Tai Chi is harmony, balance and "ultimately coordinated" motion. Tai Chi is also way of life. It may be practiced for self-defense, health defense, and for rehabilitation. With time and practice, students will see the responsiveness, flexibility and poise of tai chi grow into all areas of their life.

Sanctuary Tai Chi is yang-style Tai Chi Chuan following the tradition of Master CK Chu. All instruction is student-paced, one-on-one interaction with Master Lake. Within one class period, students learn one or two moves, practice independently, and receive corrections and guidance on each learned move.

Class Offerings

Level I - Basic Stances and Movements: Students lay down a foundation of alignment, connectedness and coordinated movement as they learn the complete the Tai Chi form. This takes 2 to 4 months, depending on student application and home practice.

Level II - Martial Applications and Breathing: Students will learn to coordinate breath and movement while incorporating the martial (self-defense) applications of all parts of the form. Most students complete Level II within six months. Daily practice of the form, approximately 15 minutes for one round of Tai Chi, and Meditation prepares students for advanced level practice.

Chi Kung Exercises: Students learn to coordinate of breath, Chi, (essential energy) and body movement for improved vitality. Easy to learn and practice, Chi Kung invigorates and circulates your chi while you build a store of strength and stamina in your body. Chi Kung will enhance your balance and coordination, support your health and energize your sense of well-being. Classes are in group format. Chi Kung is also excellent preparation for daily Tai Chi practice.

Advanced Classes: Two-Person and Advanced Forms: Students will learn two-person push hands, Da Lu fighting drills and advanced applications. Master Lake also offers two-person stick form and broadsword form depending on advanced students' interest.

Information on Class Fees and Discounts

Sanctuary Community Outreach
Senior Health Defense
All classes instructed by Sifu John Lake:

Summary: Sanctuary Senior Health Defense offers a unique Senior-specific approach to physical and emotional wellness. Simple postures and stretches combine acupuncture and Chi Kung principles into an engaging and energizing practice which is adaptable to all levels of ability. For even more fun, classes may easily incorporate pair practice.

Senior Health Defense I & II: Breath and Movement for Improved Health and Energy
For ambulatory participants, 45 to 55 minutes. Classes are eight or twelve easy-to-follow, low-stress, yet high impact movements. Students will learn how to:

• Coordinate breath and movement
  
• Enhance circulation throughout the body
  
• Increase Chi flow to improve specific organ or health issues
  
• Interact and practice acupressure with classmates for improved health and awareness

Typical benefits include:

• Increased flexibility, balance and proprioception
  
• Improved cardiovascular health and resilience
  
• Increased bone density and muscle strength

Senior Seated Health Defense: Sitting Chi Kung: For seated and/or ambulatory participants, 45 - 55 minutes. Adapted from Senior Health Defense I & II, students use chairs or wheelchairs for all or part of the class. Classes will:

• Stimulate and promote circulation throughout the body
  
• Adapt performance goals to individual student needs and abilities
  Produce positive physical responses in clients that increase overall comfort
  
• Energize and engage students in a group setting

If you would like to join or host a class in the Berkeley/Bay Area, please contact us.