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Home » Michigan » Kentwood » Taijiquan

Taijiquan

Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan

Tai Chi Chuan in an ancient martial art that can be traced back hundreds of years to Chen Village where, for a long time, the teachings were secret and only taught to members of the Chen Family. In the 1800’s, Chen Chang-Xing taught art to the first outsider, Yang Lu-Chan. Yang Lu-Chan was responsible for developing the Yang style of Tai Chi and was called Yang the Invincible. Tai Chi Chuan was originally developed as a martial art but over the years has also been found to have many healing

properties such as aiding in cardiovascular health, flexibility, and

balance. It has also been known to help with high blood pressure, stress,

arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and respiratory ailments. The slow paced

low impact workout helps build strength in the legs and core muscles, as well as the stabilizing muscles. The martial applications of the styles are taught through an exercise called Push Hands. Push Hands trains the student by improving the understanding of forces, balance, intentions and Qi involved in practice with a partner. In class, we highly encourage learning at your own pace. Instructors are willing to help with an explanation, demonstration, as well as the discussion of the theory and philosophy behind tai chi. Whether you are looking for an

effective martial art or a low impact workout or relaxation and meditation, Tai Chi may be what you are looking for.

Raymond Shonk,

Tai Chi Instructor

Ray Shonk started studying martial arts at the age of ten in the styles of Muay Thai kickboxing, Judo and Jujitsu. By his early twenties, he started the practice of Tai Chi which was inspired by the epic cinematic works of Jet Li. Since then he has dedicated his time to studying the

theory, philosophy, and applications of Tai Chi. He earned a gold medal in the 2006 Chicago International Gong Fu Tournament in the Yang style division and by 2007 had been promoted to the level of instructor by Master Sam Hing Fai Chan and taught at Chan’s Kung Fu. In 2009, started teaching for Metro Hospitals Community Outreach and the City of Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department. After a few years, he decided to take the next step by opening his own Tai Chi school in the

Grand Rapids area. Ray is a member of the American Tai Chi Association and teaches Yang and Chen styles.

Rating & Reviews

Rating:

 Excellent
Recommended by 3 of 3 users
Instruction Quality: Excellent
Other Aspects: Very Good

Read 3 Reviews | Write a Review

Address

Taijiquan location Map
2925 28th St. SE, Suite A
Kentwood, MI 49512
United States
Phone: 616-425-1344

Martial Art Styles

The following Martial Arts Styles are offered at Taijiquan:

  • Kung Fu
  • Tai chi

Programs & Class Schedule

Kids Tai Chi Mon 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. For ages 6 and older.
An activity based class that helps with focus, balance, and flexibility, Kids Tai Chi will help students in all aspects of their life and teaches them discipline and self defense.

Beginner & Intermediate Tai Chi

Tues & Thurs 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Beginning Tai Chi students learn the Yang style long form with an emphasis on basic breathing techniques, proper stances, postures, and basic single hand Push Hands. This class teaches a strong fundamental base for further study in Tai Chi Chaun or for continued practice for health benefits and relaxation.

Intermediate Tai Chi students further their understanding of Tai Chi Chaun through further study of the Yang long form, Qigong breathing, and the studying the Chen style Old Frame form, Chen and Yang sword form, and Yang competition fan form. Understanding of Push Hands is deepened with the incorporation of two hand Push Hands with applications. Two years of previous Tai Chi practice is recommended for all weapon forms.
Mixed Level Tai Chi

Sat 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Mixed level Tai Chi is for Beginner and Intermediate students in an open class format. Class is opened with traditional breathing exercises and Yang style long form. All skill levels welcome.
Tai Chi Self Defense

Sat 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
For years, Tai Chi has been practiced as a slow moving meditation for relaxation and stress relief but Tai Chi has strong roots in martial arts and self defense. Through this class students will work on defending themselves with this soft and graceful art. We will focus on how to keep a calm mind in a confrontation, breaking free of grabs and some basic striking. This will also cover the Tai Chi sparring system called Push Hands. With this class it is preferable that you attend the regular Tai Chi class but it is not mandatory.

For the most up to date information, visit our website at taijiquangr dot com.

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