New York School of T'ai Chi Chuan

Discover Tai Chi in Washington Heights!

During our Wednesday night practice rounds, Jan moved through his form with quiet precision - and on his shoulder, his Amazon parrot perched calmly, utterly unfazed. Each gesture unfolded with such softness that the bird remained still, as if suspended in the same current of awareness that guided Jan’s movement. There was no startle, no disruption - only a shared stillness between man and bird, each attuned to the other. In that moment, tai chi revealed its deeper nature: a way of moving that disturbs nothing, a strength so gentle it invites harmony. The parrot, like a living barometer of presence, showed us what it means to be in flow - where effort dissolves, and connection arises without a word.

Please click the link in the bio for our schedule of classes. For more info, email [email protected] or call 212-502-4112.

Video by Michal. Photos by Dorie Gordon.

In the midst of life's hustle, tai chi offers a gentle pause, allowing us to relax and reconnect with our inner calm. Each slow, deliberate movement helps quiet the mind, restoring balance amidst chaos. Through tai chi, we find a peaceful flow, creating space for mindfulness, clarity and stillness in our busy lives.

Please click the link in the bio for our schedule of classes. For more information, email [email protected] or call 212-502-4112.

If you can think of a better caption, please post it in the comments!

Photo by Terry Marks.

www.taichichuan.org

Synchronized serenity in the sunshine.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 212-502-4112. Please click the link in the bio for our schedule of classes.

If you can think of a better caption, please post it in the comments!

Photo by Anna Teeples.

www.taichichuan.org

Yang Chegfu's Important Points 1 and 2:
1. Complete relaxation is all important. In Chinese this principle is expressed by the term “sung”. The best translation of the term is "to relax," but even this definition is too stiff. You must relax your entire body. There should be no strength exerted anywhere except at a slight point on your scalp where you feel your head as though supported by an invisible string from above. If you can relax your sinews, the rest will follow in due course.
2. To sink (chen) is really the second step of sung. Originally the two were merged in one concept. To sink means to become more stable by emptying the strength from your upper torso into your legs. If you retain strength in your chest, your body will float and you can be toppled easily. It is not sufficient, however, to sink the strength. It is more important to sink the qi, an achievement which concentrates your mind and will enhance your every action.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 212-502-4112. Please click the link in the bio for our schedule of classes.

If you can think of a better caption, please post it in the comments!

Photo by Terry Marks.

www.taichichuan.org

Tai Chi Summer Retreat: Strength in stillness, joy in togetherness.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 212-502-4112. Please click the link in the bio for our schedule of classes.

If you can think of a better caption, please post it in the comments!

Photo by Anna Teeples.

www.taichichuan.org

In Cheng Tzu's Thirteen Treatises on T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Professor Cheng Man-Ching wrote: “My teacher, Yang Chengfu, repeated these words many times each day. "Relax! Relax! Relax completely! The whole body should completely relax!"

Transformative fair use photo composition by Dorie Gordon.

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History of Tai Chi #1: Sign written by Professor Cheng Man-Ching (likely translated by Tam Gibbs), and posted in his Tai Chi school, Shr Jung, in 1971. Please note Professor Cheng's original instructions on rooting and uprightness/balanced alignment.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 212-502-4112. Please click the link in the bio for our schedule of classes.

www.taichichuan.or