FSJ Tai Chi & Qi Gong
Fort Saint John and Taylor, BC Fort Saint John, BC, Canada

The province wide restrictions on indoor gathering of fitness classes has been extended to January 8th. Our classes will continue to be suspended. Chinese Medicine teaches us to live in harmony with the seasons. Winter is Yin, dark, cold, slow and inward energy. This is a time of rest and reflection. It is a good time to look inward and our practices of Tai Chi and Qigong support this energy. Let us make the best use of this time away from classes, to rest when needed, practice when possible and be ready for when we can train together again.

Attention Willow Moon students. Classes will be canceled temporarily. There has been new province wide restrictions that temporarily suspend all indoor group physical activities. You are encouraged to continue to practice at home until we can meet in class. For now just breath, relax and practice.

This echoes a lot of what I wrote to my students today.

One World - One Breath World Tai-chi and Qigong Day, an international event, is celebrated every year on the last Saturday of April. The day is meant to bring awareness of the health benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong. Since 2003, this day has been celebrated by Willow Moon Internal Arts. This year we celebrated alone, but together in spirit, allowing our bodies to accept the healing resonance of the universe. This won't be forever, but for now, we wait patiently, be kind, be calm and practice at home.

In a study quoted in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 2012:30 (4) the research conducted found that participants who participated in a Tai Chi based exercise ...program experienced increased blood flow and oxygen to the brain. The results showed that those in the Tai Chi and Social Interaction groups had significant increases in total brain volume and in neuropsychological measures (tests on memory, thinking, dementia, etc). The study indicates that performing tai chi as an exercise program for older adults may help slow down cognitive decline. Please read our blog in our Cup of Chi Newsletter. http://www.taichiforhealth.net/cognitive-health

Our hope is for the classes to begin in the fall either in class or virtual. Our hope is that in spite of the pandemic and the shut downs, our School will continue into the future, honoring the 40 plus years of Tai Chi and Qigong on our community.

First and foremost, if you have ever tried to do your tai chi on sand, you will have an inkling of just how challenging it is. After the pandemic, Willow Moon Internal Arts will be offering a class in this style of Tai Chi, Chen Style. Chen Tai Chi can be called the mother to all the other Tai Chi Chuan styles as it was the first recorded style.... Chen style is performed in a continuous and relaxed manner, all of the tai chi movements are circular and the energy (chi) spiraling and coiling like a spring. Chen Tai Chi Chuan is made up of fast and slow, Hard and soft movements, fajin (issuing energy), leaps, stomping of the feet. It has windings, twists, and turns and the movement of energy is distinctly spiral, or screw-like. It requires that the mind be in command of the Chi ( the flow of vital energy ) which in turn activates the body. This is done to gain the best effects and to exercise both the internal and external parts of the body together at the same time.

This is both beautiful to watch and to listen!

"Make Your Heart Like A Lake With A Calm Still Surface And Great Deapth Of Kindness."... Lao Tzu ~ Have A Nice Day To Everyone ~ See more

Today we recognize Grandmaster Yang Zhenduo who passed away today. Yang Zhenduo was the son of Yang Chengfu and a representative of his family's Yang Style Tai...jiquan, the most popular style of Taijiquan, and the main style that modern Wushu Taijiquan was standardized upon. His passing is truly a loss to the Wushu and Taiji communities, and his memory and impact will be treasured by us all. RIP Grandmaster Yang Zhenduo... See more

Chen style Tai Chi! Grace and power!

For 2020 only, World Tai Chi & Qigong Day mass events are postponed. HOWEVER, on Saturday, April 25th, we are encouraging everyone to do Tai Chi, Qigong or Meditation at 10 am local time worldwide IN YOUR BACK YARD or HOME while tuning in, in consciousness to the worldwide wave of Qi. One World ... One Breath.

Understanding some of the benefits and being inspired by moves in the video.

From home for now, but not forever!

It is darkness that teaches the beauty of light

Practice makes perfect

Stay home, stay safe and practice!

Health Minister Patty Hajdu is sending a warning to Canadians ignoring social distancing measures, THIS IS CRUCIAL! Stay home!