Summer 2019 Newsletter

Greetings everyone,

Happy Summer Break to all. We will be off in a couple days to train with Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei and family in Las Vegas. We’ll be back and ready for our Summer classes to begin on July 8th. Look below for:

  • Our Summer Schedule of classes
  • Info on our upcoming Costa Rica Tai Chi & Qigong Retreat!
  • Drop in Wednesdays with Myles
  • Rus’s Rehab Update and our Go Fund Me campaign
  • Erlu with Eldan on Thursdays continues, and
  • Laojia Yilu Section 6 intensive
Tai Chi Seattle - Wise Orchid Taijiquan Qigong Studio

Summer Sessions begin July 8th, Monday, back at the Studio. Due to wildfires and park issues, we’ll be training inside at the studio for the summer Mon-Fri. for the Central District classes. Saturday mornings will be at Pratt Park unless the AQI is above 100. See below for info for specific classes and links to register:

  • All levels Chen Tai Chi resumes Monday & Thursday evenings at 6pm as well as Monday and Wednesday mornings at 8:45am, and Saturdays at 10am.
  • Qigong All levels is back on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30am and Saturdays at 9:15am.
  • Yang 108 Tai Chi All levels will be back at Lincoln Park in West Seattle Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:30am.
  • Burien Tai Chi for Everyone will continue Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Burien Community Center at 10:45am.
  • Chen Tai Chi for Beginners in Burien will have a new session beginning Tuesday, July 9th at 6pm at the Burien Community Center.
  • Burien Qigong for Health of Body Mind & Spirit will return on Wednesdays at 10:45am starting July 10th.
  • Intro to Tai Chi – Fundamentals for Beginners will start Wednesday July 17th at 6:30pm at the Wise Orchid Studio and will be DROP IN Only $15-20 per class, sliding scale.
  • Erlu with Eldan will return Thursday, July 11th at 7:30pm following the all levels Chen Taiji.
  • and at South Seattle College, Summer sessions of Yang 24 Tai Chi 5:30pm and Qigong in the Arboretum 6:45pm will begin Wednesday, July 10th.
  • Tai Chi for Seniors will also return for two sessions a week beginning July 8th, Mondays at 10:30am (class full) and Thursday afternoons at 2pm (only 3 spots left).
  • and for summer, Saturday classes will continue at Pratt Park between Yesler and Main off of 20th Ave. South, as long as the AQI is below 100.

Our Costa Rica Taijiquan & Qigong Immersion Retreat is a great opportunity to get away for some transformative practice, fun, and a tropical escape in the midst of winter. You are invited to join us next January for this week long retreat in the central mountains of Costa Rica. Come immerse yourself in beauty, relaxation, and focused training. Early Bird registration (save $150) continues through Aug. 15th. Full amount due by October 1st. For details and registration link here.

Costa Rica Tai Chi Qigong Retreat - Sloth

“Being at and learning Qigong and Tai Chi in Costa Rica with Viola was a fantastic treat. We learned and appreciated both the fundamentals of Qigong and Tai Chi in the beautiful country of Costa Rica, that truly inspired us to want to learn more. We would recommend this retreat to family and friends, as Viola is not only a wonderful instructor, there is a calm, gracious, and kind spirit that exudes in her, whether you are in her class for the first time or have been for many years.” — 2017 participant

Summer is always busy, now you have the flexibility of a DROP IN class. INTRO TO TAI CHI – FUNDAMENTALS FOR BEGINNERS is Wednesdays at 6:30pm this Summer, Starting July 17th. Join Myles for $15-20 a class sliding scale, and begin your practice or work the basics to improve and deepen your foundation. Look to the calendar for specifics. Class only running through the end of August to give you Labor Day and September to continue your practice in any of the All Level’s classes.

Hangzhou Gardens - Tai Chi Seattle

Rusel Update!
Rus completed the Functional Restoration Program through Swedish Hospital’s Pain Clinic and since that time, has slowly been able to return to a few Tai Chi classes each week. Making a lot of progress, he is now able to walk the dogs without the assistance of a crutch. Pain and weakness are still a very taxing challenge, and he has a way to go in rehabilitating the nerve damage to his left leg. With the help of physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic, he is working to manage pain and regain strength and function. The journey is a long and slow process.

The expenses incurred for his treatment are continuing to come and so we are still asking for whatever support you are able to offer. Even if it is to share this GoFundMe campaign with your network, it all helps. As always, we are so grateful for you and this community. The help we’ve received so far has made a world of difference.

GoFundMe Page


We are hoping that with your help we can meet the medical bill obligations and stay afloat. Please have a look at the campaign and share with your friends and contribute if you are able. You have all made a difference in us getting this far. Thank you so much for all you do and give.

Continuing this Summer Session, join Eldan on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm for Laojia Erlu at the studio. Begins July 11th.
Beginning July 13th, Saturday’s sessions will continue in Pratt Park as long as the AQI is below 100. We’ll begin with Qigong at 9:15am, followed by All Levels Chen Taiji at 10am, and rounding it off at 11am with Chen Spear and short weapon review. If we run into inclement weather, we will meet under the shelter. Bring water and layers and see you there.

