Class Descriptions

Integrated Center for Oriental Medicine

Class Schedule - Please call 972-473-9070 to enroll

Tuesday classes are taught by Sifu Richard Peck

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm  Lu Style Taiji Quan

Advanced Lu Style Qi Gong will commence in the Fall.  Dates to be announced later this summer.

 

Saturdays classes are taught by Sifu Richard Peck
These classes are on-going and may be joined at any time.

 8:00 am – 9:00 am  Ba Gua Zhang
 9:00 am – 10:00 am  Xing Yi Quan
10:00 am – 11:00 am  24-Move Taiji Quan

Tai Chi Center
Martial Arts

China is famous for a wide variety of martial arts. Basically, Chinese martial arts can be categorized into either external or internal martial arts. The external martial arts rely more on physical strength and less on softness. The internal arts rely less on one's physical strength and more on one's ability to Yield and to redirect the attack. The external martial arts are composed of literally hundreds of different family and popular styles. Most common to Westerners is Gong Fu (Kung Fu), which literally means someone that is good at something. Gong fu as seen on television is the ancient Shaolin martial art which came from the Shaolin temples of China and is the birthplace of Chinese martial arts. Other external Chinese martial arts include Praying Mantis, Hung Gar, etc.

 

The internal martial arts are composed of Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan), Ba Gua Zhang and Xing Yi Quan. Each of the internal martial arts is represented by a philosophical concept in Chinese culture. Taiji Quan follows concepts of Yin and Yang, Ba Gua Zhang follows concepts of the Eight Trigrams, and Xing Yi Quan follows the concepts of the Five Elements (Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth). The links above will take you to our martial arts history page that contains more information on each of the styles of martial arts that we teach.

 

All classes are open to individuals 18 years or older. There is a onetime $15 registration fee for new students, and all classes are $120 per 8 week session unless otherwise specified. At the end of the first eight weeks, the student can sign up for the next section. There are no extended contracts for taking classes and there are no uniforms or belt ranking systems. We recommend that you wear loose and comfortable clothing.

24-Move Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan)

This is a class for those who want to learn a shortened version of Taiji Quan. This style of Taiji was created in the 1950's and is currently one of the most popular styles of Taiji Quan. It is short and easy to learn and is ideal for those with limited time. This is an ongoing class and students may join at any time. There are no prerequisites.

 

Taiji Quan for Seniors

Taiji Quan is taught to seniors in China to help maintain health and improve life quality.  Numerous studies in China and in the United States have concluded that regular practice of Taiji Quan by seniors helps them to avoid falls, strengthens their legs, and improves their overall health.  This class is designed specifically for seniors and is taught by acupuncturists familiar with concepts of Oriental Medicine.  This is a wonderful class for seniors who want to regain or maintain an active life style.

 

42-Move Wu Shu Style Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan)

A recent development in China, this form combines movements from Chen Style, Yang Style, Wu Style, and Sun Style Taiji Quan. This is a very beautiful and graceful style of Taiji Quan and requires more leg strength than other styles.

 

64-Move Yang Style Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan)

Similar to the traditional Yang form, this 64-move style of Taiji Quan eliminates many of the repetitious moves of the long form. This style can be practiced by anyone and is a perfect way to gain strength and flexibility. Concepts of Oriental medicine and acupuncture will be introduced into the class. This is an ongoing class and students may join at any time.

 

Lu Style Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan)

Lu Style Taiji Quan is named after Grand Master Lu Hung Bin.  It was brought to the United States in 1986 by Richard and Iva Peck. It is predominantly Yang Style Taiji Quan with a few Wu Style Taiji Quan movements.  It has a distinct flavor of Ba Gua Zhang and Xing Yi Quan as well.  Many of the movements incorporate concepts of Qi Gong.  Those that practice this style of Taiji Quan find that they develop and can feel internal energy soon after beginning their study of this art.  It can be practiced by anyone regardless of their age.  Class is open to anyone over age 18.

 

Two Person Lu Style Taiji Quan

This form is done by two people and follows the movements of Lu Style Taiji Quan.  Open to those who have learned Lu Style Taiji Quan.

 

Women’s Self Defense

This course is designed to give women an understanding of how to defend themselves on the street.  It will cover those physical situations that women can encounter where their finesse and leverage can overcome strength.  Open only to women.  This is a great mother/daughter course that should be learned by all women.

