
Traditional Tai Chi [Taiji]:
For hundreds of years, people have performed the fluid,
graceful movements of this art form in parks throughout China, as a way of staying
healthy.
Today, many people in the United States, Canada, and Europe have become
interested in attaining the health benefits of this ancient art as well.
Tai Chi [Taiji] integrates the mind, body, and spirit.
It is believed that Tai Chi, a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM),
increases strength and promotes calm and harmony by improving the flow of
internal energy (or qi) throughout the body.
It is the calming, meditative aspect of Tai Chi that makes it particularly useful for reducing stress and anxiety.
Indeed, people who do Tai Chi regularly say that it improves their sense of well-being.
As an aerobic exercise, Tai Chi benefits the entire body, increasing blood flow & strength to the muscles,
and enhancing balance and flexibility. People who practice Tai Chi are also said to exploit the strength of yin
(the earth) and the energy of yang (the heavens) through exercises designed to express these forces in
balanced and harmonious form.
Originally developed as a martial art (evolving from qigong), Tai Chi is now practiced more for its therapeutic
benefits!
Class Schedule:
Tai Chi [Taiji] at the Golden Crane:
The Traditional Tai Chi [Taiji] Program taught at the Golden Crane is unique, and represents a complete
curriculum of this art. We have not 'watered down' the material presented, so that students may feel the full
benefits of training in Traditional Tai Chi!
In Tai Chi, the slow rhythmic movements appear deceptively simple and easy... yet the nature of the slow
exercise and control practiced over breathing and focus easily provides a good heart-healthy workout. Over
time, with consistent practice of this low impact exercise, students will undoubtedly begin to feel the benefits
of this centuries old traditional martial art.
Classes are structured so that students train in a supportive group environment, with time set aside for both
group, and individualized practice, under the direction of the instructor.
Instruction includes: a "Standing Set" of 9 exercises, and a "Slow Set" [108 movements], which is a
continuous sequence of movements practiced in order to develop control, flexibility, balance and focus
[taking approximately 30-45 minutes to be completed]. These forms are practiced to develop better body
control and to refine internal energy.
Also, Chi Kung exercises for energy (chi) circulation and push hands are taught.
As a student continues, there additional forms may be presented to further develop the health benefits from
Tai Chi!
You are never TOO old, or TOO young, for Tai Chi:
Tai Chi can be used as a preventive health measure, as a way to maintain good health, or to help with a
specific ailment. While Tai chi cannot cure disease, it is often recommended as a complementary therapy to
conventional treatment.
Specifically, Tai Chi can be used to help:
- Arthritis. By strengthening the muscles surrounding an arthritic joint and improving flexibility, Tai Chi
increases range of motion without causing pain. Although Tai Chi cannot treat bone and cartilage
damage caused by arthritis, it can lessen the severity and pain of the disease when started early
enough.
- Balance. Research shows that practicing Tai Chi improves balance in older people and thus reduces
the risk of falling-a major cause of death and disability in the elderly.
- Circulation Problems. Tai Chi may enable the heart to pump more blood with each beat, thereby
improving circulation.
- High Blood Pressure. A recent study done at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions revealed that Tai Chi
lowered blood pressure almost as much as moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in older adults who
had been sedentary.
- Multiple Sclerosis. Preliminary studies suggest that Tai Chi helps people with MS to increase their
physical functioning as well as their mental well-being.
- Stress. Although the evidence is limited, some studies have shown that Tai Chi is as effective as
meditation and walking for reducing the amount of stress hormones in the body.

The Exercises Of This Gentle Art Form Enhances Flexibility, Tones Muscles, And Assists To Dispel Stress Through A Series Of Fluid, Circular Movements.
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Tai Chi Camp - Hudson Valley, NY October 2007 with Master Alex Dong [pictured center & standing].
Janet Briggs [seated, 2nd from the right]
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Tai Chi Push Hands Workshop held at the Golden Crane, June 28-29, 2008, with Toni DeMoulin [pictured center] from Santa Barbara, CA]. Janet Briggs [pictured 4th from the left]
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Tai Chi Workship in Montreal, Canada, September 12-14, 2008 with Master Alex Dong [pictured center], and Janet Briggs [standing in the back row, 3rd from the left]
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Pictured Here is Master Alex Dong, fourth generation Taiji Master of the Dong (Tung) family.
Tai Chi Workshop in Montreal, Canada Sept.12-14, 2008
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Class Day
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Class Time
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Class Level
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Monday
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6:30-7:30 PM
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ALL Levels
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Monday
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7:30-8:00 PM
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Level II Only
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Wednesday
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9:00-10:00 AM
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ALL Levels
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Saturday
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8:00-9:30 AM
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ALL Levels
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Join us for a complimentary class, experience the training first hand, and see what people are talking about!
Contact us to schedule your appointment, and learn more about the programs offered at the Golden Crane
We look forward to assisting you!
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Contact Us: Use our convenient "Link" above, or...
E-mail: The_Golden_Crane@hotmail.com
Phone: (603) 437-2020
Mail: P0 Box 4347, Windham NH, 03087-4347
The Golden Crane is conveniently located minutes off
I-93 [Exit 3], on Rte.111, in beautiful Windham, NH.
(603) 437-2020 Rte.111 Windham NH
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:: Tai Chi [Taiji] Program Director ::
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Janet Briggs is the Program Director for Tai Chi, at the Golden Crane.
In 2004, Janet started taking taiji lessons, and was introduced to Master Alex Dong in 2007 at one of
his workshops. She found him to be an inspiring taiji practitioner as well as an excellent instructor.
Since 2008, she has been studying directly under Master Alex by attending his monthly New York
workshops, as well as other intensive workshops offered throughout the country.
Please read more about Master Alex Dong, by clicking on the link below, and visiting his website.
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Tai Chi Camp in New York’s Hudson Valley, October 2009 with Master Alex Dong [pictured standing (center), Janet Briggs [Back row, 11th from the left]
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