Taught by Sifu Martin Kelly, with assistant Chuck Emary
Seminar Overview
A four-hour seminar covering Tai Chi theory and application. Students will learn a five-posture Yang-style form along with push hands practice for balance recovery and whole-body structural integration.
Push hands practice introduces circle theory, yin-yang theory, soft coiling power, rooting for stability, and structural alignment. Sifu Kelly learned this form over many years of study with William C.C. Chen and Ken Cohen.
The seminar examines the five basic energies of Tai Chi in detail: ward off, rollback, press, push and split. These are the five essentials underlying all Tai Chi practice. By the end of the seminar, students will understand these five energies and have working access to the Yang-style five-posture form.
What You’ll Experience
An environment where students learn to relax and move gently while developing whole-body power. Push hands is approached as play: a game where partners learn together. As you relax into the practice, you build balance, massage the vital organs, and receive direct feedback on the energies (offensive, defensive, yin and yang).
Health and Safety
This seminar is open to ages 13 and up, with no prior experience necessary. If you can walk unassisted, this class is for you.
Training will be held at 9,200 feet elevation. Please be prepared for thinner air, drink plenty of water, and pace yourself, especially if you are coming from lower altitude.
Please consult your physician before attending if you have:
- A history of joint pain, back pain, or recent injury or surgery
- Asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions
- Cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, or any condition affected by altitude
- Pregnancy or any other condition that may be affected by physical exertion
Tai Chi is a gentle practice, but push hands involves partner contact, weight shifting and gentle pushing. Participants should have integrity in all their joints and the ability to train at altitude.
What to Wear and Bring
Clothing
Loose, comfortable athletic clothing that allows full range of motion. Dress in layers; mountain weather can shift quickly, and you’ll warm up as you train.
Footwear
Comfortable athletic shoes with good grip, suitable for both hard surfaces and decomposed granite. Martial arts shoes, minimalist trainers, court shoes or running shoes all work well.
Sun Protection
Colorado high altitude means stronger UV exposure. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. If you sunburn easily, consider long sleeves and lightweight long pants.
What to Bring
- Water bottle (hydration matters more at altitude)
- Light snack for the break
- Lip balm with SPF
- A light jacket or windbreaker, even on warm days
Seminar Details
Date: Sunday, August 16
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM (with a 30-minute break from 12:00 to 12:30)
Location: Circling Dragons Martial Arts 1750 Vagabond Creek Drive 80827
Class Size: Limited to 10 students
Cost
- Seminar: $130
- Seminar + USB drive: $200
The USB drive includes detailed instruction on the five-posture form, applications and supporting material for continued study at home.
Registration
Register and pay online: www.selfcarearts.com/martial-art-seminars
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, August 13
Questions: mountaindragon2020@gmail.com
About the Instructors
Sifu Martin Kelly
Sifu Kelly has been teaching Tai Chi since 1988. He holds a master teaching certification in Tai Chi and Qigong from the Qigong Research and Practice Center in Nederland, Colorado, where he studied under Ken Cohen. He has also trained with William C.C. Chen.
Chuck Emary
Chuck has trained with Sifu Kelly since 1999 across a range of disciplines, including Tai Chi, Qigong, Bagua and Tomiki Aikido.