Instruction and Learning

Tai chi is a life-long study so it is important from the beginning to adopt an unhurried, non-competitive approach. Everybody learns at a different pace for a variety of reasons, so some people are able to move through the beginning classes rapidly while others may wish to repeat a section more than once. Depth of understanding far outweighs speed of acquisition. 

As in the case of the tortoise and the hare, a slow, steady pace is often the better strategy. It is also best to learn the whole form in one sustained effort than to split it up over and extended period of time. Consistency in instruction, attendance, and daily practice are essential for someone learning the basics. ​​

"Don't be in a hurry, but be consistent."

Beginning Classes

Center States Tai Chi Chuan no longer offers beginning classes. However, Andy McCarl and Renée Blanche, two long-time students of Kim Kanzelberger, offer independently-organized instruction for beginners from time to time. Information about Andy’s current class schedule can be found on his website.

Andy McCarl, Kim Kanzelberger, and Renée Blanche

Selected guides especially helpful for beginning students:

• List of 37 Postures (PDF)
• ​Ben Lo instructional video
• First Section of Form video
• Instructional audio recording for the Form by Kim Kanzelberger - contact us for details ​​

Advanced Classes

For people who have learned the basics in a beginning class, advanced classes are concerned with the ongoing process of correction and refinement of the 37-posture form and gaining a deeper understanding of the principles of tai chi chuan and their application. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Center States Tai Chi Chuan is not offering in-person advanced classes at this time.

A 30-minute guided review session led by Kim Kanzelberger is offered by videoconference twice a week - on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 Central Time and Saturday mornings at 10:30 Central Time - for people who have completed learning at least the first half of the form. If you are interested in participating, contact us for more information. Note: No sessions in January 2021 except Saturday, January 23, and Saturday, January 30. The regular schedule resumes Saturday, February 6.

Selected video recordings of Tai Chi form review sessions led by Kim Kanzelberger are available for on-demand rental. Details

Private lessons with Kim Kanzelberger are available for advanced students at $80 per hour or $50 per half-hour. Contact us

Retreats, camps, and intensive workshops for advanced students are held at various times and locations throughout the year. Please note that the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the scheduling of these events. Details

Push Hands

Push hands, or tui sho, is an interpersonal practice that is an integral part of tai chi training. This interaction between two people serves to broaden their understanding of the principles and skill in applying tai chi to relationships and conflict, creating greater harmony and fellowship. Tui sho, done in a principled way, develops flexibility, adaptability, sensitivity, and mindfulness in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

​Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Center States Tai Chi Chuan is not offering push hands classes at this time.

Sword

Composed of a 52-posture form and free-style fencing, sword, or tai chi chien, further refines and deepens the student's understanding and expression of the essence of tai chi.

A sword camp taught by Kim Kanzelberger is scheduled to be held May 1 - 7, 2021, in Ossendrecht, Netherlands. Please note that the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the scheduling of this camp.  Details