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further your journey
In-Person Classes
Spiritus Optima offers small-group instruction in different styles of tai chi and qigong.
Read general information about our classes here.
Yang 10 - June - July 2026 - This form is the perfect introduction to the most popular style of tai chi, and a welcome return to basics for the experienced player. Yang 10 is a short and balanced form that features many of the signature moves in Yang style tai chi. Classes start with a gentle warm-up, provide step-by-step instruction of the form focusing on controlled, flowing movement, and then we end each class with qigong to deepen our breathing and feel life's elation.
Registration is still open for Tuesday, and closed for Thursday. For more information, see the class flyer.
NEW CLASS - Eight Brocades Qigong - September 2026 - This set of postures was developed over 1000 years ago to build health and stamina, and improve the flow of qi throughout the body. Benefits include increased energy, a revitalized mind and body, improved balance, and an overall sense of well-being. Classes begin with a gentle warm-up and offer instruction on each posture's movement, energy meridians, and breathing. Join us to experience the profound wellness benefits of qigong.
Registration will open in August. Check back for more information.
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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