Wednesday: The Tai Chi Fan – Balance, Flexibility, Strength & Power

The Tai Chi Fan - Part 1

New this Fall! Improve your Balance, Flexibility and Core Strength. Flow with Power.

Practitioners—men and women alike—will find this form dramatic, athletic, and unforgettable to train!

The fan in Chen Style Tai Chi is more than ornamental—it is both a martial weapon and a work of art. Beyond the martial arena, fans were once used to cool from the heat of the day and remain objects of beauty in the home. Yet in martial arts, they evolved into effective, concealable weapons, ideal for stealth and surprise. In combat, the fan could be used to trap or parry, strike with sudden force, and startle opponents with its sharp, cracking sound. Opening and closing the fan adds drama: the snap commands attention, amplifies intention, and gives rhythm to the movements—an art form as much as a martial one.

In practice, however, the fan form transforms this weapon into a flowing expression of rhythm and grace. Each opening and closing of the fan is powerful and dramatic, commanding presence with every snap, while the movements themselves are fluid, elegant, and strong. This balance of force and artistry makes the Tai Chi fan captivating for all—its martial roots appealing to those drawn to strength and discipline, and its flowing beauty inspiring those moved by elegance and expression.

Chen-style fan forms are known for their dynamic transitions, blending slow, deliberate motions with sudden bursts of energy. In the hands of the practitioner, the fan is no longer decorative—it becomes a symbol of precision, strength, and presence. In martial practice, it extends the body itself—striking, blocking, and releasing power with sharp intensity.

This class is open to beginners and long-time practitioners. This September to December session will represent part 1 of 2, possibly 3 sessions.

CLASS DETAILS
  • Tai Chi Fan Form - Part 1. This exciting Tai Chi Fan form class will require 3 parts to complete! Part 2 begins in January-March 2026, and Part 3 will begin in April-June-July 2026So please register for Part 1 as no new students will be permitted to join in Part 2 or 3 because this is an on-going class that requires the knowledge and experience of Part 1 to continue. If you might not be available until October due to travel, please contact us and we can provide information on how you can join in with the class videos until you return. Contact Us for more details.
  • Part 2 begins in January-March 2026, and then, if needed, Part 3 will begin in April-June-July 2026If you are enthusiastic about this form, please register for Part 1 as no new students will be permitted to join in Part 2 or 3 because learning this tai chi form requires the knowledge and experience of Part 1 to continue. If you might not be available until October due to travel, please contact us and we can provide information on how you can join in with the class videos until you return. Contact Us for more details.
  • If you want to join in but might not be available until October due to travel, a common concern, please contact us and we can provide information on how you can join in with the full class videos until you return. It is a great option that will help you join us and be caught up right away, like you were there all along! Contact Us for more details.
  • Status of Class: This class is open to beginners and long-timer practitioners. Are you a Newbie? Someone who has never practiced Tai Chi or Qigong? Are you a Newbie? Someone who has never practiced Tai Chi or Qigong before? Check out these FAQS
  • Type of Class: In-Person. Live-On-Zoom is an option for students as required. We request that students try to be In-Person as often as possible.
  • In-Person Location: Highlands United Church. Ample free parking available.
  • Dates: Wednesdays, September 3 - December 3, 2025. 14 classes.
  • Time: 5:35pm-6:30pm.
  • Important.All students will be required to purchase a Fan. Not sure what to buy? Check out this information piece on "How to Buy a Tai Chi Fan"
  • Weekly videos are availble. No need to worry if you are travelling or have work commitments, you won’t miss a thing! We have weekly video add-ons, a option that will allow you to review class material and stay consistent with your training.
CLASS FEES & EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
  • Fully Registered students: $228.00 (14 classes).In-Person students always have the option to be on Zoom when and if required.  ALERT: Updated 2025-08-23. The Combo Fan+27 form is no longer available due to the fact that the 27 is now full and there is a Waitlist. 
  • Weekly Training Videos Add-On: $42.00. Register for videos at the same time you register for the class. Read about the Value Of Weekly Practice Videos
  • Do you have your Fan yet? Sign up first and then read this: "How to Buy a Tai Chi Fan"
  • Drop-In Fee: One-time: $20.00, including tax.  ALERT: As of 2025-08-23 the drop-in is no longer available. If you are enthusiastic about joining this class, but will be away in September, there is an option to join up, in-full, with videos so you won't miss a thing! Email Instructor
  • 4-Pack: One-pack of 4 classes: $72.00, including tax. After your one 4 pack, you can choose the pro-rated option if you would like to continue. You can ask for a quote from the Administrator. This option will not be available October through December. 
FEES FOR COMBO OPTION
  • COMBO: Beginner Tai Chi 27 form plus Tai Chi Fan: $425.00 (28 classes total). In order to register for the COMBO please go here REGISTER FOR COMBO
  • Weekly Training Videos Add-On: Both Tai Chi 27 form and Tai Chi Fan: $75. Those with Combos can choose to add on only one of the Video Series: $42.00.
USING THE CART BELOW
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$50.00 – $228.00

Videos are only available for fully-registered students
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CLASS INFORMATION – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Tai Chi Fan Chen-Style – Whole Body Power, Strength, and Coordination with the TQSpirit

Students in this Chen Style class will learn Chen Style stepping  which is different from Yang Style “walking.” We’ll also learn Chen style principles, stances and end-postures, exercises to help develop more flexibility and strength in our legs and arms, as well as exercises to enhance spiraling and coiling movements.

