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“I’ve taken class with Chris for many years. He works at your level. I’ve seen him teach people with bad injuries just as well as people with a lifetime of martial arts knowledge.
He’s very kind and this class will transform your life. I know that I would not be in such a good place in my day to day life if it wasn’t for this class. You come thinking you’ll learn some cool meditation techniques but you learn SO much more!
I feel much more confident as a woman walking alone as well. I feel stronger and more stable. I’ve had many times I’ve felt threatened living in NYC and DTLA but now after this class I’m not scared, I feel like I literally have a fighting chance. Which wasn’t even the reason I started going!!! Just an AMAZING side effect. Confidence.
You won’t regret this for a minute. Come with a beginners mind no matter your level and you’ll learn so much.”
Stasha W. Yelp review
Classes that fit your schedule.
Structured classes, always available so that you may learn at your own pace.
The video classes cover a wide array of topics: warm ups, basic exercises, theory, Open Hand Form. Also included are follow-along classes to guide you through an entire class, form warm-ups to cool down.
You choose how often, and for how long, you train.
Weekly video chat sessions give you the support you need, answering any questions you might have. You have the freedom to go at your own pace, but with a personalized support network.
Clear Instructions
A mix of video, text, and lectures, each module covers each topic in depth, but with enough clear and visual instruction that any one can follow along and learn, no matter what your experience or physical ability is.
A community
Interactive Q&A sessions, where you can ask questions and receive support and guidance, from me or from other students!
Weekly group video chats will give you the detailed instructions you need to progress with confidence. They also give you a chance to guide the instruction and request new videos or topics. This course will never be “dead”, but a growing and on-going group project.
Individual coaching sessions are also availlable if you have any specific questions or needs.
Step out of your box
Evolve, heal, and unlock your true self using tools developed over thousands of years.
Find information not covered anywhere else…a deep dive in Taoist philosophy and the way it relates to the practice and to our daily life.
As the Taoists, say: become Truly Human.
“After studying The Old Long Form, The Cheng Man Ch’ing Short Form, and the Yangjia Michuan Taijiquan Form with some highly regarded teachers, I was searching for an online Yangjia Michuan Taijiquan form teacher and found Chris’ Hidden Tai Chi.
His online classes have been exceptional! Chris is highly experienced and a gifted teacher. He knows how to clearly communicate the crucial details of the Michuan form and makes classes fun.
Chris studied with some of the best in the Michuan Form and it shows. He understands the profound nuances that make this the most martial form that I’ve experienced, and a potent tool in developing and understanding the use of internal energy. In less than 6 months, health issues are dramatically improving and I’m experiencing new depths and understanding of the Michuan Form and Tai Chi in general.”
Jeff A., current member of the online classroom
COURSE BUNDLES
LIVE VIDEO CALLS – Receive corrections, have your questions answered
Two 1-Hour Coaching session
Get two one-on-one coaching over video call, so that your Form can be corrected, and all your questions answered. I highly recommend that you book at least one call before moving up in level so that any mistakes are corrected before they become a bad habit.
Eight 1-hour coaching session
Go ahead and buy eight sessions, to be used whenever you want. You get the same one-on-one coaching, with the a nice saving on top.
Have a question?
Is Tai Chi right for you? How do these classes work? Feel free to schedule a FREE call to go over all these questions before buying. Your satisfaction is important, and you should feel good about your choice to purchase a class bundle.
LEVEL ONE – THE BASICS
BASICS OF TAI CHI
Get the benefits of a Tai Chi practice without having to memorize the movements! This is for those who want a mellow workout, which increases mobility, balance, flexibility while promoting stress reduction. If your doctor recommended Tai Chi, this is for you.
This is also where you will find the basic warm-ups and an introduction to Qigong. This module is a must for those interested in learning the Hidden Tradition of Yang Family style of Tai Chi, since the warm ups introduce the core principles that will be used in the Form itself.
The course covers everything listed below:
Basic Warm Ups
A set of warm ups to develop flexibility, balance and strength. They incorporate basic principles that will be used later in the Tai Chi form itself, so they are crucial to a proper practice. They can also be used alone as a daily routine to keep the body energized and the mind calm.
The Five Animals
A set of moving warm-ups that combine deep stretching of the spine, shoulders and hips, with stepping movements that develop balance and leg strength. This set of exercises is especially good for those looking for a more intense warm up.
Intro to Qigong
An introduction to the energy work found in Tai Chi. This class covers the theory behind Qi and Qigong, as well as a short Qigong movement exercise.
What is Tai Chi?
An overview of the history and creation of Tai Chi, what exectyly it is, and what is the Hidden Tradition of the Yang Style of Tai Chi, the form taught in the course bundles.
LEVEL 2 – BEGINNER
INTRO TO TAI CHI- THE THIRTEEN POSTURES
The Thirteen Postures is a short introductory Form which includes all of the basic moves ( the “Eight Gates”) used in the longer Form. This is a fascinating bit of martial choreography, and is rarely available to the public. Learning it is required before moving forward. It contains within it all the language and logic that will be used later on in the rest of the Form.
It incorporates within it basic Taoist ideas of cosmology, Bagua and its relation to the Tai Chi moves, and even hints at the shamanic roots of Taoism and its survival within Tai Chi.
