Winter News Letter 2015

Transcription

1 Central Connecticut Tai Chi Ch'uan School of Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Holistic Studies Winter News Letter 2015 Directors, David and Barbara Ritchie 25th Year for Central Connecticut Tai Chi Ch'uan This is our Silver Anniversary. We started in September of 1989 at 790 Old Colony Road. At the time we were running our Florist business, Racker Florist. This was a family business that I ran with my wife Barbara. We did many types of arrangements for many occasions. We would move aside the design tables, sweep up the floors and do our Tai Chi. Although I had been teaching privately for a few years I always thought about starting a Tai Chi School. One day I was photographed by the Record Journal while practicing under the Gazebo at Hubbard Park. This made the paper! I was surprised that a reader, Ken Cowing, showed up and spoke with me about teaching Tai Chi. We talked and eventually came up with the name, Central Connecticut Tai Chi Ch'uan, due to Meriden being centrally located in the State. I was a bit nervous as I had only been practicing Tai Chi for about 14 years. I didn't think I knew enough to really teach Tai Chi. I decided to try, so I put a very small Ad in the paper. I figured I might get 5 or 6 students as Tai Chi was not that popular. I almost fell over when 25 people showed up for the 1st class. Now I was really nervous!! After making the business decision to close the Florist business we converted the entire former Florist Shop to Tai Chi only.

2 Photos from a workshops at CCTCC early years Workshop with Grand Master William C.C. Chen Bob Michael a long time CCTCC Instructor with Master Chen. My son Christopher at a young age trying to push the Master

3 Our Push Hands & Chin Na Weekend Workshop with Dr Yang, Jwing Ming, Ramel Rones and Wen Ching Wu. Ken Cowing is front row, 1st on left. This was Our 1st CCTCC workshop held next door at Turner Hall Since those early years we have taught many students Tai Chi and offered as complete a program as possible. Tai Chi, Meditation, Qigong, Push Hands, Saber and Sword. Barbara has added Instruction in healing modalities after many years of practice. Reiki, Reflexology, Hot Stone Therapy and more. See our web site for more info.

4 Time to plan ahead for the Tai Chi Gala Located in Albany New York Best Western Hotel June 5, 6 & 7 Many workshop offerings with Masters and Sifus This happens once a year. I highly recommend this to all Tai Chi enthusiasts. Learn and advance yourself. The Gala, run by Loretta Wollering the Disciple of Grandmaster Jou, Tsung Hwa. Master Jou created the Tai Chi Zang Festival at his Tai Chi Farm in Warwick NY. Sifu Wollering restarted the Zang Festival after Master Jou's passing. It is now called the Tai Chi Gala. You can attend the full weekend or just one day if you wish. Saturday is the most popular single day. Many students like to get there Friday afternoon for the full weekend, leaving Sunday afternoon. For Information go to You Tube address for slide show of Tai Chi Gala

5 World Tai Chi and Chi Kung Day A free day of workshops in the local area. The last Saturday in April. Colchester Town Green. Workshops are presented by Local Masters and Shifus. As we get closer you will be ed! You Tube Link to 2013 WTCD Chinese New Year Year of the Goat (Sheep) February 2015

6 Holiday Party and Tai Chi Graduation November 2014

7 Breathing The foundation of qigong breathing is natural respiration. Natural breathing is also called abdominal or diaphragmatic respiration. On inhalation, the diaphragm muscle contracts and moves downward, pushing the abdomen out. This increases the volume of the lungs, creating a partial vacuum and sucking air in. During exhalation the diaphragm movement is upward, the abdomen releases inward, pushing air out. Inhalation: abdomen expands Exhalation: abdomen contracts This is the most efficient and natural way to breathe. The dropping of the diaphragm opens the lower lobes of the lungs, where most of the oxygen exchange takes place. Breathing abdominaly creates more internal space, more room for the lungs to expand then expanding the chest. This also means that a greater volume of the air will be exchanged. The rising and falling up the abdomen also gently massages the internal organs. By breathing abdominaly, respiration can become slow and relaxed. The average adult respiratory rate is about 16 breaths per minute. Someone mentally and physically relaxed should breathe at about five breaths per minute! The breath can slow to 5 beats per minute when the body is completely still, the mind quiet and untroubled, the environment and temperature comfortable and the clothing loose (especially around the waist).

8 New Years Day Tai Chi in the Park Brrrrrrrrrr

9 20 degrees a little wind chill but we were there Here is our best wishes for a great New Year!

10 CCTCC Current Tai Chi Class Schedule Meriden DAV Hall, 81 Hall Ave Mondays 6:30 7:30 Wu Hau Style Tai Chi 24 form 7:40 8:30 Tai Chi Saber (Dao) Thursdays 6:30 7:30 Part II Tai Chi Class 7:30 8:30 Advanced Tai Chi Practice Push Hands Sunday Class Hopefully a Start in March Date not set yet.

11 Reflexology Classes 2 Day Reflexology Course February 8th and 22nd from 8:30am-2:30pm each day Cost: $ Day Reflexology Course March 8th and 22nd from 8:30am-2:30pm each day Cost: $ Reiki Certification Classes by Appointment Reiki Certification Courses Reiki I - Cost: $ Reiki II - Cost: $ Advanced Reiki - Cost: $ Master Reiki Level - Cost: A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required for each class you sign up for. The deposit will be applied to the balance of your class. If you cancel and do not reschedule at a later date or you do not show up for the scheduled class, the deposit will not be returned. CE Hours available for all Reiki, Reflexology and Hot Stone Courses Barbara at baritchie30@gmail.com to register for courses.

12 David and Barbara Ritchie Central Connecticut Tai Chi Ch'uan Past News Letters can be found on our Website