Three-time national t'ai chi push hands champion, Rick Barrett, hosts the longest-running t'ai-chi chu'an class in Staten Island . For years a fixture at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, the class now takes place on Wednesdays at Glenn Cunningham's Staten Island Jundokan/Kouketsu Dojo at 278 Lincoln Ave. (off Hylan Ave. near Midland Ave.)

Wednesday schedule:

6:30 pm-7:30 pm: "NEW!!! Xingyiquan (Hsing-yi chuan)"

7:30 pm-8:30 "Willam Chen's 60 Movements"

Rick infuses the pragmatic body mechanics of the form with understanding and development of ch'i (vital energy). T'ai chi is also effective as a martial art. Master Chen was named "Inside Kung Fu's" Man of the Year for 2000 and his son and daughter (Max and Tiffany) both compete internationally in full-contact fighting.

8:30-9:30 Ch'i Kung and Push Hands

Ch'i Kung is composed of exercises that are designed to cultivate and develop ch'i. They are usually done slowly and coordinated with breathing to heighten awareness of ch'i. These exercises can be done by anyone and produce tremendous health benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, health and longevity are primarily affected by the level of ch'i in the body and how well it circulates. This class seeks to improve both by familiarizing students with their most precious resource, their life force. Rick has an uncanny ability to express even the most arcane subjects in simple, understandable language, then develop exercises and demonstrations to make them more real.

Push Hands is a two-person drill that is designed to develop tai chi principles in practical use. It varies from a slow, relaxed cooperative dance to a highly competitve sport, depending on the student's interest and experience. The student gradually learns how to effectively handle challenges of all sorts by responding with the appropriate energy. Push hands is an amazingly effective process for overcoming fear and learning how to be comfortable in others' space. Some students have described it as "better than hundreds of hours of therapy"!

Advanced students can take advantage of the martial aspects of push hands. Rick shares tactics for competing at a high level.

Rates:

One class: $15
Full day (2-4 classes) $20
Monthly Rates
Form Class only $50
Form/ Chi Kung/ Push Hands $60
All classes $70

Private lessons are also available for focused, one-on-one instruction.

Students may begin study at any time. Classes are ongoing. Classes are suitable for ages 9 to 90. If you can walk up the stairs, you can do t'ai chi.

Email: rickbarrett@taichialchemy.com
Phone: 917-854-9445