Our new season begins in October 2023! Join us for Tai Chi and Qigong at the Regent Centre on Locke Street South.

Let's Keep Practicing (Online Classes Starting Wednesday, March 25th, 2020)

Dear All,

This has been a week, hasn't it? A week that has seemed to last approximately a thousand years.

BUT given the new reality:

It is my absolutely weird pleasure to announce online classes. 


The first day will be this Wednesday, March 25th, 2020. 

The schedule:

Monday
Qigong 1pm-2pm
Intermediate Tai Chi 2-3pm
Continuing 3-3:30

Wednesday
Beginner's Tai Chi 1-2pm
Intermediate Tai Chi 2-3pm
Continuing 3-3:30

Saturday
Qigong Noon-1pm
Beginner's Tai Chi 1-2pm
Continuing 2-3:30

The Intermediate Classes will include some instruction for continuing practitioners if they wish to attend. I'll answer any questions you have and offer continuing level corrections during this time. The material we cover will be intermediate level, i.e., practicing the set, polishing different sections of it, and going over some foundation technique.

Continuing-only sessions will include instruction in Sword. (Let's break some lamps together!)

Because of the disruption to our regular teaching schedule, I'm planning to do review with the Tai Chi Beginners before we continue to learn new material, to make sure you remember what you've learned so far, so if you've forgotten stuff, don't worry.

Monday's Qigong sessions will be our health recovery sessions, where we can troubleshoot any issues you may have. The health recovery classes are a time for us to discuss common physical, mental, and emotional challenges, and to talk about how to use Qigong to overcome them. Saturday will focus on flow, technique, and small set routines. Qigong is open to all levels. Even if you're a brand new beginner, you might benefit from Qigong. If you've been doing Tai Chi for a while, you'll definitely benefit from Qigong!

How to join


I will be using Zoom to run these classes. If you're not familiar, this is a video conferencing service. I'm not going to be publishing the link to these meetings publicly on my website.

If you want to join, please email me at smithmk2@gmail.com and I will send you an invitation.

***If you've received this message by email because you're subscribed to the blog, don't hit reply to this message! See how it says no-reply at the top? There's a reason for that. Just start a new email and make sure my address is there. If all else fails, text or call at (905) 521-0043 and let me know you want to join. So long as I have a functional email address for you, we should be fine.***

You can download the Zoom app / program for free (if you're on a computer, you'll want the first option on that page) or, when you click on the link I'll send you before the session, you can join through your web browser.

So again, to join, email me at smithmk2@gmail.com and I will send you an invitation. A few minutes before the class, just click on the link in the invitation, follow the instructions, and you'll be all set.


To answer some of your concerns ahead of time:


This is weird.

Believe me I know. If you've heard me talk about being filmed before, you know I am not in love with the idea. I hate the idea of you all not practicing more, though, so here we go, this is the future, the future is now.

I don't want to appear on camera.

That's fine! You'll still be able to see me and follow along. You can ask questions via audio if you have a microphone. (Your phone, tablet, or laptop probably have perfectly functional cameras and microphones, but you can choose to leave these turned off when you join the meeting.) There is also a chat function if you would prefer to type out questions or requests.

If you want corrections or help with something, it's very likely that I'll need to see you, so it might be appropriate to have your camera on. It's up to you how you want to engage. Absolutely no judgement here.

I will also say that it will be strange for me to run classes without being able to see any of you, so if you're on the fence or at all inclined to turn your camera on, I'll be really happy!

Zoom has a recording function, but recording will be disabled for these classes, and I ask that you not use other software to record these sessions.

How is this going to work?

It's going to be me in my living room, teaching the same lessons I would in person. I'll be using my laptop camera and a somewhat good quality microphone that may or may not pick up every sound in the room, including the click of my dogs' nails as they walk across the floor. Production values will be low, but we'll get to work out together.

How is this going to work for Tai Chi specifically?

