New Student Information
Students practicing Hunyuan Gong, a foundational qi gong set in the Hunyuan Tai Chi system.
Welcome! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, we’re glad you’re here. Here’s some information to get you started on your journey to health, wellbeing, and inner stillness with qi gong, tai chi, and Taoist cultivation. If you have further questions, check out our FAQ.
Note: we prefer the pinyin spelling "taiji" but often use "tai chi" on the website as it is more familiar.
Note: we prefer the pinyin spelling "taiji" but often use "tai chi" on the website as it is more familiar.
Who should take classes?
Adults interested in increasing their physical and mental health, emotional stability, longevity, and all-around wellbeing.
Most in-person classes require standing quietly for the duration of the class (usually an hour). If needed, you’re welcome to take breaks and sit quietly at the back of class.
We do not currently offer classes for children.
Most in-person classes require standing quietly for the duration of the class (usually an hour). If needed, you’re welcome to take breaks and sit quietly at the back of class.
We do not currently offer classes for children.
I’m a beginner, where do I start?
Qi gong classes are a great place to start, specifically Hunyuan Gong and/or Chansi Gong.
For tai chi, the Simplified 24 Hunyuan Taiji form lays the foundation for the other sets in the system.
For tai chi, the Simplified 24 Hunyuan Taiji form lays the foundation for the other sets in the system.
What should I expect from a Qi Gong class?
Qi Gong (chi gong, 氣功) can be thought of as a movement meditation. Throughout the class, we perform specific movements to cultivate skill with qi (the body’s subtle energy, or life force). The practice releases tension and helps cultivate 鬆 (song), the body’s soft suppleness.
Most movements are repeated nine times, and a beginner need only follow along. Classes are largely silent, with the instructor occasionally giving pointers. Practicing in silence allows access to the stillness at the heart of Taoist cultivation. Let your body move and breathe as naturally as possible, and your skill and ease will grow with practice.
While the movements seem simple on the surface, continued practice reveals great depth. Qigong practice is the core of the health, martial, and spiritual benefits of the Hunyuan Taiji system.
Most movements are repeated nine times, and a beginner need only follow along. Classes are largely silent, with the instructor occasionally giving pointers. Practicing in silence allows access to the stillness at the heart of Taoist cultivation. Let your body move and breathe as naturally as possible, and your skill and ease will grow with practice.
While the movements seem simple on the surface, continued practice reveals great depth. Qigong practice is the core of the health, martial, and spiritual benefits of the Hunyuan Taiji system.
How do I register and pay?
Please see the FAQs.
Attending class online
Most classes are offered online through Zoom.
Registration links are on the class schedule. For more information, see our FAQ.
Registration links are on the class schedule. For more information, see our FAQ.
Attending class in-person
Many classes are offered in-person at the Taoist Studies Institute in Seattle’s Greenwood / Phinney Ridge neighborhood. Please arrive a few minutes before class and enter quietly as another class may be in session. A coat room is available across the hall from the entrance. Feel free to sit, stand, or chat quietly with other students while waiting for class to begin.
Where do I stand in class?
Students practicing tai chi (the Hunyuan Taiji 24 Regular Form)
For qi gong classes, students typically stand in a circle around the instructor.
For tai chi classes, students form up in rows. It’s recommended that beginning students stand near the center, as there will be other students around them to follow as the form turns and faces in different directions.
For tai chi classes, students form up in rows. It’s recommended that beginning students stand near the center, as there will be other students around them to follow as the form turns and faces in different directions.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy freedom of movement, including bending down and reaching your arms above your head.
We practice in comfortable, flat shoes (tennis shoes or sneakers with non-marking soles are fine) or in socks.
We practice in comfortable, flat shoes (tennis shoes or sneakers with non-marking soles are fine) or in socks.
What if I'm late?
Arriving late to class is sometimes unavoidable. Please enter quietly if class is already in session. You are welcome to take a moment in the foyer to leave behind the rush of the outside world. Standing in meditation for a while before joining the class activity is often helpful.
Bowing
At the close of class, students bow to the teacher and the teacher bows to the students as a traditional form of mutual respect.
Parking
The Greenwood / Phinney Ridge neighborhood offers street parking, but please be mindful of the neighbors. Adhere to posted signs and do not block driveways.
When attending events on Sunday mornings, be mindful that we share parking with the Presbyterian church congregation. To preserve their access, consider parking a little further away.
When attending events on Sunday mornings, be mindful that we share parking with the Presbyterian church congregation. To preserve their access, consider parking a little further away.
