Welcome potential students ! This web site is designed to complement and extend your first tai-chi class taught by Emanuel Betz. This website was created and 2012 and will be available and updated as part of the Richmond Library Class. You will be learning Snake Style Tai-Chi, which is the "original family style" I am in my 29th year of Lifetime Tai Chi practice. I studied in Burlington with Robert Boyd, following the skill and teaching of Master Ip Tai Tak. If you are interested in lineage google away. It's the real stuff! My teaching style and methods are my own. I am particularily excited for this class as it has been a while since I have offered it. My training and personal advancement in recent months has inspired me to do so. Tai Chi continues to be the endless gift that gives-if you practice-and boy has my practice been supercharged as of late! Can you tell I am excited to share?
The web site has videos and explanations designed as reinforcement and as a complement to my personalized direct instruction. Contact Emanuel at 802-881-4426 or at Emanuelbetz@gmail.com anytime with questions.
Why this class?
Learn from an instructor with passion and almost 30 years of devoted Tai-Chi experience including regular practice and instructing
The student will be at the center for instruction
This class has a structure and design that has been refined and evolving over time
Having fun and laughing is important to learning
The class IS work and that is a good thing: it will challenge your body and mind
As a result of this class you should be able to ( goals):
Meet some new people and make new connections
Practice and understand a series of preparatory exercises
Learn and perform the first part of the Yang long form (set)
Receive a basic understanding of tai chi principles
Recieve foundational instruction on breathing and Qi Gong practice
Begin to get a taste of the benefits of tai chi practice (if you practice!)
Note on Videos and Notes
Navigation Note: Many classes have sub pages- see the link below-there is more info there.
One trick is to go to the youtube video settings and chose a slow speed. Many videos will show some minor technical mistakes as they were done in one take, lack perfection, and demonstrate a point in time in an evolving practice. Remember to focus on the principles, not on a perfect form. It's function over form, not the other way around that matters. The written notes of each move are included to help you understand the technical mechanics of each move. It really is impossible to teach the inner principles of Tai Chi on a website, without direct instruction. This is so important because the mechanics arise from the inner principles, and without direct teaching, finding the way can be challenging. In other words, these videos are just a helpful tool.