SPECIFICATIONS




This Thursday morning class is designed as a Tai Chi–Qigong fusion experience. We begin with a thorough, joint-friendly warm-up that awakens the body, improves mobility, and builds balance and alignment. The first hour is devoted primarily to Tai Chi practice — learning, refining, and flowing through the form with attention to posture, weight-shifting, and coordinated breath. After a short water and brain break, we transition into Health Qigong for the remainder of the 90-minute class. These Qigong movements are gentle yet powerful, supporting organ health, flexibility, and relaxed strength, while calming the nervous system and deepening the meditative quality of the morning.
The tai chi form that will be taught is called "Thirteen Postures". It is a beautifully distilled Tai Chi form that welcomes everyone — from those stepping into Tai Chi for the first time to long-time practitioners who appreciate returning to foundational principles. Short, symmetrical, and deeply rooted in classical theory, it allows students of all levels to practise together harmoniously. New students gain a clear introduction to essential skills, while experienced practitioners refine subtlety, balance, and internal awareness.
Although compact in structure, the Thirteen Postures is considered the essence of Taijiquan — not merely thirteen movements, but the foundational energies and directions from which all Tai Chi skills arise. Created by Grand Master Shou-Yu Liang, this form offers a clear and accessible pathway into the core principles of Tai Chi. Every movement is aesthetically graceful and highly practical, revealing how softness and structure work together.
Unlike long traditional forms such as the 108, this sequence is concise, symmetrical, and space-efficient. It can be performed evenly on both "to the left and to the right sides", promoting balanced development and whole-brain coordination. Designed for modern life, it can be practised in a small space — a living room or even a bedroom — and fits beautifully into a daily routine.
Regular practice supports balance and coordination, improves joint mobility without high-impact stress, and offers a moving meditation that can comfortably fit into ten minutes a day. Practised in community, its depth expands — each student refining their own skill while sharing rhythm, breath, and quiet focus together.
Whether you are beginning your Tai Chi journey or deepening an established practice, the Thirteen Postures offers a steady, centred place to stand.
Each Tai Chi form teaches us to begin again. The rhythm of learning mirrors the rhythm of life itself: endings, renewals, and the quiet confidence that what you’ve cultivated will carry forward. For long-timers, this means: When we “start anew,” we’re not starting over — we’re starting from within. The form may change, but the heart of Tai Chi remains the same: breath by breath, step by step, the practice keeps meeting you exactly where you are — and guiding you toward where you’re meant to be.
For New students, either with a small amount of experience or for those who are newbies, starting a Tai Chi form is a whole new adventure.

2026-WAIT LIST – APRIL-JULY – For all NEW SPRING INTO SUMMER classes available – Fill out form

$259.00
The TQSpirit specializes in teaching Newbies and Beginners in various styles of Tai Chi and Health Qigong. We gently guide everyone through the foundational movements, transitions, end postures and sequences with clear, simple instructions. From the very first class, students experience how these two arts complement one another — Tai Chi’s refining structure, alignment, and flowing transitions, side-by-side with Qigong, cultivating breath, internal awareness, and whole-body vitality. This helps:





Refund Policies – Video Policies – In-Person Covid Policies – On-Zoom Policies – Waiver 2022
REFUND POLICIES
1) Requests must be submitted in writing by email and is effective the date of the email.
2) Refunds will not be given after the 3rd class unless it is for medical reasons.
3) If you must stop class because you have contracted Covid 19 please contact us immediately.
4) Refunds provided will be calculated in the following manner – Classes already taken will be converted to a Drop-In Rate of $15.00/class, plus an added administration fee of $10.00. The balance will be refunded and sent to you by Interac or by mail.
5) Please note that if locations close due to Covid restrictions then all classes will continue on Zoom.
6) Some In-Person locations have special event days where all classes will either be On-Zoom or In-Person at an alternate location. No credit for class missed will be provided.
VIDEO POLICIES
Whether On-Zoom or In-Person the registered student understands that the North Shore Tai Chi Spirit & Chinese Health Qigong organization has a strict no-video-of-the-Instructor or the Assistants without express written consent. Additionally, all students agree that any videos sent to them by the Instructor are for “your eyes only” and should never be shared with any other person or posted, in full or in part, on the Internet.
IN-PERSON COVID POLICIES (as of April 2022)
North Shore Tai-Chi Spirit & Chinese Health Qigong wants to create a safe place for indoor tai chi and qigong group practice. Many of our classes are both In-Person and On-Zoom at the same time.
In accordance with the Provincial Health Authority wearing a mask will be a personal choice at this time. However, we will continue to require that all In-Person students practice social distancing.
If a shut-down to all In-Person classes is mandated by the Provincial Health Authority, then all classes will continue on Zoom. No credit will be given to students unless they do not have adequate access to the Internet.
ON-ZOOM POLICIES
IN-PERSON OPTIONS FOR ZOOM
Anyone signing up for In-Person classes will always have the option to be on Zoom where that option is available at that location. Some classes do not have the Zoom option.
Any In-Person registration means that you are guaranteed a spot in the class. When and if the need arises: if you are not feeling well , if you are out-of-town, or if you are running late; On-Zoom is an option for you.
WAIVER FOR ALL STUDENTS
Thank you for your registration.
In registering for this class our Instructor assumes you have talked to your doctor before starting this health and fitness regime. If you have any medical conditions or physical concerns please participate at your own pace and also let your Instructor know by emailing taichispirit@shaw.ca.
Agreement of Release and Waiver of Liability:
I (referring to the student, the undersigned) voluntarily supply my contact information so that representatives of the North Shore Tai-Chi Spirit (& Chinese Health Qigong) can contact me regarding class changes, cancellations, course updates, and tuition reminders, and special event updates. Participation in tai chi & qigong classes involves exercise. Exercise can result in accidents or injuries. I assume the risk connected with participation in tai chi & qigong classes and represent that I am insufficiently good health and condition and do not suffer from any physical or mental impairment which would put me or anyone at risk of injury while receiving tai chi & qigong instruction from representatives of the North Shore Tai-Chi Spirit. I understand that North Shore Tai-Chi Spirit is a management company only. All Instructors represent themselves. I specifically agree that the North Shore Tai-Chi Spirit, the general manager, volunteers, and instructor(s) of any In-Person or Zoom classes I am participating in, and/or his associates, shall not be held liable for any claim, demand, cause of action of any kind, resulting from or related to my use of the facilities or instruction.
I have read the above release and waiver of liability, as well as the refund policies, On-Zoom policies, In-Person policies, Covid policies, and fully understand their contents. I voluntarily agree to the terms and conditions stated above. I verify that all answers in my Registration are true.