The “Bear” warm-up movements are based upon those taught by Cheng Man-Ch’ing, Terence Dunn and Master Ho (San Francisco).  Relaxing yet physically challenging, these Tai Chi Bears embody the grace and grounded power that form the basis of tai chi movements.  They strengthen leg and pelvic muscles while reinforcing posture, “rootedness” and relaxation of the upper body.

Cheng Man-Ching

Click Here to register online with credit card for the

June 17 or 24 Tacoma workshops

Remedy and Relaxation Routines (Soaring Crane Qigong)

Liver Cleansing is a short practice done with the help of a tree, which rapidly clears out the acupuncture channels of old “used up” qi, much like changing the oil on your car.  Regular practice helps the student become an empty vessel ready to improve health with fresh, new qi.  Tonification, Directing Qi into Lower DanTian from Eight Directions, 4-route Relaxation, and the breathing practice of Exchanging Qi with the Universe are other parts of the Soaring Crane set of practices.

Change how your brain works...

Tacoma, Steilacoom and DuPont

We follow the 37-form of Cheng Man-Ch’ing with a focus on the ch’i flows and acupuncture channels stimulated by various postures and movement flows, both for healing the physical body and for spiritual development.  Each class explores one or two parts, such as Repulse the Monkey, Cloud Hands, Crane Spreads its Wings, Single Whip, Brush Knee, Rollback and Press, or the Opening and the Closing.

This beautiful 8-minute dynamic form builds strength, confidence, balance, and the ability to calm the mind and begin to see the larger picture, much like the crane in flight.

The T’ai Chi Bears

Brought to the United States in the 1940s, the “Tibetan Five Rites” are energetic yoga-type practices with a strong breathing component.  They rapidly build physical strength and often are quite effective for restoring health and vitality.  According to Kelder’s book The Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth, the exercises were and are done by Tibetan monks as part of living a long, vibrant life.  It is thought that by stimulating the seven chakras, the endocrine system works so much better that it may reverse the aging process.

Crane Walking

(from Soaring Crane Qigong)