Select a program: Tai ChiPa KuaHsing-IYogaMeditation

Tai Chi

For centuries Chinese people have practiced the life-enhancing art of tai chi and the internal martial arts of pakua and hsing-i, and today millions more around the world are joining them.

tai chi

Tai Chi is a unique form of "moving meditation" that calms the mind, relaxes the body and strengthens the spirit. Much of tai chi is practiced slowly and gently, ideal for people of all ages and health conditions.

Though most people take up tai chi for the tremendous health benefits, others are intrigued by the fact the style is actually a highly-effective martial art. Emphasis is placed on cultivating "chi," or internal energy, as opposed to simply developing muscle mass and brute force.

It is this focus on chi cultivation that makes tai chi so highly effective for cultivating good health and for developing unparalleled martial arts skills.

Lake Norman Tai Chi Center is one of the few modern schools that can teach pure tai chi. Whether you choose this art for health or self-defense, or both, you'll quickly discover how much calmer and more at peace you feel.

Pakua

Although not as well known as tai chi, pakua is an equally effective internal art, focusing on circular movements and methods of meditation and qigong and is a perfect complement to tai chi training. Much of pakua is practiced slowly and gently, making both styles ideal for people of all ages and health conditions.

Lake Norman Tai Chi Center offers rare classes in authentic pakua, including insights by Grandmaster Chang. Sifu Dale's teacher, Master Eric Sbarge also studied pakua with Master Park Bok Nam, an internationally renowned pakua teacher who is the top disciple of the late Lu Shui Tian.

chang

Great Grandmaster Chang Tung Sheng demonstrates a Hsing-I Chuan form.

If you are taking tai chi for health and stress reduction, pakua, with its sophisticated breathing, chi kung and circle walking, is a perfect complement to it. If you are interested in cultivating high-level fighting skills, you'll benefit greatly from the speed and efficiency of pakua regardless of which style you now take.

If you want to understand the depths of Taoist philosophy, pakua represents the essence of it.

Hsing-I

Hsing-I is based on the 5 elements: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. In this art form one goes directly into the opponent to attack, and comes out from the attack on guard. Even though hsing-i looks like an external art, it is an internal art. Many call it 'The Bridge Art' because it is on the line between an external and internal style.

Lake Norman Tai Chi Center's Approach to Tai Chi, Pakua and Hsing-I

Our traditional and authentic approach to teaching includes theories and principles, not just forms and movements. Instruction is personalized to meet your interests. Sifu Dale Guadagna, Director and Head Instructor at Lake Norman Tai Chi Center is a 3rd generation student of the late Ch'ang Dung Sheng, the renowned tai chi master and undefeated Chinese national martial arts champion.

Lake Norman Tai Chi Center is one of the few modern schools that can teach pure tai chi, pakua and hsing-i. Whether you choose these arts for health or self-defense, or both, you'll quickly discover how much calmer and more at peace you feel.

Tai chi, pakua and hsing-i are suitable for people of all ages and health conditions. And as with all the arts taught here, the rewards are great if you train diligently and sincerely.

At Lake Norman Tai Chi Center You'll Find:

  • Personalized instruction in qigong, forms, breathing methods, meditation methods, push hands, weapons forms, self defense applications, sparring, conditioning and more
  • Classes suitable for all ages and physical conditions
  • Highly motivated fellow students to train with

Yoga

Popular in Asia for thousands of years, Yoga incorporates advanced stretching and strengthening postures that loosen the body and quiet the mind. Yoga is a complete system for training the body, mind and spirit through breathing exercises, meditation, contemplation and reflection, in addition to the stretching postures.

Yoga is extremely useful for martial artists, tai chi students or athletes who need to increase their flexibility and reduce the chances of injury.

Many athletes and martial artists who try Yoga discover that the real value goes beyond the physical training, to the mental and spiritual well-being that arise from yoga practice.

Lake Norman Tai Chi Center's Approach to Yoga

We teach the postures and methods that have been practiced for centuries in the Shaolin and Taoist traditions of China. Many of the techniques we teach can be traced to the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple, a haven where yoga, meditation and martial arts merged in the common quest for self-cultivation and enlightenment.

At Lake Norman Tai Chi Center You'll Find:

  • A complete system of yoga, tai chi and meditation for mental, physical and spiritual development
  • Authentic Yoga practice - not just stretching exercises
  • Flexible class schedules

Meditation

The body, mind, and spirit are one. The knowledge of this truth is within each of us, obscured by the world of illusion. Meditation helps us see through this illusion.

Lake Norman Tai Chi Center's Approach to Meditation

Chan Meditation is practiced at Lake Norman Tai Chi Center

Photo Credit: Vara Reese

There are many techniques and methods of meditation. At Lake Norman Tai Chi Center, Ch'an (Zen) and Taoist meditations are taught. Our meditation classes do not teach or preach religion. Students can be quite comfortable in their own religious beliefs, and still learn to meditate.

The ancient sages taught us that the mind cannot relax unless the body is relaxed. That is why we recommend Tai Chi and Yoga to complement your sitting meditation.

At Lake Norman Tai Chi Center You'll Find:

  • Expert guidance in a peaceful, quiet setting
  • Classes suited for beginners as well as advanced practitioners
  • Intensive workshops and retreats to deepen your practice
  • Highly motivated students to practice your training with