This class is not all about the Fan Form. There is so much more to enjoy such as standing meditations (zhan zhuang), silk reeling (Chan Si Gong) exercises, symbol tracing and fajin (power) training exercises.

    1. Zhan Zhuang is used to train body posture and internal strength from the inside out.
    2. Chan Si Gong training is used to coordinate the parts of the body to achieve “whole-body” movement: “when one part moves, all parts move.”  What becomes internalized is the ability to spiral, coil and circulate the qi from the centre (dantian) to the extremities and back to the centre. What one develops is whole body coordination, strength throughout the body, internal energy, and body awareness.
    3. Symbol tracing helps us understand energy flow, circle size, speed, breathing.
    4. Fajin (power) exercises will be trained, and over time, you will learn how to express martial power with proper body alignment and timing.

Are you ready for our TQSpirit Fan class in September? Come join us. 

Unfold your strength. Move with grace. Find balance through the Fan.

Some students looking forward to learning the Fan in September 2025-Join us!
Some students looking forward to learning the Fan in September 2025-Join us!

How Chen Style Tai Chi Translates into Benefits for Your Everyday Life

The benefits of Chen Style Tai Chi extend far beyond the training floor. As you cultivate strength, balance, and internal energy through practice, these qualities naturally translate into improved well-being in your daily life.

The slow, mindful movements help release tension and stress, making it an ideal practice for those seeking to find calm and clarity in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re dealing with work pressure, family responsibilities, or just the demands of everyday life, the meditative aspects of Tai Chi teach you how to stay centered and maintain focus amidst external distractions.

Additionally, the principles of Chen Style Tai Chi promote better posture and alignment. By engaging your core and becoming more aware of how your body moves, you’ll strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility, leading to better posture and reduced risk of injury. Over time, this greater body awareness can enhance your overall mobility, making everyday tasks—like walking, sitting, or lifting—feel smoother and more effortless.

Whether you’re looking to relieve physical discomfort or simply improve your overall vitality, the benefits of Chen style Tai Chi will help you feel more grounded and energized in all aspects of your life.

Past Fan Form students practicing - It's great fun!
Past Fan form students practicing – It’s great fun!

SPECIFICATIONS

More Information About Chen Style Taijiquan

Chen Style Tai Chi is the oldest (and therefore the original) form of tai chi. It is said to have originated in the Chen Village, Henan Province of China and that it was developed by the ninth generation of Chen Village leader Chen Wangting, a Ming Dynasty Officer, around 1670. Chen Style Tai Chi was later popularized by Chen Fake in the early 1900s. Different from Yang style, whose movements are mostly “yin” in manner, where movements look soft, speed is even, uniform, and flowy, Chen Style Tai Chi is characterized by slow and fast, soft and hard movements, high and low stances. Chen Style has an emphasis on spiral force. Beginners who love to challenge their body, their strength, and coordination, will really enjoy this style of tai chi.

Chen style is more physically demanding than other styles of tai chi, but the challenge will only be as hard as you want to make it. The choreography of Chen, with its fast and slow spiralling movements, is beautiful to watch, feels amazing to practice, and, once learned, gives students a wonderful feeling of mind-body coordination.

Chen Style Tai Chi offers a unique blend of physical exercise, martial arts training, mental relaxation, and cultural immersion, making it a special practice for those who pursue it.

Our students who completed the Chen Style Tai Chi form, September 2024-July 2025

Chen Style is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of Tai Chi. Here are some aspects that make learning Chen Style Tai Chi special:

The Health Benefits of Chen Style Tai Chi

  • Improved Balance and Flexibility: The varied movements help enhance physical stability and flexibility.
  • Strength and Endurance: The practice strengthens muscles and improves overall physical endurance. If you want to increase your leg and upper body strength, or maintain what you already have, this class is for you.
  • Mental Focus and Relaxation: The meditative aspect of Tai Chi promotes mental clarity, reduces stress, and enhances relaxation.

Unique Characteristics of Chen Style Tai Chi

  • Chen Style is Dynamic and Engaging: The combination of slow and fast movements, along with complex forms, makes the learning process dynamic and engaging.
  • Silk Reeling (Chan Si Jin): A distinctive feature involving continuous spiraling movements that help develop internal energy and coordination.
  • Explosive Power (Fa Jin): Unlike some other Tai Chi styles, Chen Style includes sudden, powerful movements that train the practitioner to generate explosive force.
  • Movements: The style incorporates a combination of slow, flowing movements with fast, vigorous ones, providing a comprehensive workout.
  • Self-Defense: While Chen Style Tai Chi retains its martial roots, teaching practical self-defense techniques, this class will focus primarily on the health benefits of Chen Style Tai Chi.
  • Energy Cultivation: The practice focuses on developing and harnessing internal energy (Qi).

 

The Historical Significance of Chen Style Tai Chi

  • Oldest Style: Chen Style Tai Chi is considered the original form of Tai Chi Chuan, dating back to the 17th century.
  • Foundational Influence: It has influenced the development of other Tai Chi styles, such as Yang, Wu, and Sun styles. Learning Chen-Style is like learning from the mother of all other styles.
  • Deep Rooted in Taoist philosophy: Practicing Chen Style Tai Chi provides insights into concepts like Yin and Yang, balance, and harmony.

Our Chen Style Tai Chi Group – On-going since September 2024 and into 2025

 

 

Location

Parking at Highlands

Pricing (Click form to enlarge)

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    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.