Tai-chi & qigong

Tai-Chi is usually considered an internal martial art. Tai-Chi forms are sets of moves that can have a combat application when performed fast. Tai-Chi was developed in China probably 500 years ago, leveraging the philosophy of Yin & Yang in its martial applications. Efficient and powerful combative moves are achieved through relaxing the body and calming the mind. It is like when playing golf: with a scattered mind and a tight grip on your club the ball will go nowhere. By slowing down every move and aligning their joints, limbs and back, Tai-Chi practitioners attain relaxed coordinated movements and peace of mind, leading to martial effectiveness. At the same time, through gentle move, an open body and a calm mind, our life force also called Chi begins to flow freely. This is why Tai-Chi positively impacts health in a profound way when practiced regularly.

QiGong also uses gentle moves that promote free flow of Chi, as well as holding postures and breathing techniques. The focus with QiGong is more on health (and less on martial applications). QiGong is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine. But because a healthy Kung Fu athlete performs better, QiGong is also practiced together with Tai-Chi by martial artists. In fact, many of the QiGong postures and moves can be broken down into combative applications as well. In essence, relaxed breathing and a posture where all joins are anatomically aligned allows for relaxed muscles, favours movement efficiency, calms the mind, increases resilience, and is conducive to free flow of Chi. The ancients say that practicing QiGong and Tai-Chi increases longevity.

Weekly Tai-Chi & QiGong class: Mondays, 12-1pm​

​Weekly Monday Lunchtime Classes
Fall 2019 session:
Sep 16 - Dec 9, 12-1pm
no class on Thanksgiving Monday, Oct 14
Location: Emmanuel United Church,
22 Bridgeport Rd West, Waterloo
$144 for all 12 classes, or $70 for a 5-class flex pack, or $17 walk-ins, all prices include HST
​Join this class at anytime!

​Enjoy the progressive curriculum consisting of: QiGong to live the seasons fully, Tai-Chi foundation principles, Four Directions Five Elements Tai-Chi, Old Yang Tai-Chi (section 1 of the long form), and as of 2019, the most practiced form in the world, the Yang 24 form. Suitable to beginners, and exciting for seasoned practitioners!
We run 3 sessions of 10 to 12 classes every year: in the fall, winter, and spring/summer.

"Extraordinary Vessels QiGong": on Mondays,
Choose from 5:15-6:15pm
​or 6:30-7:30pm

"Extraordinary Vessels QiGong"
​Monday Sep 16 to Oct 28, 6 classes
no class on Oct 14, Thanksgiving
Because previous sessions of our QiGong programs were full, we are running two classes that you can choose from:
either at 5:15pm, or at 6:30pm
Location: Fiddleheads, 25 Bruce St, Kitchener
Six classes for $90, incl. HST

This QiGong program typically gets full. Let us know asap if you would like to join (people who register early can secure their spot)

After two years of QiGong for each Season, we are excited to introduce this brand new QiGong program. It is based on deep energy pathways of Acupuncture, with QiGong practices that are rarely taught!

Easy to follow, these slow, relaxing and energizing movements leverage principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote inner strength, calm, and a long & healthy life.

Acupuncture uses 12 Meridians comparable to rivers, bringing energy throughout the body, as well as 8 Extraordinary Vessels, comparable to groundwater tables. In this QiGong class, we mobilize them to tap into our deepest energy potential.

Extraordinary Vessels are named this way because they are different from the regular meridians, and because of the great benefits experienced when using them. They supply the regular meridians with energy when these run low, and they drain their excess energy when they are over-loaded. They carry the primal energy that we receive from our parents, called Essence, and maintain our body's inherent homeostasis.

About the Instructor, Patricia Béretta

The pace of corporate life in the biomedical sector made Patricia Béretta develop a regular routine for stamina and stress relief. With a short Tai Chi sequence she found that she could recharge and relax in only 10-15 minutes daily. Patricia then trained as a Shiatsu Therapist and Acupuncturist. She studied exercises and stretches that open the main energy pathways of the body, and began to meditate regularly.

This original curriculum was designed using her athletic and Tai Chi experiences. Patricia also leverages her clinical skills and brings together a series of gentle exercises that significantly help with stamina, body tension, and stress.