Classes
Taijiquan 1
Eight sessions covering the fundamental YI JIN JING exercises and the beginning of the neigong TAIJIQUAN form.
$160
Taijiquan 2 & 3
Thirteen sessions each continuing the study of YI JIN JING and completing the TAIJIQUAN form. Classes begin upon the completion of the previous level.
$260
Advanced Taijiquan
Refinements of the movements for students who have completed the three chapters of the TAIJIQUAN form.
$325 Unlimited classes paid quarterly; payments are due the first of March, June, September & December.
Schedule
Special
Classes
Taijiquan for the Creative Artist
No classes currently scheduled
An 8-week workshop that focuses on the connection of the body, mind and heart to the creative process. Students will learn the 1st chapter of the taiji form as well as other fundamental exercises from the legacy given to us by Master Koo. Meditation (sitting, standing and moving) will also be key to opening the flow of ideas and inspiration. Additional exercises that focus on the bridge from stillness/silence or movement/sound to the practical creation of art will be studied. Particular emphasis will be given on the areas of interest of each student. These exercises are drawn from Freddie Bryant's work with jazz musicians in movement, meditation and music and his personal journey of discovery since he began the study of taijiquan in 1986.
This class is open to ALL artists, professional or amateur, as well as anyone who is interested in exploring their own path to creativity: musicians, dancers, actors, writers, visual artists, improvisers, i.e. anyone! No previous experience with taiji is required. This class is also open to current Nanlaoshu current students at no additional charge.
Class will be 90 minutes with an optional 45 minutes of practice working on your art-form, individually or collectively at the Center. Students are encouraged to bring their work with them for this extra 45 minutes. Freddie will be playing his guitar and working on musical studies and songs. Feel free to bring your instrument/voice or pencils/charcoal/paper or dance shoes or typewriters/computers! Due to the personal nature of this endeavor much of this extra time (space permitting) will be individual work where students can take advantage of the qi/energy, focus and openness fostered by the preceding class and apply them to their own creative pursuits. However, artistic collaborations may occur if opportunity allows.
COST: $160
Teachers
CHARLIE, a founding member of the Society for Nanlaoshu, has been practicing taijiquan since 1976. He has learned a lot over the years dealing with arthritis, stiffness and anger. Charlie served for 8 years as the Society's president. He currently serves as Treasurer.
FREDDIE began his study of taiji in 1986 with Yien-Koo. Two years later he was accepted by Master Koo and studied with him until his death. Master Koo encouraged him to begin teaching at the Center in 1991, where he was mentored by Carol and Charlie. From the beginning he was interested in how movement and meditation can positively influence music-making. In 1998 he started teaching taiji to music students at summer jazz workshops, which developed into his “class for creative artists."
RUBY, a founding member of the Society for Nanlaoshu, has been practicing taiijiquan and qigong since 1979. A senior student of Master Koo, she is actively involved in teaching taijiquan and deepening her knowledge of martial arts and the healing modalities of Chinese Medicine. As a practicing acupuncturist, Ruby has been training with Master Jeffrey Yuen in Chinese Medicine and the martial arts: Chen, Wu, Sung & Yang styles of taijiquan as well as taiji swords and saber.
REGINA & MARIO started their practice in 1999 and for the past fifteen years have been teaching beginners classes. They believe that sharing their understanding of the practice has deepened their own practices. They have served on the Board of Directors since 2006. They edited and produced the 25th anniversary publication of Master Koo's lectures. Mario was elected president by the Board of Directors in May 2016.
JOE started his studies at the Center in 1994, beginning with yi jin jing classes taught by Master Koo. He has been mentoring with and co-teaching classes with Charlie since 2004. In 2002, he began studying Mindfulness Meditation and has been teaching it since 2006. Joe is a licensed physical therapist.
ELISE studied with Master Koo from 1980 until his death in 1999. She has been teaching at the Center and in New Jersey for 35 years. Elise is a founding member and vice president of the Society for Nanlaoshu, and currently chairs the Communications Committee.
CAROL, a senior student of Master Koo, is a founding member of the Society. She enjoys investigating and learning how to apply peacefulness and wellness to the ancient art of neigong taijiquan. Carol studies Chen style, Wu and Sun family forms and teaches the 81 move long form at the Center.
LEON began his studies at the Center with Yien-Koo in the early 1990’s. Before that he practiced qigong and a simplified taiji form. During his time studying with Yien-Koo, he also attended class with Master Koo. Upon Master Koo's death, Leon continued his studies with Charlie, Neil and Elise. He was mentored by Charlie, and now teaches a class on zoom. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He has been on the Board of Directors since 2016.
TOM started his taiji studies at Nanlaoshu in 1995 with Carol. He attended workshops led by Master Koo. He was a professional dancer for many years and is a licensed Physical Therapist and mindfulness practitioner. He is interested in exploring how the knowledge Master Koo brought to us dovetails with western anatomical and physiological understanding and in how our mind-heart neigong practice can enrich western society.
NEIL studied with Master Koo from 1977 until 1999. He is a founding member of the Society for Nanlaoshu, and served as its president for 17 years. He has been involved with the practice, application and development of Nanlaoshu for more than 40 years. He is a guild-certified Feldenkrais practitioner.
YIEN-KOO (emeritus) is a founding member and vice president of the Society. A Taoist by nature. She studied with Master Koo from 1983 until his death in 1999. He encouraged her to teach from early on. She has taught taijiquan, qigong and yi jin jing for more than 30 years.