We'll see! I have a 12 foot by 7 foot space for Tai Chi. I can get most of it (10 feet by 7?) into the frame of my laptop's camera. There will probably be some stepping back so I can stay in the frame. This is a great opportunity for us to all practice doing a set in a limited space. Doing the set in a tiny space is better than not doing it at all.

Worst case scenario, we'll learn how to do our foundation exercises really, really well.

Can I Invite My Friend Who Lives Far Away?

Sure! I am inviting my friends who live far away. Just let them know that Qigong is a good option for new beginners, as is Beginners Tai Chi.

How Much Does this Cost?

If you paid a monthly fee for March with the idea that you would be studying at the Regent Centre, I really don't want you to pay any more at present. I consider these online classes to be an extension and continuation of our in-person practice at the studio. For the next week or two, I expect we'll still be ironing things out.

My plan going forward is that online classes will be a voluntary payment service. This decision reflects the fact that things are up in the air for all of us right now. My priority is that if you want to practice, you're able to keep practicing.

What If I Want to Give You Money?

I'm incredibly grateful. As you probably know, teaching Tai Chi and Qigong at the Regent Centre is my part-time job, and unfortunately, putting things on pause has meant a sudden and unforeseen end to a source of income for me, as it has for most small businesses that depend on in-person services. Again, I'm fine for March—I'm not at any immediate point of concern, and if you've already paid for March, we're square (well, I owe you two weeks worth of lessons!), but if this whole self-isolation / lockdown thing goes long, and I think it very well might, every little bit will definitely help.

If you're new to these classes (hi!) or looking for guidance about what to pay, my extremely reasonable fee schedule is here.

For Canadians, I accept e-transfer at smithmk2@gmail.com

I've also set up a ko-fi account which should enable you to pay from anywhere.


Classes are on Pause Until April 2020

Dear Friends,

In keeping with the general theme of social distancing and maintaining reasonable protocols for health and safety during the current coronavirus pandemic, I've decided to put our classes on hold until April. I believe this is the best way to keep everyone as safe as possible, and to ensure that, at a time when many measures are underway to curtail the spread of the virus, we are working in alignment with those measures. 

Early interventions are our best bet to limit the impact of coronavirus, as history has proven. At a time when it's easy to slip into fear over what might happen in the days to come, the current school closures and event cancellations are good reason to be optimistic. I'm delighted with this response, which is timely and appropriate. I'm very happy to operate in tune with it. 

If it proves to be excessive or unnecessary, then that will be a wonderful result. 

***

I'm not going to give a firm restart date at this point. I will reassess at the end of March to see how things are shaping up, and I will keep you all updated about what comes next via this website. So, I ask that you check back here once or twice a week, or sign up for email updates (see the form in the sidebar, or the link at the end of this post). Currently the situation seems to be rapidly evolving from day to day (or hour to hour), so predictions are impossible to make. I promise that however things play out, I'll try to make as balanced a decision as I can. 

If you paid fees for March, you'll receive two weeks of classes without charge when we resume.

*** 

I intend to spend part of my time away updating and adding to the Resources page. If you haven't had the chance to visit it yet, it includes a very detailed and very homemade guide (stick figures by me!) to the first part of the Tai Chi set, which you can also access here: 


The current beginners classes have covered everything through Lesson 2.

For Qigong practitioners, the Ba Duan Jin / Eight Silk Brocades handout (my classiest handout ever!) is here:


Note: these links go to my Dropbox. You can download or save the linked documents to your home computer or tablet. In the days to come, I'll be adding more handouts and some audio content, so keep an eye out for posts notifying you of those party favours!

For each of you, of course, I recommend practicing what you've learned so far! Even if all you can remember is the first move of the Tai Chi set, or a single Qigong exercise, that's great! Practice it sincerely. Although class is a necessary part of learning, solo practice is the end goal of all of this, so it's always good to have an opportunity to work with it, whatever the circumstances.

If you need to contact me for any reason (I answer to Tai Chi and Qigong emergencies and non-emergencies!) you are absolutely welcome to ping me at smithmk2@gmail.com or (905) 521-0043. 

I wish you all the very best of health and peace in your hearts in the days to come. 

