The Studio is in a loft located in downtown Los Angeles. Classes are small and informal; when the weather is right we often end up on the roof, which has a spectacular view of the LA skyline.

All classes are taught by Christopher Nelson, who has close to 20 years of experience in Tai Chi. He has also trained in Aikido and Tae Kwon Do for a few years, but has always returned to his first love, Tai Chi Chuan.

Classes cover the Yangjia Michuan style of Taijiquan, which is a fancy way of saying the Hidden Tradition of the Yang Family Style of Tai Chi Chuan. Beginners should not worry too much about the style. Only direct experience can tell you whether or not this form is for you. Experienced Tai Chi players should know that there are crucial differences between this style and the classic Yang Style form. The Michuan form is older, far more precise in its application and is closer to the original form than the more modern "classic" Yang Style.

The teaching style is far more Western in it's approach than in most Tai Chi classes; moves are explained in detail, their self-defense applications are illustrated and rehearsed. Great effort is made to keep the teaching relevant and immediately accessible to a modern audience. Having said that, the core teachings are grounded in a very classical Chinese, Taoist philosophy.

2 hour class covers (eventually):

The 13 Postures, The Long Form, Push Hands (fixed feet and stepping), the Sword Form, the Staff Form, basic self-defense, and Taoist Meditation.

Cost:

Pricing has always been an issue. People in LA tend to assign value to something according to the price it carries. In that case, classes should be hundreds of dollars. But the health benefits of Tai Chi are so great that I find it immoral to deny those benefits to someone in need because of their financial situation. Classes are therefore on a can-pay basis, with a base of $100 a month, but I won't look in the pot to make sure everyone pays.

When:

Sundays: 4:30-6:30pm Beginners Class ( intro to basic elements, intro to Push Hands)

5-7pm Intermediate/advanced Class (13 Postures, Duans, Weapons, Push Hands)

For location or more info, contact:

downtowntaichistudio@gmail.com or call: (323) 377 0223