Tag: west seattle

Summer 2019 Newsletter

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

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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  classes, calendar 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

 

December 2014 – New Classes, Free Classes, China Trip Pics, Rates for 2015

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New Classes, Updated Schedule, News from China & 2015 Rates.
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December 2014 News for Wise Orchid Tai Chi & Qigong

Hello Tai Chi family and friends,

What a year this has been! Such great depths of training, practice and discovery.

I’ve been decompressing from my training, preparation, and subsequent trip to China where I demonstrated, competed, trained and won a gold medal along with silver and bronze medals in the three events in which I participated. With nearly 1,000 people in attendance, most of whom were Chinese nationals, it was an amazing honor and a very humbling experience even being there. Here is a link to my flickr page where you can see pictures and check out the scenes from Chen Village, the birthplace of Tai Chi.

With all the new learning from my teachers here on the West Coast, and in China, I am excited to be sharing a more expansive curriculum in the year ahead, including more opportunities to touch in with some sensing hands as well as more advanced empty hand forms, partner work, and weapons play.

Look below for the details on the new classes being offered and go to the website to see the new schedule for Winter 2015.

Also, Wise Orchid will be taking a break between the holidays and then returning with some free classes for new students to try out when we start back up in January. Look below for the details and tell your neighbors and friends.

In other news, our rent has gone up across the board. This means that I’m having to increase class fees. Take advantage of the Holiday Specials before the end of the year to save a heap on next year’s fees. See more info and details below.

Holiday Class Schedule – No Class Days, Free Class Days!

This holiday season, we’ll be on class break from December 24th to January 4th.  Coming back on January 5th, we’ll have the following FREE classes:

Monday the 5th:

  • Qigong, 7:30am at Emerald City Aikido, 604 19th Ave E.
  • Chen Taiji, 8:45am at Emerald City Aikido, 604 19th Ave E.
  • Chen Taiji 6pm at Chinese Wushu Taichi, 709 1/2 S. King St. in the ID

Tuesday the 6th:

  • Yang Tai Chi, 8:30am at The Center for Movement & Healing, 7901 35th Ave SW, West Seattle
  • Tai Chi for Everyone, 10:45am at Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave SW
  • Free Chen Taiji, 6pm at Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave SW

Wednesday, the 7th:

  • Free Qigong, 10:45am at Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave SW

Free classes are a way to spread the word and help promote these classes that you love so that they can continue and grow, helping to improve more peoples lives. Bring a friend and let’s spread the practice and the benefits of better health, balance, focus, calm, and energy.

Rates increasing and shift to quarterly sessions (for Capitol Hill, International District & Morning West Seattle Classes)

Tough News: Due to our rent going up in all locations by 25%, I have to raise my rates by 10% for 2015.

Good News: Take advantage of the Holiday Special on now through January 8th, with 10% off current class fees. Yes, that means 20% off next year’s tuition paid as far in advance as you’d like!  See the details below!

And, Simplification: As of the first of the year, ongoing classes at the Center for Movement & Healing, Emerald City Aikido, and in the Int’l Dist. locations will be changing to a pay by the quarter system. If you have prepaid for part of the quarter at the beginning of the year, the remainder of your fees will be pro-rated based upon last year’s rates so that all tuition is due at the beginning of each quarter.  Each quarter will be 12 weeks, with one week off in-between. (Yes, drop-in cards are still available and folks can begin at anytime.)

If you’ve been paying by the month, I’d like to work with you to help this transition be as workable as possible. It is not my intention to create a hardship for anyone so let’s work together on making this an easy transition for all, I’m flexible…, but you already know that :). Please understand that this will make my life and hopefully yours a little easier in the long run.
Holiday Tuition Specials!Between now and January 8th, pay for your future class fees and save 10% on the current rates (that means 20% off next year’s tuition). Pay as far forward as you like. This special on tuition applies to the ongoing classes at the Center for Movement & Healing, Emerald City Aikido & the ID.)Quarter Sessions:

  • Unlimited classes per week $315 (saves you $70)
  • 2 classes per week $252 (saves you $56)
  • 1 class per week $180 (saves you $40)

Annual Memberships:

  • Unlimited classes $1200 ($266 savings)
  • 2 classes per week $972 ($216 savings)
  • 1 class per week $688.50 ($153 savings)

Drop-in Cards:

  • 10 class card $166 (saves you $32)
  • 20 class card $288 (saves you $64)

Also, Beginner’s Packages will be on special now thru the end of January:

    $55 for your first 4 classes (a $20 savings), bring a friend and the two of you only pay $90 (after Jan. 31st, goes up to $75 for one, or $120 for 2).

To take advantage of this Holiday Special, please pay by check or cash.

AND, NEW CLASSES!!!

  • Spiral Qigong in West Seattle! Sundays Jan. 11 – Feb. 8th, 1-2:15pm, 5 sessions at $90 alone or included in unlimited membership. Register in advance by contacting Viola.
  • Sensing Hands in West Seattle! Sundays, Feb 22nd to March 22nd, 11:30am to 1pm, Connect deeper with your form and structure, have fun and learn the adhering, flow, and listening skills of sensing hands. $90 alone or included with unlimited membership. Register in advance by contacting Viola.
  • Intermediate/Advanced Chen on Capitol Hill! Friday mornings starting on February 13th, 8:15 – 9:30am – Weapons & 2 person training. Make room in your schedule and plan on joining me Friday mornings. Register in advance by contacting Viola.
  • Qigong in Burien: Wednesday mornings beginning January 7th, 10:45am, I will be offering a new Qigong class at the Burien Community Center.  Focusing on healing and therapeutic work, this class is a good addition to your Tai Chi practice, or can be taken alone if you’ve fallen out of practice and want a gentle return to energy work that strengthens the body bringing relaxation and better vitality. Registration is open now at the Burien Community Center.
  • Senior Tai Chi & Qigong in West Seattle! Thursday afternoons starting January 8th at 2pm at the West Seattle Senior Center! We have a new time and new classroom! Please spread the word so we can grow this class and bring better balance and health to more folks! Register with Viola when you come to class.

