Taiji Ball Qigong with Richard Gibson Level: All, beginner to advanced. Seminar Length: 5 hours of class time, 10am-5pm Sunday Equipment: Comfortable clothing and indoor shoes. Tuition: $75 Note: Limited to 16 participants

Taiji Ball Qigong was once a common practice for both internal and external martial arts in China. Today, this little-know practice brings benefits to practitioners of all backgrounds. Beginners usually learn the patterns with a rubber ball, intermediate students utilize wooden spheres of varying weights, and advanced practitioners perform the patterns empty-handed. Health: A primary function of Taiji Ball Qigong is the rejuvenation of the spine. It is a wonderful “wake up” exercise, gently easing the spinal compression that can occur during the night. Upper and lower back pain or discomfort is, through correct practice, relieved due to the gentle opening and closing movements. These movements, though simple in appearance, can have a powerful effect on the nervous system. All movements should be done without tension, and introduced a few minutes a day and gradually increasing the time. Internal: In Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), Taiji Ball Qigong training was once a major training tool for enhancing Pushing Hands ability. Today many are rediscovering this wonderful solo pushing hands training method. Practitioners of all internal arts use Taiji Ball training to enhance their sensitivity, sense of relaxation, root, and ability to coil. External: Taiji Ball Qigong can enhance ones ability to issue power, develop root, strengthen grip and train the muscles used to wield weapons. Some external styles progressively increase the weight of the sphere used, often moving on to stone spheres after having mastered the wooden ones. Participants will be grouped according to experience. You will learn: All Levels: Taiji Ball Breathing Patterns Level 1: Vertical Circling Solo Practice Drills Partner Practice Drills Level 2: Horizontal Circling Solo Practice Drills Partner Practice Drills Level 3: Vertical Rotating Horizontal Rotating Solo Practice Drills Partner Practice Drills Level 4: Vertical Wrap Coiling Horizontal Wrap Coiling Solo Practice Drills Partner Practice Drills Level 5: Applications Regardless of your goals, Taiji Ball Qigong has something for you! Teacher: Richard Gibson Richard (Rich) Gibson has been involved in Chinese Martial Arts since 1994 when he met his Wing Chun (pinyin = Yong Chun) teacher, Terrence Yip. After earning his diploma in Wing Chun, Rich began an indepth exploration of the internal arts with Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming of Boston. This study included Taijiquan, Pushing Hands, Soft Qigong and Hard Qigong. Today Rich specializes in the art of Taijiquan, including form, pushing hands, qinna & qigong. He credits his earlier study of Wing Chun in helping him recognize the need for sensitivity and to cultivate this skill. Rich continues his own education in the Chinese arts with Dr. Yang. He is the Taijiquan teacher at Artemis Seminars in NYC and regularly teaches seminars around the country. Rich teaching a Taiji Qinna seminar in NYC.