Curriculum

 

Level I:

If you are totally new to Tai-Chi, this class is for you. Routines are short and easy to learn, and a lot of time is spent breaking down fundamental principles so that you can feel them in your body. You will gain a new understanding of how your body works and feels, as well as a solid foundation for other Tai-Chi classes focusing on long forms. Most importantly you will feel alert and deeply relaxed after each class, and will be able to re-create this well being on your own as you develop your own practice.
For those of you who have already joined us, the foundation of the curriculum remains the same giving you ample review while enabling you to explore new concepts. If you have practiced Tai Chi before, you will gain a deeper understanding of founding principles by experiencing them in multiple ways (dynamically, through stretches, and as slow coordinated moves), and you will enjoy a new original short form requiring minimum space to perform.

 

Level II:

You will enjoy level II if you have already joined level I twice or more. We will build up on the founding principles you've learnt: Empty and Full, Flowing Back, Not Too Open / Not too Closed, and Invisible Stretch. The Yang style 24 moves form is longer than Four Directions. Yet it is one of the shortest forms typically taught in most Tai-Chi clubs. You will practice a larger variety of stances, narrow and long, as well as many new moves with their martial and health applications, including Brush Knee Push (which you already understand from our QiGong), Single Whip, punching and kicking.

We will keep the same style of teaching with gentle flowing warming up exercises and drills.

 

Which Level Should I Join:

Really, come to the class that you feel the most inclined to join. Above are just indications. You are welcome to join level I for the tenth time, and your are welcome to level II even if you have no prior Tai-Chi experience. Go with what feels the best for you!

 

Class size:

The number of participants is limited to ensure the highest level of instruction. Thank you for registering as soon as you can!

We accommodate walk-ins as long as there is space available.

 

Class Outline:

With this session you will learn several 5 to 15 minutes exercises:

• A 5-move graceful Tai-Chi form called "Four Directions Tai-Chi" in level I, and the Yang 24 moves Tai-Chi form in level II. Moves are broken down to understand their martial application and health benefits

• Joint loosening exercises

• Warming-up exercises promoting free flow of energy

• Muscle toning exercises introduced in in the context of their Tai-Chi application and health benefits especially low back soreness and neck/shoulder tensions

• Gentle stretches to open acupuncture Chi meridians

• Enjoyable QiGong sequences

• An introduction to meditation, standing and sitting.

 

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Locations

the Yoga and Healing Arts Centre
420 Weber St. North, Waterloo.
To view a map, click here

 

Directions: on Weber at King, leaving Chapters and Canadian Tires behind you go straight at the crossing with King. Drive between the two gas stations. Turn right into the little business plaza just after the Husky gas station (i.e. the gas station across Esso). If you see the Mason Lodge building, you've been too far. Park at the 420 Weber St N plaza, and come into the small businesses building that is parallel to Weber. Come up to the second floor where the studio is located.

 

the Breslau Recreation Centre
200 Woolwich St. South, Breslau.
To view a map, click here - online maps are not up-to-date because Breslau is growing fast. See below for directions:

 

Some people think Breslau as far away but this community is very accessible: less than 10 minutes from the expressway Victoria exit in Kitchener, or 15 minutes from the Conestoga Mall in Waterloo.

We have our Tai-Chi classes in the gymnasium of the Recreation Centre.

Directions: Coming from Victoria, turn right after passing over the river (about 5km from the expressway exit). This is Woolwhich St S. Go over the railway. Go straight at the stop sign by a little retail plaza. Continue on Woolwhich St passed Berlin. The next street has different names on your right and left sides: Elroy on your left and Andover on your right. Take a right on Andover. This is actually the gate to the Riverland subdivision. From Woolwhich St you will also have seen a sign towards the Sales Building of the Empires real estates company. On Andover, go straight at the first stop sign. Continue and turn right just after the Empires sales building. This takes you into a big parking lot. Attached to the sales building and behind it is the recreation centre building. Park, come in and go left once inside, towards the gym.

 

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FAQ

 

Why should I attend?

You will explore how relaxed coordinated movement help center the mind, relieve stress, benefit health, and improve athletic performance.
Several short and easy-to-learn exercises will be taught, including a Tai-Chi form and QiGong routines. Instruction material is provided to help participants continue practicing on their own. This program is more suitable to adults, but we found that motivated teens also enjoy it a lot!

 

Patricia Beretta developed an original wellness system based on Tai-Chi and QiGong, providing busy professionals and parents with a feasible self-care program to relax and recharge their energy. It is also very enjoyable for seniors seeking to improve balance and vitality. With an enjoyable practice of 10 to 15 minutes daily, anyone can experience a real difference and cope better with life's stressors.

 

Who can Attend?

No prior Tai-Chi experience or of any other form of exercise is needed. Exercises are simple and suitable to all. They are enjoyed by people who never exercise as well as by athletes and martial artists. Adjustments will be shown if you find some positions or moves inadequate for you. The only assumption is that you can stand and move around for over an hour at a time. You should in any case check with your doctor whether Tai-Chi is suitable for you.

 

How Should I Prepare:

Make sure you wear loose comfortable clothing. You can practice barefoot, with socks or indoor shoes as long as they are comfortable and provide the right level of support and grip. Indoor shoes tend to me more comfortable in the winter season. For examples of footwear, click here. Enjoy a light dinner prior to joining, but avoid a heavy meal 2 hours prior to the class. Bring your favorite drink in a closed container. A few props from the gym will be used during some of the classes.

 

Sensitivities, Allergies:

We do our best to make it easy and enjoyable for everyone. Some participants can be very sensitive with severe allergies to common scents and cosmetic products. To make it possible for them to join, would you mind not using perfume or scented lotions etc. This would be greatly appreciated, and we apologize for the inconvenience.

 

About the Instructor, Patricia Béretta:

The pace of corporate life in the biomedical sector made Patricia Béretta develop a regular routine for stamina and stress relief. With a short Tai Chi sequence she found that she could recharge and relax in only 10-15 minutes daily. Patricia then trained as a Shiatsu Therapist and Acupuncturist. She studied exercises and stretches that open the main energy pathways of the body, and began to meditate regularly.

This original curriculum was designed using her athletic and Tai Chi experiences. Patricia also leverages her clinical skills and brings together a series of gentle exercises that significantly help with stamina, body tension, and stress.