with continuing and dedicated practice. Classes focus on Wu style (one of five traditional Taijiquan styles), developing a strong Taiji foundation and expressing qigong/Taiji principles.

Practicing a simpler form of qigong (like Liangong) or other movement forms like yoga, dance or martial arts before learning Taiji is recommended.

Although Taiji is more familiar than qigong for many people, please check out the FAQ page for more on whether our Taiji classes are right for you.

The start of a new Beginning Taiji class will likely be in January, 2022.

Pre-registration will be required and begin when details are announced in the email newsletter. To get on the list to receive the newsletter with information on upcoming classes and events, click below.

Once-A-Month Saturday Fitness & 5 Animal Frolics Qigong

Increase your range of motion, strengthen your legs, core and back, and improve your stamina using qigong principles and martial arts exercises. Learn and practice the 5 Animal Frolics Qigong, an ancient qigong form.

This class is open to everyone who has taken classes here, and their family and friends, or with permission. It meets the third Saturday of every month at the studio (except July and August at Priest Point Park), 10-11:30 a.m. Fee is $15 minimum (all except $5 will be donated to the Scholarship Fund). [During the COVID-19 pandemic, this class will be online using Zoom.]

Bring a straight stick (rod, dowel) about the length of your body and your animal spirits. Come, it's fun!

CLASS SCHEDULE

For a schedule of all classes, click on the button below. Current students should check their email inboxes regularly for COVID-related schedule changes. If you prefer to receive texts or do not check your email at least daily, please let me know.

TO REGISTER

For first-time students, contact me and mail the registration form below with payment to the address provided on the form. To secure your space in a class more than one month before it starts, a $50 deposit will be accepted, otherwise please pay in full or make special arrangements. A space in the class is not secured until the registration form and payment is received at the address provided.

For continuing students, let me know which classes you plan to attend by email or in person. Registration forms are completed annually in the fall session for the year, and not needed for other sessions if I have one for you for the year or unless contact information has changed. Payment can be made at any time before or at the first class.

Payments: During the pandemic while classes are online, please pay using PayPal (www.paypal.me/dleungCHMA) or Venmo (@DebbieLeung-CHMA). Checks (made out to Chinese Healing & Movement Arts, or CH&MA) can be mailed to PO Box 1153, Olympia, 98507 (NOT the studio). Cash (when we meet again in person) and e-checks are also accepted. Sorry, no debit or credit cards.

A SCHOLARSHIP FUND is available to help with class fees. During this period of financial insecurity for many, if you want to be in a class, do not let finances limit you. Please use the Scholarship Fund by telling me how much of the class fee you can afford. No one will be turned away. Support for CH&MA through your participation, will help it continue into the future.