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Curriculum

The Rochester T'ai Chi Ch'uan Center was founded by a third generation student of Chen Pan-ling and his students in the late 1970's and was incorporated in 1982. This center has undergone several changes including the addition of a second style of T'ai Chi. Our focus is to always pursue the truth and excellence of learning that make T'ai Chi Ch'uan a respected art.
Chen Pan-ling Form:
The Chen Pan-ling style of T'ai Chi Ch'uan is a composite of the Yang, Wu, and Chen styles. It was developed by a World War II era committee of top Martial Artists commissioned by the Chinese Nationalist Government. Chiefly promoted by Chen Pan-ling, this style has been recognized with his name.

This style of T'ai Chi has borrowed several elements from other styles making it a more energetic form by utilizing a greater range of motion of the body. It promotes health and relaxation, as well as the connections that make T'ai Chi a martial Art.

The Chen Pan-ling style has classes at the beginner level, and a 99 movement long form for the advanced student.

Grandmaster William C.C. Chen Yang Form:
Grandmaster William C.C. Chen has been described as a teacher's teacher. Quiet, gentle, and supportive, he is none-the-less knowledgeable and perceptive in his teachings and evaluation on what people need.

Grandmaster Chen's 60 movement form is based on the Yang style. It provides people with the necessary motions and movements to allow them to experience the relaxed aspects of T'ai Chi Ch'uan as well as the connections that make T'ai Chi a powerful art.

Classes are arranged to accommodate the beginner, (the first 20 movements), and the more advanced practitioner, (the complete 60 movement form).

Cheng Hsin Pushing Hands:
This is a lesson in the application of T'ai Chi Ch'uan in a non-threatening manner. Two people work together to explore the movements which help the body, mind, and spirit, as well as gain insight into the material aspect of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. Either style is welcome to this class. It is insightful when the two styles meet.

T'ai Chi Principles:
A class for Chen Pan-ling form refinement, and working on classic principles as defined by T'ai Chi classic writings. Attention is additionally given to structure, weight distribution, and balance. This course is a good pre-cursor to push hands, and a prerequisite for long form.

Qigong:
An ongoing relaxation course, this is a qigong workout for healing. The goal is to sample methods to build into your daily health practices.

Chen Pan Ling Martial Arts:
Chinese Kuo Shu - Qigong, traditional health exercises and Chen Pan Ling T’ai Chi Ch’uan. A gentle exercise class suitable for everyone.

Shaolin, Hsing-I, Pa Kua, weapons and two person drills are also taught.

Workshops:
As well as T'ai Chi Ch'uan courses, the center also offers regular workshops with many renowned guests in the pursuit of excellence in the art of T'ai Chi and other Internal Arts. Workshops are also offered in related topics such as internal energy exercises (Qigong).