Tai Chi Ch'uan: Harmony of Health and Self-Defense

Tai Chi Ch'uan: Harmony of Health and Self-Defense
Advance signup is encouraged and donations are greatly appreciated to support the formation of a permanent Far East Cultural Center and to support the instructors, chefs, and artists. (suggested donation $24 to honor this year)

First Hour: Tai Chi Ch'uan: Harmony of Health is Your Best Self-Defense

Join us for the first half of our workshop where we delve into the ancient art of Tai Chi Ch'uan, a practice celebrated as "Medic*tion in motion" for its profound impact on health and wellness. This session, led by Joseph Brady, MSTCM, L. Ac., Dipl.O.M., an Associate Professor at the University of Denver and the Colorado Chinese Medicine University, provides an immersive introduction to Tai Chi. With over 30 years of experience in community health promotion and healthy aging, Joe will guide you through the foundational exercises and principles of Tai Chi.

This course will explore the transformative effects of Tai Chi, as supported by recent groundbreaking research presented at Harvard Medical School’s Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. Discover how Tai Chi practitioners can achieve whole-person health markers comparable to those much younger, enhancing physical function, reducing anxiety and depression, improving sleep and social function, and boosting cognitive well-being.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with practical Tai Chi training tailored to older adults, aligning with the global healthcare implications of this mind-body exercise. Whether you are complementing medical interventions or seeking a holistic approach to aging well, this session offers valuable insights into using Tai Chi to foster a balanced, healthier life inspired by the latest research and traditional practices.

Second Hour: Self-Defense Applications of Tai Chi

As we move into the second hour of our workshop, we shift our focus to the practical self-defense applications of Tai Chi Ch'uan. The session kicks off with a warm welcome and a brief overview, setting the stage for what's to come. Participants will learn about the objectives of the clinic and discover how the graceful, flowing movements of Tai Chi are not just for health and meditation but can also be adapted for self-defense.

The instructors will begin by demonstrating how to effectively block and redirect attacks using Tai Chi techniques. This portion emphasizes the critical importance of alignment and positioning in both blocks and strikes, providing a foundational understanding that is essential for effective defense. From there, the discussion will move to counterattacks and joint locks, showing participants how to turn defensive movements into opportunities for taking control in a confrontation.

Following the demonstrations, attendees will engage in hands-on practice. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, everyone will pair up to work through the movements they've just learned. This practical exercise is designed to build confidence and skill in a safe and controlled environment, using realistic scenarios to hone the self-defense skills taught earlier.

As the workshop draws to a close, the floor will be opened for a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to delve deeper into the techniques and principles discussed. To wrap up, the instructors will provide information on future Tai Chi and self-defense classes, encouraging attendees to continue their practice to maintain and enhance their health, awareness, and self-defense capabilities. A heartfelt thank you and encouragement for continued practice will mark the end of an enriching session, leaving participants inspired and better equipped to integrate Tai Chi into their daily lives for multiple benefits.

About the teachers

Delve into the holistic benefits of Tai Chi with Joseph Brady, an esteemed expert in traditional Chinese medicine. Jacqui Shumway, therapeutic kinesiologist, is assisting. Experience the healing power of Tai Chi as "Medic*tion in motion," supported by groundbreaking research in holistic health and aging well.

Then, discover the martial art of Tai Chi Ch'uan with Sifu John Burns, a dedicated martial artist recognized by the prestigious Shaolin Temple in Henan, China. Sifu Bradly Ryan is assisting him. Experience the dynamic blend of hard and soft elements as you learn hand and weapon form applications, along with Qi exercises, tailored to all ages and skill levels.

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day event promises an enriching experience for mind, body, and spirit. Join us and embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and martial arts understanding. Reserve your spot now and unlock the secrets of this ancient discipline!

Your moderators:
Zhu Xilin, also known as Drew, was born in Beijing, China, and began studying Wu Style Tai Chi Martial Arts under Chinese Master Wang Pei-sheng before graduating from high school. Drew later studied Ru-yi Taijiquan under Master Shi Ming, featured on Bill Moyers’ PBS series “Healing and the Mind – The Mystery of Qi”. Drew then worked as a researcher at the Qigong Science and Research Center in Beijing, studying the physical effects of Qigong and Taiji traditional theory on overall health. Drew moved to Colorado in 1995 and began teaching Taiji and Qigong classes for the Tai Chi Project at Living Younger Longer Institute, at Boulder's Southwest Acupuncture College and Denver's Colorado Chinese Medicine University.
Jacqui Shumway, M.A., BBA, with a remarkable 35-year career in community health promotion, has held influential positions in both local and national organizations, including the Western Region Director for the National Association of Health and Fitness and an active role in the Colorado Governor's Council for Physical Fitness. Her expertise in developing, teaching, facilitating and coordinating clinical exercise therapy programs at prestigious higher education institutions underscores her dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles. Jacqui's commitment to exploring healthy lifestyle behavior change for uncovering key determinants of community health has focused on Tai Chi Ch'uan, Qi-Gong and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her impressive list of positions and honors, include the Wilma J. Webb New Vision Award and leadership roles in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at DU, and demonstrate her valuable contributions to the field of community health promotion and salutogenesis research.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Far East Center, 333 South Federal Boulevard, Denver, United States