Remember, Take advantage of our discount: 25% off for vets, additional family members, and students over 70 years. Applies to classes at Center for Movement & Healing, Emerald City Aikido, and the ID classes.

Check the website for a listing of these and all other classes with Wise Orchid Taijiquan & Qigong. New sessions of Senior Tai Chi and Qigong in Renton, evening Chen Taiji in Burien, as well asYang Tai Chi and Qigong at South Seattle College begin the first week of January!
Thank you all for an amazing 2014!
Be well, Stand Tall, Drink Water, Breathe Deeply.Joy and peace to you, your family and friends. And, I look forward to seeing you in 2015.

All my best,
Viola
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World Tai Chi QiGong Day 2012, Beacon Hill, Seattle, WA

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Part the Wild Horse's Mane, Yang Tai Chi's 24 form, World Tai Chi Qigong Day 2012

One World ….  One Breath ….

What an incredible morning!  Saturday, April 28, 2012, World Tai Chi Qigong Day, I woke to the forecast of clouds and occasional showers.  I was braced for the changeable spring weather of Seattle such as we had last year, with a torrential downpour just before we got started and then brilliant sun.  This year, I brought sunscreen just in case, and the skies did not disappoint.  Down to just a t-shirt and no hat, you’d think it was already summer in Seattle.

And so we arrived at Jefferson Park, not knowing how many people would be able to come.  I know weekends in the spring are a slam of opportunity as we  come out from under the cover of winter… You have many options and obligations of things to put your energy toward.  But you came, you practiced, and together we created some positive qi and inspiration to all our bystanders at Jefferson Park.  I thank you all who were there in person and in spirit, joining in the wave of healing circling the planet.  With 35+ people in attendance and several dozen onlookers, we had an amazing turn out!  Folks came from Bellevue, Auburn, Renton, Burien, West Seattle and around Seattle proper as well.

We practiced some Joint Lubrication Longevity Qigong exercises, Silk Reeling, Tai Chi Walking, and then jumped into some Yang 24 Tai Chi form, Topping it off with some Chen Taiji Laojia Yilu and the finale’ the Yin Yang Medical Qigong!  Whew!  Such a treat to have two hours to play together in the park!

2012 World Tai Chi Qigong Day Participants, Jefferson Park, Beacon Hill, Seattle,WA

Yang 24 Tai Chi Group at WTCQGD 2012

Wise Orchid Taijiquan & QiGong, World Tai Chi Qigong Day Seattle 2012 Yin Yang Medical Qigong

for more pictures, check out my flickr page

Thank you to Rusel DeMaria and Leo Manzano for taking these great pictures!

Spring 2011 Newsletter

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Travels to Shaolin Temple 2011

Dear Friends of Wise Orchid Martial Arts,

Spring is approaching and as the light returns I thought I would send out a wish for you all to be in good health and spirits experiencing the renewal that this time of year brings.  With so much desperation and difficulty in the world, I hope that you are continuing to cultivate peace and goodness in your own lives and in your own way.

Viola’s Travels and Class Cancellations:

With Spring comes the Eugene Chen Tai Chi Camp!  Yes, Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei will be giving his annual training camp in Eugene at the end of this month, followed by a Chen Tai Chi Summit in Los Angeles.  I will be attending both back to back, so mark your calendars; there will be no classes for Wise Orchid Martial Arts on the following dates: March 23rd & 24th and March 31st through April 5th.

NEW and Continuing Classes for Spring 2011:

When I return, there will be new sessions of Tai Chi starting at South Seattle Community College, Delridge Community Center, Renton Senior and Activity Center and the Burien Community Center.  Of course, classes will be continuing down in the ID and at Fauntleroy.  But the exciting news is that a New Class will be starting on Beacon Hill at the Jefferson Community Center, Mondays & Wednesdays at 11am to noon.  In this class I will be offering the Chen 18 form, along with Grandmaster Chen’s Longevity Exercises, Silk Reeling, and Chen Style QiGong.  Please come and join us in learning this wonderful style and form.

Why Chen Tai Chi:

I began my journey some 18 years ago now with Yang Style Tai Chi.  Not by choice, but because the teacher that came most highly recommended to me in town taught that style.  After less than a year of practice learning the Yang 24, Master Leung introduced me to some Chen Style Tai Chi.  For me it was love at first spiral.  I had loved the introduction of Tai Chi through the structure and grace and openness of practicing the Yang form, but discovering and learning Chen Style was… expansive beyond belief.  I began to better understand the development and movement of qi.  Through the spiral movements of the form, I felt my practice deepen, my spirit grew lighter, and my roots deeper.  I was able to incorporate the foundations I had learned in Yang Style to this new found love of spiraling open and closed, learning about flow, and the potential of my own strength and connection on a whole new level.  I would really enjoy sharing this art with you as it will only deepen your own understanding and practice of Tai Chi.

Thank you for joining me on this part of my journey and doing what you do to make this world a better place.

All of my best,

Viola Brumbaugh

….  expand & flourish!