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In-Person Classes
Spiritus Optima offers small-group instruction in different styles of tai chi and qigong.
Read general information about our classes here.
Winter '26-'27 - Yang 24 is the most popular tai chi form around the world! Yang-style tai chi incorporates the dynamic equilibrium of yin yang energies and our inner spiral force to bring fresh vitality to our movement and cultivate our mindfulness. Each class begins with a warm-up routine, followed by detailed instruction of each movement of the form, building toward a beautiful, flowing sequence of tai chi. We end each class with quiet, restorative qigong to carry our peace forward.
Note: this will be a longer session of classes, owing to the length of the form.
Registration is closed, classes are full. For more information see the class flyer.
Spring '27 - Watch for a new session of classes in early 2027, tentatively planning on the wonderfully restorative eighteen postures of Shibashi Qigong. 🪷
world tai chi & qigong day
World Tai Chi and Qigong Day
WTCQD is a worldwide holiday that happens every year on the last Saturday of April, at 10AM local time. Each year, area tai chi enthusiasts meet at Saratoga Spa State Park to celebrate.
It is a fun & lively event to honor our practice and recognize the benefits tai chi brings to our lives.
WTCQD 2026
We had a fine group of players on hand to celebrate WTCQD! The power and joy of playing together amplifies the good chi and good cheer.
We did two Yang-style forms, featuring the yin yang energy ball. Then we switched to a Sun-style form, with its embedded qigong and traditional follow steps. The group tried the newest tai chi form Bafa Wubu, and New Moon Tai Chi's advanced class performed a demonstration with the Whip Stick. The qigong portion of the program included a sampling from the popular Shibashi sequence, and we ended our celebration in a big circle performing a Buddhist Qigong of Lovingkindness. ☮️💟☯️
WTCQD 2025
A dedicated and enthusiastic crowd of tai chi players gathered in Saratoga Spa State Park to celebrate World Tai Chi & Qigong Day 2025. After a week of remarkably sunny weather, this day was showery. We took refuge under the arches near the Hall of Springs.
We shared a gentle warm-up, then played through Yang 10, Yang 16, and a modified Sun form. We had Bang sticks for everyone to try a short, meditative form. Our advanced class demonstrated a Whip Stick form. We ended with plenty of qigong - a Shibashi sampler, the Buddhist Qigong for Lovingkindness, and to celebrate the Year of the Snake, Sifu Tony led us through a special Snake Qigong. 🐍
Despite the rain, everyone was of good cheer! We mingled afterwards with cookies and conversation. And there were plenty of smiles to go around!
May I suggest you mark your calendar now to celebrate World Tai Chi and Qigong Day in 2026! 💜☯️
WTCQD 2024
A good crowd of players was on hand to celebrate! Together with Sifu Tony Grimaldi of New Moon Tai Chi, and certified tai chi instructors Lynn Gretschel & Jean Gustafson, we hosted 28 people in Saratoga Spa State Park.
We played through Yang and Sun forms, practiced a meditation with Bang sticks, tried China's newest tai chi form Bafa Wubu, and ended in a big circle sharing deep breaths and good energy with qigong.
We lucked out with the weather! It was a cool, sunny morning, and we were watching our shadows on the green grass, looking at lots of wispy clouds and admiring Spring color in the trees.
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, 2024
(Late photo! Sorry if we missed you!)
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, 2024
(Late photo! Sorry if we missed you!)
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, 2023
It was cool and showery, so we took refuge under the arches. This dedicated group enjoyed playing our way through many tai chi forms, followed by lots of qigong.
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, 2023
It was cool and showery, so we took refuge under the arches. This dedicated group enjoyed playing our way through many tai chi forms, followed by lots of qigong.
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, 2022
Looks like we had better weather! We played outside in the sunshine on the great lawn, doing various tai chi forms - Yang, Sun, Wu - and many different postures of qigong.
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, 2022
Looks like we had better weather! We played outside in the sunshine on the great lawn, doing various tai chi forms - Yang, Sun, Wu - and many different postures of qigong.
your tai chi journey
While there is a lot of good information and helpful videos about tai chi on the internet, there is no comparison to sharing actual time and space with a group of practitioners.
Seek out groups near you through martial arts studios, fitness centers, continuing education programs, and senior centers.
Ask your health insurer for tai chi programs.
Find your tribe!
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