***
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How We Are Different

I want to thank everyone for their patience with my absence from class this week! And to thank Mary, Gillianne, Sam and Marilyn for filling in. It's very likely that Monday, March 9, 2020 will see my return to class. I'm eagerly looking forward to practicing Tai Chi and Qigong with you again!

Events this week have conspired to make me think more thoroughly than I previously have about our club and the things that make us different, besides that I have the best students in the world (have I mentioned I missed you this week?). I would never claim complete uniqueness from all other Tai Chi clubs—after all, Tai Chi is part of a long tradition with a global history that goes back thousands, if not tens of thousands of years, depending on how you define Qigong. At the same time, not all Tai Chi and Qigong classes are created equal. So here we go, an informal list of the things that make our group especially great.

***

Attention to Detail

Tai Chi and Qigong are complex arts that involve precise body movements, frames of mind, and posture in order to work well. While almost anyone can look at the outside of a movement and copy the motions of the legs and arms, it takes a lot of training to understand what we call the internal aspects of a movement (aka, how it really works). And yet, understanding the internal aspects of the movement is the key to unlocking the healing power of Tai Chi and Qigong—i.e., making them super effective.

I was fortunate to receive meticulous training that gave me a thorough understanding of the internal aspects of Tai Chi and Qigong, and the foundation principles of movement that operate across all the arts that I teach. I've been even more fortunate to have plenty of time and opportunity to deepen this understanding over three decades of practice.

What this means is if you ask a question in one of my classes, you'll get an answer that will serve you for many months (or years) to come. (Some might say you'll get a really, really long answer, but hey I like to be specific and give complete information.) That answer will be consistent with the other information you'll receive in class. If I or one of my co-instructors doesn't know the answer, you'll hear "I don't know." (You'll seldom hear "I don't know.") 

Your question will never be dismissed. You'll never be told to "just do it" without having enough information to understand how or why you're doing something, or how to do it correctly. When you start learning a new art, like Sword, Sabre, Hsing-I, or Lok Hup, the principles you've already learned with Tai Chi or Qigong will still apply and it will make sense to you. The more you learn, the more you'll get to enjoy building on the knowledge base you already have. In this way, your practice will always deepen, and so long as you keep practicing, you'll develop a more and more sophisticated toolkit to help you with whatever you want to do in life as you get stronger and happier, and feel better and better.


Emphasis on the Individual

All bodies can benefit from Tai Chi and Qigong, but not all bodies handle the movements in the same way, especially in the beginning. The reason why I offer Qigong and Tai Chi as separate classes is that some people need a way in to Tai Chi, or they want to deepen and soften their Tai Chi practice after time spent doing it but not quite grasping the internals. Qigong offers an opportunity to slow down and focus on the mechanics of each movement. On the other hand, when you're looking for a bigger challenge, Tai Chi and the other internal martial arts that I teach are there for you. The class schedule is designed to help you tailor your training to your needs and interests.

Beyond the ability to choose one's own adventure with the classes, I focus on making sure that if a movement isn't sitting well with you, you're aware of the options you have for modifying it, or the bodily habits you have that are causing you discomfort. Every Friday at our Qigong for Health Recovery class, we discuss specific physical, mental, and emotional challenges (mostly physical) and how to deal with them. But this isn't just a topic for Fridays: any class is an opportunity for you to ask about the issues you want to work on. Chances are, someone else shares them.

I have a long history of helping people troubleshoot the challenges that have made movement difficult for them in the past, and I'm confident that I can help you. Believe it or not, moving can become less painful and more pleasant for you. There is no instant fix, but over time, improvement isn't beyond most people.

My co-instructors and I are here to help you meet your training goals, regardless of how small or lofty they may be.


Personal Empowerment Through Kicking Arse

I've been made aware through the years that there are some groups who don't consider Tai Chi a martial art, and don't teach it that way. That's not us.

