"Slow Goes The Growth"

My Credentials: A disciple of the international Double Dragon Alliance (DDA) based in Shanghai, China. Over 25 years of Taiji study in association with local schools (Magic Tortoise, Entwined Dragons, Black Bamboo, etc); medalist and judge at CACMA and USKSF; senior student and Certified Taiji Teacher with Magic Tortoise School.

Gabe on travel: I will be in China this Spring 2024 to have further instruction and corrections from Master Wang Ming Bo, Master Rose Oliver, and our Double Dragon Alliance colleagues at Cao Yang Park in Shanghai. While I'm away, my senior student, Coach Damon, will be facilitating at Orchard Park in Durham. 

Double Dragon Alliance Lineage, Gabrael StClair, Masters Rose Oliver and Wang Ming Bo, Double Dragon Alliance, Shanghai., Master Dong Bin, Masters Yue Huan Zhi and Dong Shi Zuo, Master Dong Ying Jie, Master Yang Chen Fu.

My Interests: I'm predominantly interested in the forms that I'm bringing back directly from China. I find it especially inspiring to play Grandmaster Dong Bin's Yang Family Style Taijiquan because it features quite a few circular linking movements. Would you like to join in? gabeteachestaiji@gmail.com

Qigong and Taiji at The Park

Explore the many health benefits by regular practice of the slow, flowing movements of Qigong and Taiji. Many have found improvements in relaxation, concentration, and balance. 


9 AM Weds Qigong, 

9 AM Fri Taiji 

Orchard Park 1000 S. Duke St.

Durham, NC


Weather Permitting

If the weather is bad, we meet at W. D. Hill Recreation Center, 1308 Fayetteville Street, Durham

$4 fee ($3 Seniors) to the center per class visit. 

Contact (919) 560-4292 Andre.White@durhamnc.gov 

 

Please let me know if you are going to attend for the first time.


Donations are gratefully accepted via cash or PayPal  gabraelstclair@gmail.com I take photos so my Double Dragon Alliance teachers in China and Chicago can offer us refinements.


Wednesday Morning Qigong  – Focus on follow along.

9 AM - BaDuanJin, YiJinJing, WuQinXi,TaijiZhang. Please bring your own 4 foot staff. (Broom handles etc, will work fine!) 

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           Friday Morning Taiji Long Form –  Experienced Taiji Players

9 AM - Grandmaster Dong Bin’s Yang Style. 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/URQZy8pNm6kXnsW86


  Please let me know if you wish to be on my update list. gabeteachestaiji@gmail.com


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W. D. Hill Recreation Center

1308 Fayetteville Street, Durham

Tuesday Evenings 6:15  


Chinese Exercises for Wellbeing: Flow, Flexibility, Balance, and Tai Chi Skills. 

Follow along only, no homework, no pressure!     

New Drop-in class starts 18June.


W. D. Hill Recreation Center, 1308 Fayetteville Street, Durham. There is a $4 fee ($3 Seniors) to the center per daily visit. Contact the center for information about the facility.  (919) 560-4292 Andre.White@durhamnc.gov

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Form descriptions

Master Dong Bin's Yang Taiji— An hour long flowing Yang family form, emphasizing many expanding, circular and evading moves.  Focus is on slow, continuity in the spiraling 81 movements. I find that this form is a good challenge to my body, mind, and spirit. We have regular corrections from Master Rose Oliver. 

Grandmaster Dong Bin's Yang Family Style Taiji 

Master Wang MDBYang

Taiji Zhang (Taiji Staff)--This 8 minute staff form is very close to qigong in nature. Slow and flowing stretches with the staff, crossing the mid-line quite often to have a challenge for mind as well as body. Very relaxing and centering. Good for meditation. I learned this form from Master Liu Zu Ping. https://youtu.be/7miWGGszIfw

Qigong -- Slow Stretches with mindful breathing to bring the body's energy towards harmony. 

BaDuanJin, https://youtu.be/XltDPxvKPcA

YiJinJing, https://youtu.be/o_ZwGc5H1pg

WuQinXi, https://youtu.be/cBkcSgYSU2g

Xing Yi San He Dao (3 Harmonies Saber)— We practice extending energy through the blade, in this 105 movement energetic and delightful saber form from Zhu Gui Ting, based on 12 Animal Xing Yi. Solo and duet. I learned this form from Master Yan Cheng De and Master Rose Oliver. Master Dan Pasek of the Entwined Dragons School has generously given expert Taiji weapons advice, and he reconstructed the duet from the solo San He Dao form.  

San He Dao Entire Solo Form Shanghai Style 

San He Dao Duet (NC Style)

Let me know if you have any questions or comments. 

All The Best,

Gabe LaoShi (Teacher Gabe), DDA, CACMA, USKSF, Certified Taiji Teacher through Magic Tortoise School 

Business email:    gabeteachestaiji@gmail.com

Check out my Facebook page https://fb.me/GabeTeachesTaiji

DDA Videos

DDA References