Events

Qin Na Drills, March 20- 3:0 to 5:00, Bowdoin College Buck Center #301. Doug Johnstone, Instructor. Registration $20. A series of monthly classes to offer ongoing instruction for Qin Na training. Participants may wish to attend one class or build on the progression of principles and techniques by attending ongoing classes. Qin Na- "joint locking"- is one of the fighting skills used in Taijiquan. It involves subtle angles, zoning, coiling and mind intent. Not for beginners- check with the instructor. Contact: kdryan@suscom-maine.net

Taiji Sticking Hands Drills, February 20- 9:00 to 11:00, Bowdoin College Buck Center #301. Ken Ryan, Instructor. Pre-Registration $30; onsite $40. Based on the Yin/Yang symbol practice, a wonderful meditation for developing whole-body movement and coiling energy, this two-person pattern will assist in developing partner practice flow. Effortlessly neutralize incoming energy using spiraling patterns that lead to sealing and attacking. Both stationary and moving patterns presented. Not for beginners- check with the instructor. Contact: kdryan@suscom-maine.net.

YMAA Winter Seminars January 17- March 1. Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming will be returning to Boston for this series of weekends that includes Taiji Form, Qigong, Push Hands and Qin Na. Master Yang is one of the most knowledgeable instructors teaching today, and among the most prolific writers. An annual pilgrimage for some hardcore MCT students, the weekends allow us to see old friends at YMAA, and are always educational, social, and just a fun time. Make your plans early... the Taylor House fills up fast! For details go to YMAA.

Taiji Ball Workshop- March 6, 9:00 to 11:00, Bowdoin College Buck Center #301. Ken Ryan, Instructor. Pre-Registration $30; onsite $40. Based on the teachings of Yang Jwing-Ming, Taiji Ball is one of the most effective methods for training strength, flexibility and body connection. The workshop will focus on standing and moving Qigong for health and Taijiquan practice. Particular focus on articulating the spine, which is central to the transfer of "power from the ground, directed by the waist..", a hallmark of Taijiquan movement. Contact- kdryan@suscom-maine.net.

Bowdoin College Peter Buck Center Open Recently opened, this beautiful new facility, located near the stone polar bear, is the home to our Taijiquan & Qigong classes and special events. Most events will be held in Room #301 located in the Wellness Center next to the Health Center on the 3rd floor- take the elevator to the 3rd floor and go to the end of the hall. Some events will take place in Room #213 located next to the Athletic Department- take the elevator to the 2nd floor and turn right as you exit the elevator.

Chen Family Style Taijiquan, March 26-28, Hadley & Springfield, MA. Wang Hai Jun, Instructor. This is an excellent chance to study Chen Style with one of the top instructors in the world. Master Wang's accomplishments demonstrate exceptional training and skill, and his teaching style is generous, humble and tireless. For beginners and experienced players. Check out www.wanghaijun.com or contact Leslie Franks- chentaijiacademy@charter.net;

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day April 24, from 10:00 to 11:00 @ Bowdoin College. The WTCQD organization (Bill Douglas) sponsors this grass-roots event each year on the last Saturday of April at 10:00- practitioners around the world gather in their communities for a global celebration of Tai Chi & Qigong. Anyone interested is invited to attend and watch or participate. We will meet on the Campus Quad, weather permitting; in case of rain go to Sargent Gymnasium. Find out more at worldtaichiday.org. Or contact- kdryan@suscom-maine.net.

Zhang San Feng Festival, April 29-May 2, The Catskills, NY. Started by Master Jou Tsung Hwa at his Taiji Farm in New York , the festival was originally the international gathering for teachers and students in this country. Since his death, his students have kept the festival alive and well, hosting prominent teachers from all over the world. The workshops are delightfully varied and rich with content. And Wang Rengang's post-festival workshop should be fantastic! Contact the Zhang Festival. Want to carpool? Contact- kdryan@suscom-maine.net.