Lastly, we’ll be offering a Laojia Yilu section 6 – 2 hour intensive training on Friday Aug 2nd, at 2pm at the Studio. Suggested donation $50 to be contributed toward a social justice organization. Contact Viola if you are interested in particpating.

So, we are off to Las Vegas to train with Grandmaster Chen and family. Looking forward to returning in July and sharing more insights and good practice. Stay tuned for news about Master Leung workshops later this summer or early fall.

In the meantime, be well, breathe, practice and take your time.

Much love and gratitude,
Viola

Yang Tai Chi in Lincoln Park

Summer 2017 Newsletter

Summer Sessions begin July 3rd

Greetings everyone and Happy Summer!

Check below for info and links to upcoming summer sessions in the parks and studio, which classes are happening in which parks, upcoming dates for workshops with Master Art Baner, Master David Leung, and Master Shanti as well as info on the next in the Spiral Qigong series.

Also, we have a new online method for registration, check it out and let me know what you think.

The following classes will be meeting in the parks as noted below:
-Mon. & Wed. Morning Qigong,
-Mon, Wed, & Fri. Morning Chen Taiji and
-Mon & Thurs. Evening Chen Taiji will all be in
Firehouse Mini Park at the corner of 18th and Cherry (Map)-Tues & Thurs. morning Yang Taiji will be in
Lincoln Park at the north end by the intersection of 47th Ave SW and Fauntleroy Way SW (Map)

In addition, in Burien, the
-Tuesday & Thursday morning (10:45am) Tai Chi and Qigong for Everyone and the
-Chen Taiji evening class (6pm Tues) will be held in the
Greenhouse Park behind the HiLiners on 144th Ave SW near 4th (Map)

Saturday morning classes will be held at Pratt Park.

Remember to bring water and layers and anything else to keep you comfortable as we move into practice outdoors. If you have bee allergies, be sure to keep any necessary medication on hand. And remember, if you have to turn your wipers on past intermittent on the way to class, we’ll meet back at our home base indoor location. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

The following classes will be indoors:

-Tai Chi for Seniors, Mon. 10:15am at Wise Orchid Studio

-Tai Chi for Seniors, Tues. 1pm at Renton Senior Activity Center

-Intro to Tai Chi – Fundamentals for Beginners, Wed. 6pm at Wise Orchid Studio

-Tai Chi for Seniors, Thurs. 2pm at West Seattle Senior Center

All Summer Sessions are now up on our Calendar Page.

Please join us for FREE Intro to Qigong and Intro to Yang Tai Chi nights being offered at South Seattle College on July 12th and 19th, following  with new continuing sessions of both beginning in August in the garden.

Also, we’ll be offering mini-intensives in the Spiral Qigong in July and Sept. for 3 Saturdays each. There are new sessions of Tai Chi for Seniorsand Introduction to Tai Chi-Fundamentals for Beginners happening at the Wise Orchid Studio beginning this coming week.

All classes are open for registration now.

Master Art Baner returns on Sunday, Aug. 6th for an exploration in the partner work of Push Hands. Check here for more information and sign up early to reserve your spot as space is limited.
Master Leung will be here for a series of Qigong, Tai Chi Principles, and weapon workshops on Sept. 9th and 10th. Save the dates and details will be following soon!

And, Master Shanti will be back in Seattle for a full day of workshops, followed by a day of private lessons on October 15th and 16th. Improve your practice through correcting your alignment, gaining power through connection. Save the dates and registration information will be up on the calendar shortly.
We’ve had a remarkable break studying with Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei and his family and senior disciples. Chen Juan, his daughter gave us a very thorough breakdown on the Chen Single Straight Sword form and I look forward to our Weapons classes on Saturday to bring new corrections and details to the group.


Photo By Master Billy Greer, fellow disciple of Chen Zhenglei and owner of Jing Ying Institute in Maryland.

Looking forward to seeing you in the parks and at the studio and enjoying a great summer of deep practice and fun. Thank you everyone!
Viola

Summer 2015 – Broadsword in the Park, 1/3 off specials, Updated Schedule & Master Leung Dates!

