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Mark Tolstrup

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Wm Chen Workshop

Mark Tolstrup, director

 



The Tai Chi Center offers many programs on Chinese energy work, meditation and internal martial arts. Classes are offered for all levels and ages. There are ongoing classes, as well as, special workshops. All classes are taught in an open, relaxed environment.

The Tai Chi Center
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518)260-1287
email: mark@the-taichi-center.com

 
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New Beginners Class
Introduction to Tai Chi

Mondays at 5:30pm
September 19 - October 10
$80
Saratoga Health & Wellness
538 Maple Ave (Rt 9), Saratoga Springs, NY

This course is designed to get you started.  In this course you will learn the basic postures, movements and breath work. These techniques have many benefits for health and wellbeing including flexibility, stress reduction and balance. You will  also begin learning the first movements of the Yang style Tai Chi form. After this course you can continue with the more advanced level courses.
 
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Short Course Qi Gong Series

This series will present several different Qi Gong practices. Each courses will stand on it’s own. No previous experience is necessary. For Tai Chi practitioners each of these classes will add insight into the structure, breath work and meditation focus. Classes are held on Mondays at 6:00pm.


Swimming Dragon Qi Gong 

July 25 Cost $29

This one-movement practice opens all the joints in the spine. Swimming Dragon builds energy and benefits general health. This practice helps prevent back problems and can be therapeutic for existing back problems.  Swimming Dragon also massages the internal organs and builds flexibility. 


Taoist Sitting, Standing and Walking Meditation

August 1 & 8 Cost $49

Meditation and the ability to stop the internal dialogue of the mind is an essential aspect of Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Learning to quiet the mind can greatly reduce stress and help you get a little break from the worries of living in modern times. The standing meditation also adds the element of developing and refining postural alignment. In this class we will develop proper posture, breath control and mental focus.


The Marriage of Heaven and Earth 

August 15 Cost $29

Opening and closing all the joints together has both health benefits and martial applications for power. This practice also increases circulation in the whole body. This practice also increases internal energy flow in the main yin and yang channels of the body.


Eight Pieces of Brocade

August 22 & 29 Cost $49

This 900 year old Qi Gong set consists of eight movements that when practiced  together form a very complete treatment of the fundamental aspects of health from a traditional Qi Gong perspective. These movements involve standing and moving postures and stretches.


Five Animal Frolics Crane & Deer

September 12 Cost $29

This is an 1800-year-old qi gong set that has benefits for the whole body. Developed by the famous Chinese doctor Hua To, this set emulates animal movements developing the balance of the Crane, strength of the Bear, grace of the Deer, the agility of the Monkey and the raw power of the Tiger each with its own movements and energy. These movements together form a very complete qi gong workout.



REGISTER ONLINE BELOW
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Taoist Sitting, Standing 
and Walking Meditation 
August 1 & 8
6:00pm
$49 
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The Marriage of Heaven and Earth
August 15
6:00pm
$29
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Eight Pieces of Brocade 
August 22 & 29
6:00pm
$49
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Five Animal Frolics 
Crane & Deer  
September 12
6:00pm
$29
 
 
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Yang Style Tai Chi Video
 
 
 
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Tai Chi Classes Are Also Available 

 Greewich

New beginners class at Align Again Yoga 70 Main St., Greenwich, NY 

For information contact Chris Lincoln at (518)692-8579 
email: vanlinc1@gmail.com 


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Chestertown

For information contact Bonnie Vikki
email:  Igerna@frontiernet.net




Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a Chinese Internal Martial Art that is often referred to as a moving meditation. Tai Chi has long been recognized as an excellent system for stress reduction and health maintenance. The slow meditative movements of the Tai Chi form, combined with the deep tranquil breathing, create a sense of centered well-being that helps reduce stress, increase balance, increase internal energy and relax the body and mind. Tai Chi is suitable for anyone regardless of age or physical condition. The movements are relaxing and easy to do. Tai Chi can be practiced anywhere at any time. No special clothing or equipment are required. Tai Chi is becoming increasingly popular in this country and for many people, is an important part of daily life, helping them to stay calm and relaxed in the hectic pace of today's society. Daily practice of Tai Chi helps to keep both the body and mind clear and free flowing. For martial artists, Tai Chi is an excellent method for developing coordinated internal body mechanics which lead to vastly increased speed and power.


Qi Gong
Qi Gong (pronounced chee kung) sometimes spelled Chi Kung, is the ancient art of Chinese energy work. Qi (or chi) means energy or life force - Gong (kung) means work. Qi Gong has three main branches: Medical Qi Gong - for general health or for treatment of a specific condition. Martial Arts Qi Gong - for strength, speed and internal power. Spiritual Qi Gong - from Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. All have in common the coordination of mind, body, breath and the flow of internal energy. All Qi Gong practices involve focusing the mind and breath with standing, sitting or moving meditation. Some practices will have broad movements while others use only the mind to move internal energy. The Tai Chi Center offers many different Qi Gong courses, including Basic Taoist Meditation, Five Element Meditation, Seasonal Qi Gong and many higher level meditation practices. As well, movement sets such as The Swimming Dragon, Silk Reeling, The Eight Brocades and the Five Animal Frolics are offered.