Tai Chi

Tuition and Fees

$60 per month
contact Justine Rosenthal at
taichigualala@yahoo.com

In this class, students will learn the Yang style, long form of Tai Chi Chuan, a series of 108 graceful and flowing movements which are both challenging and rewarding. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion. Through this system of gentle physical exercise and stretching, you will develop deep strength and relaxation.

Tai chi is actually a type of qigong, an exercise focused on moving chi (life force) through channels in the body, known as meridians. Tai chi and qigong are an integral part of Chinese medicine. These exercises are often prescribed in the treatment of illnesses, and used as preventive medicine.

Why should I try tai chi?

Tai chi is a great form of exercise that you will be able to do for the rest of your life, should you choose to. It is a complete practice that nurtures, relaxes and stimulates your body, mind and spirit. It is considered a moving meditation, in that it helps you to focus on a single point, and forget about the rest of your concerns. It is done standing, so you don’t need to get down on the floor or have any special equipment. It can be practiced anywhere, and outdoor practice is optimal, when the weather is mild. Tai chi is very low impact, very slow, and its roots run deep. The benefits of tai chi include:

• Increasing energy, endurance and agility
• Improving overall feelings of well-being
• Improving balance, flexibility and muscle strength
• Reducing falls in older adults
• Improving sleep quality
• Lowering blood pressure
• Improving cardiovascular fitness in older adult
• Relieving chronic pain
• Reducing stress
• Reducing anxiety and depression

In the Intermediate class, we go through the entire long form of Yang Style Slow Set, and work on refinements, to improve balance, energy, strength, flexibility, and alignment. In the Advanced class, we are learning and refining the Fast Set of Yang Style Tai Chi. This class is only open to previous intermediate students who have learned the Slow Set.

Please wear comfortable pants and flat bottomed shoes.

About Justine Rosenthal

Justine Rosenthal has been practicing Tai Chi for 38 years, and has taught Tai Chi at Sonoma State University, Community Centers in California and Hawaii, and public schools.

Tai Chi helps Justine strengthen, relax, balance, align, and get in touch with her physical body. Over the years, Tai Chi has been her primary resource for relaxation and healing, while working as a Park Ranger in the National Park Service for 10 years, and then a Teacher in West County elementary schools for 20 years. At this stage in her life, she is committed to sharing the gift of the Tai Chi Practice with the Gualala Area Community.