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 (an exercise using qigong principles)

is a great way to increase body awareness, range of motion, balance and internal energy while gently improving fitness and overall health. Many have found relief from pain, stiffness and other ailments. Although less known than Taiji, people experience similar benefits faster when learning Liangong. Correct movement and alignment are emphasized, See the FAQ page for more information.

The Beginning Liangong class is a great place to start for folks without any experience in qigong or Taiji, and for those wanting to learn 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 beginning class will start January 7. It will meet on Tuesdays, 6:30 to 7:20 pm through April 22 (15 weeks: no class 4/1 - $190). Classes will be in the studio (masks are required, click here for details on illness prevention in the studio). All classes will be simultaneously broadcast online using Zoom for an online option when folks feel ill or are traveling. Instructor permission is required for people to participate entirely online and they will be asked to have private lessons at least monthly ($60/hr, a discounted rate for those enrolled in a class).

Pre-registration is required for this class. Registration is now open. Space is limited to 20 and it usually fills before the first class. A space in the class is secured based on when the registration form and payment are received.

To be notified about details on upcoming classes and events, please contact me to get on the list to receive the email 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 to develop internal power. 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 at CH&MA focus on Wu style (one of five traditional Taijiquan styles), developing a strong Taiji foundation, and expressing qigong/Taiji principles. Students are expected to be able to remember and demonstrate the movements on their own after class instruction. It is not a "follow along" class. Practicing outside of class is required.

Learning a simpler form of qigong (like Liangong, see above) is advised for beginners. Current participation in other movement forms like yoga, dance or martial arts is recommended to participate in this Taiji class.

Although Taiji is more familiar than qigong for many people, please check out the FAQ page to see if this Taiji class is right for you.

A Beginning Taiji class will not be offered this Winter.

Other Taiji classes will be in the studio (masks are required, click here for details on illness prevention in the studio). All classes will be simultaneously broadcast online using Zoom for an online option when folks feel ill or are traveling. Instructor permission is required for people to participate entirely online and they will be asked to have private lessons at least monthly ($60/hr, a discounted rate for those enrolled in a class).

Pre-registration is required for this class. Registration is open when details are announced in the email newsletter. A space in the class is secured based on when the registration form and payment are received. People with Liangong experience will have priority to be in this class. Please read the FAQ page on this website before registering.

To be notified about details on upcoming classes and events, please contact me to get on the list to receive the email newsletter.

Once-A-Month Saturday Fitness & Ba Duan Jin (8 Brocades/Treasures) and/or 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 Ba Duan Jin (8 Brocades/Treasures) and/or the 5 Animal Frolics Qigong, revered qigong forms.

This class is open to everyone who has taken classes here or with permission. It usually meets the third Saturday of every month at the studio and online using Zoom, 10-11:30 a.m. Fee is $15 minimum (all except $5 will be donated to the Scholarship Fund).

Bring a straight stick (rod, dowel; some available at the studio) about the length of your body and your animal spirits on the days we practice the 5 Animal Frolics. Come, it's fun!

CLASS SCHEDULE - Continuing Students

For a schedule of all classes, click on the button below. Communication is primarily through email. Current students who prefer to receive texts or do not check your email at least daily should let me know.

TO REGISTER

For first-time students, contact me and email (pdf, no scans please) or mail the registration form below with payment to the address provided on the form when registration is open. Please pay in full or make special arrangements. A space in the class is not secured until the registration form and payment are received at the address provided.

For continuing students, let me know which classes you plan to attend by email, text, or in person. Registration forms are completed annually in September for the fall session for the year, and not needed for other sessions if there is one for you for the year and contact information has not changed. Payment can be made at any time before or at the first class. Don't forget the SPECIAL DEAL for taking more than one class: the second class (the one with the lesser fee) is 20% off and additional classes no charge.

Payments: Payments can be made using PayPal (www.paypal.me/dleungCHMA) or Venmo (@DebbieLeung-CHMA). If using the "Goods & Services" option, please add $6/class to cover fees charged to CH&MA. Checks (made out to Chinese Healing & Movement Arts, or CH&MA) can be mailed to PO Box 1153, Olympia, 98507 (NOT the studio). Cash and e-checks are also accepted. Sorry, no debit or credit cards.

A SCHOLARSHIP FUND is available to help with class fees. 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. (Donations to the Scholarship Fund are accepted at any time.)