Taiji Classes and Courses
Scroll down for brief descriptions of our Taiji courses and classes.
Visit our Calendar for the class schedule. Click here to purchase a membership or enroll in a course.
Not sure which is the right class for you? Download our Guide
GateWay's Taiji and Qigong classes are YMAA Certified. Learn More.
10-Week Courses
Introduction to Taiji 108 Move Yang Style Form
Class Focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner
Exercise Intensity: Moderate
GateWay's popular 10-week course is offered in studio and online. Moving sequentially through the form, you'll learn Part 1 (the first third) of the 108-Move Yang Style Long Form.
Classes include stretching and qigong warmup exercises as well as detailed instruction and practice. There is a one time course fee that covers all 10 weekly classes plus access to Wednesday noon and Saturday morning Taiji classes and online practice videos. Register online
This course is included the YMAA International curriculum.
Taiji Parts 2 & 3
Courses
Class Focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Experienced to Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Moderate
These courses are open to people who want to continue learning the 108 Movement Yang style Long form. They provide progressive, step by step instruction and practice, plus a Qigong warmup and stretching. Open to students who have studied Part 1, these courses build on each other but do not need to be taken in sequence. There is a one time course fee that covers all 10 weekly classes plus access to Wednesday noon and Saturday morning Taiji classes and online practice videos. Register online
These courses are included the YMAA International curriculum.
Ongoing All-Levels Classes
The following classes are open to all GateWay Class Card members, and we hope you will join us as often as your schedule allows. Visit our calendar for the current schedule and class registration.
If you're concerned about your balance, strength or stamina, or are recovering from an injury, you may want to start with Taiji for Balance . As with all forms of exercise, you should consult with your health practitioner before taking classes at GateWay.
24 Move Short Form Taiji
Class Focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner
Exercise Intensity: Low-Moderate
Instructor: Ariana Berns
This course is ideal for people who want to learn the Yang Style Short form in a short period of time. The exercise level is moderate and suitable for people for all ages. Students have access to an online practice video and are strongly encouraged to practice between sessions. The more you focus and practice, the quicker you will learn and discover the pleasure of the Taiji form.
All Levels Taiji
Class focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner-Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Moderate
Instructor: Bill Buckley or Jeremy Shaw
This class is open to anyone with some knowledge of Taiji, but is not recommended for total beginners. Each class includes a full runthrough of the Yang style 108 movement Long form, and is tailored to the interests and experience levels of the people in attendance that day. It's a great opportunity to practice the form and deepen your knowledge and skills with expert coaching.
Taiji Explorations
Class Focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner
Exercise Intensity: Moderate
Instructor: Bill Buckley
This summertime class is designed for both beginners and experienced Taiji practitioners. In each class, instructor Bill Buckley explores a set of Taiji movements, breathing, postures and stepping, plus a stretching warmup and Qigong movements. If you're new to Taiji, you'll get a taste of what this beautiful exercise practice is all about. If you're a seasoned practitioner, you'll deepen your understanding of the movements, and discover nuances and variations that will enhance your understanding and enjoyment.
Taiji for Balance
Class focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner-Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Gentle
Instructor: Bill Buckley
This fun and effective class is designed to help you improve your balance & reduce the risk of falling. You’ll learn simple, therapeutic and functional exercises adapted from taiji movements, along with stretching and strengthening exercises. These movements emphasize weight-shifting, postural alignment, coordinated movements, visual and breathing techniques.
Download our overview of the balance benefits of Taiji practice. Watch this short introduction with Bill Buckley.
Advanced Classes
The following classes are open to all GateWay Class Card members, and we hope you will join us as often as your schedule allows. Visit our calendar for the current schedule and class registration.
Advanced Taiji
Class Focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Experienced - Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Moderate - High
Instructor: Bill Buckley
This class is open to people who have studied Taiji and are eager to deepen their skills and explore advanced techniques and concepts.
Classes typically include a Qigong warmup, stretching, technique drills and Form practice.
Taiji Saber
Class focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner- Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Moderate - High
Instructor: Ariana Berns
Taiji saber, sometimes called Chinese broadsword, is a good introduction to short weapons in your Taiji practice, and is traditionally learned before proceeding to the straight sword. The form involves large sweeping motions and some spins, and should be accessible to anyone who has learned the barehand form. It encourages the development of external energy, balance and stepping.
This form is a fun way to expand and deepen your practice. In this class, we learn the YMAA saber form with some stationary exercises.
Taiji Sword
Class focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner- Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Moderate - High
Instructor: Ariana Berns
Our Taiji Sword class includes instruction and practice of the traditional 54 movement Yang Style Taiji sword form. Taiji experience is helpful but not required; this class is open to men and women of all ages. A moderate fitness level is required. We have wooden practice swords available for use during class, as well as swords for sale to those who want to practice at home.
Watch a demo of this beautiful form.
Two Person Taiji (Pushing Hands)
Class Focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Advanced
Exercise Intensity: Moderate - High
Instructor: Bill Buckley
This advanced Taiji class is open to experienced practitioners who are in good physical condition. Pushing Hands is the first step into the martial aspects of the Taiji. A knowledge of the Taiji Long-Form is helpful but not necessary. This fun form is practiced in a standing position and requires a reasonable level of balance and fitness; some physical contact is involved. Learn more.
Taiji Fighting Set
Class focus: Taiji
Skill Level: Beginner- Advanced
Exercise Intensity: High
Instructor: Bill Buckley
This advanced Taiji class is open to experienced practitioners who are in good physical condition. The Fighting Set explores how the movements in the Taijiquan form work with martial intent. It is the highest step before Taiji free sparring. It is an 88 movement, interlocked pattern between two players. This form is rarely taught and considered a very high level of Taijiquan.
This class is offered periodically for advanced Taiji students. Watch this short demonstration video recorded at the YMAA Retreat Center to see this beautiful Taiji form in action.
Kung Fu Conditioning
Class focus: Martial Arts Conditioning
Skill Level: Beginner- Advanced
Exercise Intensity: High
Instructor: Jeremy Shaw
This Kung Fu basics and conditioning class is a high-energy workout suitable for all martial arts practitioners.
Watch Jeremy's short introduction to this fun class.