This bundle includes a deeper dive into Qigong as well as an introduction to Tai Chi wrestling, also known as Push Hands.
The 13 Postures
A short sequence of movements that introduce the core principles of Tai Chi. It embodies the theoritical concepts of Taoism, as well as the Eight Gates (the eight basic moves of Tai Chi) and the Five Directions which are the building blocks of the longer form of the Hidden Tradition of Yang Style Tai Chi.
Qigong
A deep dive into Qigong, with a long set of exercises designed to stimulate the creation and flow of internal energy. Also included is a discussion of the Qigong aspects that are built into the 13 Postures.
Push Hands Basics
An introduction to the art of Push Hands, the 2-person exercise to develop relaxation, sensitivity, and power projection. It is the basis of the self-defense applications of the form.
The Bagua and the Five Directions
An overview of the principles and theories underlying the 13 Postures and the Tai Chi form itself. It is the language we will be using when talking about Tai Chi.
LEVEL 3 – INTERMEDIATE
INTERMEDIATE TAI CHI – THE FIRST DUAN
“Duan” is simply section or part…it is the first section of the 3-part full Form. Each Duan increases in complexity, so each is a complete set, and each introduces principles od Tai Chi and self defense.
The First Duan takes from the 13 Postures and adds more complex stepping pattern and new combinations of moves. This is where the iconic Single Whip moves first appears.
Also included are a deeper dive into Qigong, sitting taosit meditation, Push Hands and tai Chi as a self-defense practice.
The First Duan
The first section (or “Duan”) of the long form of the Hidden Tradition of the Yang Style of Tai Chi.
Applications of the First Duan
A deep dive into the self-defense applications of the First Duan, with a step-by-step look at the form and how each move has a fighting application.
Advanced Warm Ups
A new look at the warm up sequence, with added moves and a new way of looking at the warm ups, integrating energy work, deep relaxation and energy projection. A fundamental way of deepening the practice of Tai Chi.
Push Hands
The basic exercises and basic principles of Push Hands..everything you need to know in order to step into the practice.
Sitting Taoist Meditation
A full course on Taoist sittign meditation. The basics of sitting, the flow of energy, and the Microscosmic Orbit. Plus how it relates to Qigong and Tai Chi.
Tai Chi For Self Defense
How to take the principles of Tai Chi and apply them in real life in fighting situation. An examination of the fighting principles found in the form, plus an outline of how to train for fighting using Tai Chi.
LEVEL 4 – ADVANCED
ADVANCED TAI CHI – THE SECOND DUAN
The second Duan is yet another leap in complexcity. New stepping, kicks, and strikes. It builds on the 13 Postures and the First Duan to create new complex moves.
The rest of the module looks deeper into Push Hands, including the 2-person Push Hands set called Bafa.
The Second Duan
The second part of the long empty-hand form. It is longer and more complicated than the First Duan, with new concepts and moves being introduced.
Second Duan Applications
An overview of the Second Duan, with a move-by-move look at the martial applications.
Advanced Push Hands
A deep dive into Push Hands and the principles that govern it. Advanced techniques for this 2-person exercise. Also, how Push Hands can lead to sparring in a safe way.
Bafa
A moving, 2-person Push Hands exercise, meant to develop stepping, timing and sensitivity.
LIVE VIDEO CALLS – Receive corrections, have your questions answered
Two 1-Hour Coaching session
Get one-on-one coaching over video call, so that your form can be corrected, and all your questions answered. I highly recommend that you book at least one call before moving up in level so that any mistakes are corrected before they become a bad habit.
Eight 1-hour coaching session
Go ahead and buy four sessions, to be used whenever you want. You get the same one-on-one coaching, with the a nice saving on top.
Have a question?
Is Tai Chi right for you? How do these classes work? Feel free to schedule a FREE call to go over all these questions before buying. Your satisfaction is important, and you should feel good about your choice to purchase a class bundle.
All classes offered are based on the Hidden Tradition of the Yang Family of Tai Chi Chuan, or Yangjia Michuan Taijiquan. Classes cover the empty hand forms, basic exercises, meditation, applications, and Push Hands.
The practice is gentle and slow, and appropriate for all ages and physical condition. But the work can be surprisingly challenging, which helps students develop both physically and mentally. The focus is on developing good posture, ease of movement and stress reduction. The Tai Chi forms are based on Taoist ideas, which are discussed in depth. The martial applications are also studied, both as a metaphor for internal psychological processes and actual self-defense techniques.
All classes are taught by Christopher Nelson, who has been studying Tai Chi for over 30 years and teaching for fifteen. He has also studied Aikido, Tae Kwon Do and Judo, bringing a well rounded knowledge to the classes.
email hiddentaichi@gmail.com for more info
“Chris is a thoughtful, knowledgeable teacher. He brings the information down to the level that each of us needed to comprehend the moves and the theory behind the moves. I learned so much from him.
The Silverlake group meets in a park setting… which is wonderful. Every morning we breath in Nature’s best essence as we move to timeless rhythms.”
Michele C. Yelp review
“Wow! First day and I can already tell a difference. It’s like Chris flipped the on switch in my mind and body. Focusing has been easier today and the gentle stretching and movement have relieved some joint pain I was experiencing. The other students are friendly and welcoming and the tea at the beginning and end is lovely. So happy to have found this class!”
Sheryl C. Yelp review