About

Tai Chi, the traditional Chinese system of mind and body training, is widely practiced around the world by people of all ages for betterment of health and well-being. 

Three elderly women practicing tai chi outdoors in a park on a sunny day.

Tai Chi as it is known in modern times can be divided into 5 main styles:

Chen2 (陈), Yang2（杨）, Sun1 （孙）, Wu2（吴），Wu3（武）.

The order of these styles reflects the lineage as the latter ones were developed by disciples of the earlier masters. Outside of these five, there are also distinctive Tai Chi styles in the Taoist tradition.  While many stylistic differences exist among the different schools of Tai Chi practiced in China and around the world today, they all share the 10 Tai Chi Essential Principals, which was best synthesized by Yang Chengfu (1883-1936).

Our community focuses on Yang style Tai Chi, the most widely practiced Tai Chi style recognized by its gentle and flowing movements. Tai Chi, when practiced with a supportive community of fellow students among nature, whenever possible, can bring tremendous benefits to one’s overall health and disposition. It is suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness.

Forms of Tai Chi Taught in Fort Collins, CO

  • A woman leading a gentle exercise or stretching session outdoors in a park, with three elderly participants standing on green grass surrounded by trees.

    Yang Style Tai Chi 24-form

    This is one of the most widely practiced Yang Style Tai Chi form.

    In 1956, the National Sports Administration of the People’s Republic of China brought together a group of Tai Chi masters to create an easy-to-access Tai Chi routine- the Yang Style Tai Chi 24-form - so that it can be taught to the masses as a low-cost public health solution.  From there 44-form, 88-form, and many other forms were developed to meet the growing interests of the masses.

    Learn more on our Resources Page.

  • An elderly woman smiling and dancing outdoors on a grassy field, with a man in the background clapping and smiling, under a tree canopy.

    Tai Chi for Health 8-form

    This form was officially introduced in 1995 by  Dr. Li Hongyi, a physician who is also a long-time Tai Chi practitioner and teacher in Beijing.

    This shorter form incorporates the 10 Tai Chi Essential Principals synthesized by Yang Chengfu (1883-1936) into a simple set of 8 postures that benefits the body, mind and spirit.

    Learn more on our Resources Page.

  • An elderly woman and a middle-aged man are outdoors, performing a high-knee exercise on a grass lawn with large trees in the background.

    Traditional Yang Style Long Form

    This is the traditional form of 85 postures developed by Yang Chengfu (杨澄甫), the grandson of the founder of Yang style Tai Chi, Yang Luchan (杨露禅, 1799-1872).

Upcoming Class Schedule

“After many years of high intensity athletic activity, I have finally discovered the deep connection between my mind and body, while still using my previous knowledge and experience with movement and strength.”

A woman wearing glasses, a floral patterned blouse, and black pants, raising her right hand with an open palm, outdoors in a park with green trees in the background, holding hands with another person.
View More Testimonials