Connecting Heaven and Earth: Release, Sink, Root and Central Equilibrium

518 Boston Post Road,Orange CT 06477

27 February, 2022

Description

Guest instructor Matt Mele will lead a workshop on "Zhong Ding" Central Equilibrium, connecting the lower and upper body through the center We are very excited to welcome back Matt Mele as our guest instructor for our February workshop on "Zhong Ding" central equilibrium. Tai Chi has thirteen fundamental "postures": Eight Jin (refined power) patterns and five stepping/footwork patterns. These thirteen postures comprise the foundation of all the other moves and forms in Tai Chi. Of these thirteen, the most important, and sometimes undervalued is "Zhong Ding" ("Central Equilibrium"). Basically, the center from which you operate, both in movement and also vertically through the body, i.e. how you connect the lower part of your body to the upper part. In this workshop we will explore how to integrate the "lower" and "upper" through connection to this center. We'll explore the relationship between Releasing (Song), Sinking and Rooting (what we might call "the powers of down") with and through the center, and how that connection can allow for energy to flow both down to the ground and up from the ground "connecting Heaven and Earth." Matt Mele has been a Tai Chi practitioner and instructor for 20 years, specializing in Old Yang Style Tai Chi, from a different lineage than the most popularized versions of Yang Style Tai Chi under Yang Chengfu. He used to run Silent Dragon Kung Fu and Tai Chi in West Haven, CT. Our monthly workshops are designed for ALL Levels. Beginning students can jump start their Tai Chi study by gaining familiarity of important fundamental concepts. Advanced students can improve their Tai Chi by deepening their understanding of Tai Chi principles. Learn authentic Tai Chi, Qigong, and internal martial arts from the disciples of Grandmaster Aiping Cheng, one of China's most accomplished professional martial artists. Shifus Shirley Chock, Jonas Karosas, and Bob Shannon continue the tradition of authentic teaching but with an updated approach to connect with today's students.