 

Advanced Taiji Applications

Taiji Quan has many self defense moves. Many of these moves will be explored and how to use them correctly. Covers pressure points and qin na (chin na) applications of each move. This is more in-depth than a Basic Taiji Quan class.

 

Qin Na (Chin Na)

Qin Na is the application of joint locks and muscle separation to subdue an opponent. Taught in almost all forms of Chinese martial arts, it is a major factor in Lu Style Taiji Quan.  Open only to those who have studied Taiji Quan.

 

Tui Shou (Push Hands)

Tui Shou (push hands) is the first opportunity that Taiji Quan students have to utilize the concepts of Yin and Yang with a partner.  It teaches the student the concepts of yielding and neutralizing that is the foundation of Taiji Quan.  Open to those that are proficient in Taiji Quan.

 

Lu Style Taiji Jian (Sword)

Learning Taiji Jian (Sword) is a natural continuation of learning Taiji Quan. Prerequisite is Taiji Quan, Ba Gua Zhang or Xing Yi Quan.

 

Lu Style Taiji Double Sword

Taiji Jian (Sword) is usually done with a single sword.  Taiji Double Sword is a rare and beautiful sword form where there is a sword in each hand.  This form follows the principles of Taiji Quan and Taiji Jian (Single Sword).  Open to anyone who has learned Taiji Quan.

 

Two Person Lu Style Taiji Quan Double Sword

This beautiful form is done by two people and follows the movements of Taiji Quan Double Sword.  Open to those who have learned Lu Style Taiji Quan Double Sword.

 

Lu Style Taiji Quan Staff

This is a rare Taiji Quan staff form that incorporates concepts from Lu Style Taiji Quan.  Open to students who have studied Taiji Quan.

 

Plum Blossom Fan

This is a very rare fan form that has a broad variation of very flashy movements. It is a beautiful, flowery dance form with subtle martial arts applications. One would feel like a fair lady dancing and in a split second turn into a soldier in defense. If you like this concept, you would love this form. This is taught by Sifu Iva Peck who learned the form from Master Chang, who suffered from severe scoliosis.

 

Ba Gua Zhang

Ba Gua Zhang is one of the three internal martial arts of China. It is characterized by its unique circle walking and fluid circular movements. This class is a martial art that conforms to the theory of muscle meridians in traditional Chinese medicine. It is an ongoing class and is open only to those who have had previous experience in martial arts.

 

Deer Horn Knives

Deer Horn Knives are crescent shaped weapons.  Each hand holds one of the crescent knives.  It is one of the classical weapons of Ba Gua Zhang.  The form follows the principles and movements taught in Ba Gua Zhang. Open to those who have studied Ba Gua Zhang.

 

Xing Yi Quan

Xing Yi Quan is one of the three internal martial arts of China. It is characterized by straight lines and direct applications. This class is taught as a martial art rather than exercise. It is an ongoing class and is open only to those who have had previous experience in martial arts.

 

Xing Yi Dao (Broad Sword)

Learning Xing Yi Dao (Broad Sword) is a continuation of training in Xing Yi. Prerequisite is Taiji Quan, Ba Gua Zhang or Xing Yi Quan.

 

Taoist Meditation

Principles of Taoist meditation including the history, principles and techniques of meditation will be taught. Prerequisites of Basic Qi Gong and Advanced Qi Gong are required for this course. This is an eight week course.

 

Pre Qi Gong Techniques

This course teaches the student how to open the meridian system of the body so that energy can flow more easily. You will learn the location and how to stimulate numerous acupuncture points. This course can be done before or after the Basic Lu Style Qi Gong exercises.

 

Basic Lu Style Qi Gong Exercises

Lu Style Qi Gong (Chi Kung) is a system of fourteen Basic exercises that develop internal energy. Qi gong predates Taiji Quan by several hundred years. The fourteen movements are easy to learn and the student can expect a reasonable proficiency after eight weeks. Concepts of Oriental medicine and acupuncture are discussed in class. Most people that learn and consistently practice these simple exercises see a significant change in their health. They usually feel better, have more energy and experience less stress in their lives. This is the ideal class for both men and women who want to reduce their stress. This is a beginning class and no prior experience is necessary.

 

Advanced Lu Style Qi Gong Exercises

These fourteen advanced Qi Gong exercises are a continuation of the fourteen basic Qi Gong exercises. Some of the moves are performed with a partner. The Basic Lu Style Qi Gong exercises are a prerequisite to this course.