Updates for Summer 2015

  • Tai Chi returns to the parks for our summer sessions! All new sessions begin the week of July 6th. Registration is now open. Look below for a list of summer sessions and links to register.
  • Special Rates for New Students attending the Qigong on Capitol Hill and Chen in the ID. News of discounted fees below.
  • Another World Tai Chi Qigong Day has come and gone. Below you find a little recap and pictures.
  • And, Wise Orchid Tai Chi & Qigong was well represented at Grandmaster Chen’s Light of Taiji training in Las Vegas, stories and pictures below!
  • Master Leung’s Workshops have new dates of September 19th & 20th.
  • A special Summer Session of Broadsword in Lincoln Park is being offered to help you prepare for Master Leung’s special day of Yang Broadsword training.
  • Lastly, we have new  classescalendar and registration pages on our website in hopes of making it easier to get the info you need. Please let me know what you think. Your feedback helps us continue to improve. Thank you!
  • Also, mark your calendars for the following no class days: July 24-26th, and August 12th-16th. Summer sessions run through September 24th. Then we will take the week off between September 25th and October 4th, coming back on October 5th to begin fall sessions.
New Students: Summer Sessions of Qigong on Capitol Hill (7:30am Mon. & Wed.) and Chen Taiji in the International District (6pm on Mon. & Thurs.) are SPECIALLY DISCOUNTED 1/3 OFF (3 MONTHS FOR THE PRICE OF 2). Register onlineselecting pay in person and mention in the comments that you want to take advantage of this special and save between $73 and $102. Summer session begins July 6th. Registration is now open.
Great practice and friends joined together for this year’s world Tai Chi Qigong Day at Cal Anderson Park. With nearly 40 people attending throughout the practice, we shared some fun on this sunny spring day with friends from all over the Seattle and South Sound area as well as our new friends Ning and family from China. Thank you all for coming and bringing your enthusiasm and dedication to the arts celebrating health, community, and practice.

Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei’s Training Camp 2015

The Summer Quarter break came earlier this June with seven people representing Wise Orchid Taijiquan & Qigong at Grandmaster Chen’s Light of Taiji Training Camp in Las Vegas. With 4 days of training, a lecture and demonstration of Qi Cultivation and Fajing by Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei as well as a talent show and farewell party. The training was priceless with 5 top instructors leading us.
Master Wang Haijun, Master Chen Bin, Master Chen Juan and Master Jack Yan as coaches in addition to Grandmaster Chen. Each of the 4 days of training was lead by a different instructor giving us an opportunity to see many different depths and perspectives into the Joint Lubrication Qigong warm up, the Old Frame Part 1 (Laojia Yilu) and the New Frame Part 1 (Xinjia Yilu).
The first day of the training we were split into 4 teams. Viola was appointed by Grandmaster Chen to be team captain of Team 2. Through hard work and great team effort, Viola’s team achieved the highest score by overall best performances of each section and demonstrating service to the community. Click the photo below to see more.

Yang Broadsword Training in Lincoln Park

For the first time this summer, I’ll be teaching the Yang broadsword form. This is very exciting and will help prepare you to get the most out of Master David Leung’s upcoming Broadsword workshops coming in September.

  1. Dates & Time: Beginning 9:30am to 10:45am, Sunday July 12th and continuing through Sunday September 13th. No class dates: July 26th and August 16th (8 classes total)
  2. Cost: No charge if you are a current unlimited tuition student of the summer session! Otherwise, $150 for all 8 classes. Drop ins allowed with prior arrangement for $28 each. Register directly with Viola with check, cash or credit card (card fee additional).
  3. Where: We’ll be meeting in Lincoln Park at the north end between the wading pool and the maintenance yard. Park on the street near the gas station and walk in at the first park sign you see.
  4. No Broadsword Necessary: If you do not have a Saber/Broadsword/Dao/Knife you may borrow one during class. We will be making a group order around the 4th week of class if you would like to purchase one.
  5. Reserve your spot Now: Space and lending broadswords are limited so please register in advance.
Pointers for better park practice

  1. Bring water. Drink it.
  2. Optional items for self care: hat, sunscreen, bee sting medicine if you’re allergic
  3. Use the bathroom before class as access can be limited or far.
  4. It’s best to come prepared and we can all enjoy some lovely practice outside this summer!
REMINDER: There are NO CLASSES Fri., July 24th to Sun., July 26th and Wed., Aug. 12th to Sun., Aug. 16th. Summer sessions run from Sunday, July 5th through Thursday, September 24th. For a look at the current calendar of all classes, please visit our new Calendar Page.
Summer Sessions are open for registration!Here are links for classes in Burien, South Seattle Community College, and Renton Senior Activity Center.

Register in person or online for Viola’s ongoing classes at CMH (Lincoln Park), ECA (Miller Park) or in the ID (International Children’s Park). Also, register in person at West Seattle Senior Center for the continuing 50+ Tai Chi & Qigong classes Thursdays 2-3pm.

Follow this link to the Full Class Schedule.

Master Leung’s workshops will be September 19th & 20th on Capitol Hill at Emerald City Aikido, featuring Yin Yang Medical Qigong, Tai Chi Universal Principles, and Yang Tai Chi Broadsword.
Click the image above for more info. Register early and save. Also, if you are interested in the Broadsword workshop I recommend you come to the pre-workshop training in Lincoln Park on Sunday Mornings this summer. Check with Viola about registering.
Thank you all for joining me on the path to better knowing self and living richer lives through connection, strength, vitality and peace. Happy Summer! Stay cool and hydrated everyone!Viola Brumbaugh