Now, we're not in the business of inviting participants to fight each other (although we do play Push Hands from time to time.) Bottom line, the movements of Tai Chi are evidently punches, kicks, blocks and strikes. To see them any other way is to miss the spirit of the thing, and more than half the fun. The point is to learn how to apply force with one's entire body, from the ground, up through the core, and out through the hands.

In real life, chances are you won't need to get into a physical fight of any kind. (Let's hope not!) But there will come a time when you have to do something (lift a heavy box, push a heavy piece of furniture) that might be a bit beyond you. When you've learned how to do Tai Chi correctly, these physical challenges become a lot more do-able, and you greatly reduce the chances of hurting yourself.

My understanding is that those who teach that Tai Chi isn't a martial art do so with the claim that their focus is on Tai Chi for health "instead" of Tai Chi as martial art. I can think of few better ways to protect one's health than avoiding injury. Or, if it comes down to it, it seems obvious to me that self-defense, or learning to stand in one's power and physical integrity, is also an essential component of health, if only for the self esteem boost it brings. (Pro tip: there are many other reasons this is good for you!) In any case, it's been my experience that in Tai Chi, health and martial art go hand in hand: you can't have one without the other.

For many people, learning the martial art aspect of Tai Chi becomes their favourite part of class. I hope anyone who feels intimidated by this idea or isn't sure they'll like it would give it a try.


That Mojo Though

I've met more than one Tai Chi practitioner who doesn't want to talk about Chi or energy. (Qigong people tend to be a little more into the woo, bless you all!) As someone who started Tai Chi as a Chi skeptic, I understand, but I can tell you firsthand that it's more fun when you're not stuck there. Chi is literally everywhere, and the sensations that accompany Tai Chi and Qigong (warmth, tingling in the hands, a sense of liveliness) are both common and ample evidence that Chi is in the mix when we practice. If you're interested in learning more about energy and you're attending my classes, you have only to ask. I have many years experience with Chi in a Tai Chi context, as well as in the context of other energy healing modalities, and can talk about it all day long (I'm sure that's great news!), and show you how to experience it for yourself.


Small Classes 

Our studio is moderate in size. This means our classes are not overpopulated and never will be. We can fit 15-17 people maximum into the space at one time. Many of the classes tend to average half that number. Beginner's classes tend to be even smaller. I'm not interested in teaching massive classes where people don't feel like they have access to individual instruction, and I won't.


Safe Space

I actively cultivate an environment where people are mutually respectful, pleasant, and full of good humour. Tai Chi and Qigong are tricky arts that can sometimes be frustrating, so it helps to laugh. We're also disciplined, dedicated to practice, and focused on the task at hand. We're social, but we're not a social club. We don't waste your precious practice time.

Unlike larger organisations, ego and politics don't have a place here. We don't harass our members or bully outside organisations or individuals. (Sorry, but there will be no rumbling in the parking lot with rival clubs! It's a matter of principle.)

Our classes are for the purpose of learning Tai Chi, Qigong, and related arts, and for that purpose alone.


Things We Do Not Do

Ask you for exclusivity
There are many groups where members who wish to train elsewhere are told in no uncertain terms that they can't unless they leave. That's not us. What you do with your own time is up to you.
 
Ask you for "donations" or "fundraising"
The fees you pay monthly and for any occasional workshops or classes serve to cover the cost of our rent and to compensate me for my time. This club is my part time job, and I'm very grateful that I get to do something so interesting and worthwhile as my work. I believe completely in the principle that you should get value for your money. Beyond the fees you pay for your training, you will not be asked to open your wallet.

Offer partial instruction
I don't teach internal martial arts sets in halves. If I commit to offer instruction in an art, I teach the whole thing. Although achieving balance in this is tricky, I try to honour whatever we've studied with some practice time each week or month. (If I slip on this, remind me!) 

***
Above all, I'm very proud of the group that I've built with the help of each of my students. If you're already a member, I'm so glad you've chosen to train with me. If you're thinking of joining, with new Beginner's Tai Chi classes just underway this week, and Qigong classes always open to all levels, it's an excellent time. 

Sincerely, 
Melissa.