Secrets of Powerful, Peaceful & Beautiful Tai Chi! from Udemy

In this course you'll learn the secrets of powerful peaceful and beautiful Tai Chi.

Your teacher? Master Gu - the only English speaking master from the Wudang mountains and a rising YouTube star (search Tea Time Taoism). With Master Gu you get the rare opportunity to learn tai chi directly from a Taoist master. Master Gu is a 15th generation disciple of the San Feng Pai - a tai chi family dating back to the founder of Taiji; Zhan San Feng.

You'll study the Wudang Tai Chi 8 form. It's a great form for beginners, it covers many important postures in Wudang Tai Chi and is relatively quick to learn. Master Gu provides practical tuition and explanation of the principles behind excellent Tai Chi.

A PDF print off is included to help you with your practice.

Master Gu wishes you the best of luck on your journey into Tai Chi.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Powerful, peaceful and beautiful tai chi.
Increased flexibility

Calmer state of mind
Perform the wudang tai chi 8-form

Powerful, peaceful and beautiful tai chi.
Increased flexibility
Calmer state of mind
Perform the wudang tai chi 8-form

Syllabus

Understand the fundamental principles of powerful, peaceful and beautiful Tai Chi.

Master Gu Introduction & PDF Guide Download

Firm Grounding

Keep Upright - The Cross Metaphor

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by a 15th generation disciple of the San Feng Pai, which provides learners with a direct lineage to the founder of Taiji and its rich history

Focuses on the Wudang Tai Chi 8-form, which is a great starting point for beginners and covers many important postures, making it easier to learn the fundamentals

Includes practical tuition and explanation of the principles behind excellent Tai Chi, which helps learners understand the underlying concepts and improve their practice

Offers instruction on how to hold postures to avoid injury, which is crucial for beginners to establish a safe and effective practice from the outset

Includes a PDF print off to help with practice, which provides a convenient and accessible resource for learners to refer to outside of the video lessons

Explores three approaches to Tai Chi: powerful, peaceful, and beautiful, which may add color to other topics and subjects related to martial arts and wellness

Reviews summary

Highly recommended beginner wudang tai chi

According to students, this course offers a highly positive introduction to Wudang Tai Chi. Learners consistently praise Master Gu's calm, clear, and authentic teaching style, which makes the practice easy to understand and follow, even for newcomers. The Wudang Tai Chi 8-form taught is considered excellent for beginners, providing a solid foundation. Many students report tangible benefits, particularly experiencing increased peace and calmness and improved flexibility. While providing a strong foundational understanding, some notes suggest it is primarily geared towards those new to Tai Chi and may not satisfy practitioners seeking very advanced or complex techniques. The included PDF guide is seen as a useful supplemental resource.

Excellent foundation, less depth for advanced.

"While great for beginners, those looking for advanced forms or deeper theoretical dives might find it limited in scope."

"Provides a solid introduction to the basics but leaves me wanting more complex movements and detailed applications."

"I appreciated the fundamentals, but as someone with some prior experience, I found the pace a bit slow."

"This course is a wonderful starting point, covering the essentials thoroughly for new students."

Included guide aids offline practice.

"The PDF guide is very helpful for remembering the sequence of moves when practicing offline."

"Having the printable guide to reference alongside the videos is a great bonus and aids learning."

"I found the included PDF to be a useful supplemental tool for reinforcing what I learned."

"The PDF helps keep track of the forms outside of watching the videos."

Practice leads to increased tranquility.

"This course has truly helped me find a sense of peace and calmness in my daily life. The practice is very meditative."

"Practicing the form as taught by Master Gu is incredibly relaxing and helps clear my mind."

"Beyond the physical moves, I've gained a greater sense of inner tranquility and feel more grounded."

"I feel more peaceful and less stressed since starting this practice."

Ideal course for those new to Tai Chi.

"As a complete beginner, I found this course incredibly accessible and not at all intimidating. The 8-form is perfect to start with."

"This is a fantastic introduction to Tai Chi. Master Gu breaks down the form in a way that feels manageable."

"I had zero prior experience and feel like I've gained a solid foundation. Highly recommended for beginners."

"The course structure and pacing are just right for someone starting their Tai Chi journey."

Master Gu's teaching is widely praised.

"Master Gu is a wonderful teacher; very calming presence and clear instructions. I am so excited to practice more each day."

"The explanation of the principles is so clear and simple. It feels authentic and easy to apply."

"I love Master Gu's calm and gentle approach. He makes learning Tai Chi a truly peaceful experience."

"His instructions are clear and easy to follow step-by-step, perfect for learning online."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Secrets of Powerful, Peaceful & Beautiful Tai Chi! with these activities:

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi

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Gain a deeper understanding of the health benefits and scientific principles behind Tai Chi.

View The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the introductory chapters on the history and principles of Tai Chi.
Focus on chapters discussing the health benefits of Tai Chi.
Compare the book's explanations with Master Gu's teachings.

Review Basic Anatomy and Physiology

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Reinforce your understanding of the body's structure and function to better grasp the movements and postures in Tai Chi.

Browse courses on Anatomy and Physiology

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Review basic anatomical terms and concepts.
Study the major muscle groups involved in movement.
Understand how joints and ligaments contribute to flexibility.

Create a Tai Chi Practice Journal

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Track your progress and reflect on your experiences to enhance your learning and identify areas for improvement.

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Obtain a notebook or create a digital document.
Record your practice sessions, including the date, time, and duration.
Note any challenges or difficulties you encounter.
Reflect on your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Four other activities

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Footwork Drills

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Improve your balance and coordination by practicing the footwork patterns from the Wudang 8-Form.

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Isolate the footwork from each move.
Practice each footwork pattern slowly and deliberately.
Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
Focus on maintaining balance and proper posture.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi and Qigong

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Broaden your understanding of Tai Chi by exploring its relationship to Qigong and other related practices.

View The Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi & QiGong... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the introductory chapters on the history and philosophy of Tai Chi and Qigong.
Focus on chapters discussing the health benefits of both practices.
Compare and contrast the principles of Tai Chi and Qigong.

Create a Short Video Demonstrating the Wudang 8-Form

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Solidify your understanding of the form by teaching it to others through a video.

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Record yourself performing the Wudang 8-Form.
Edit the video to include clear instructions and explanations.
Share the video with friends or family for feedback.

Teach a Friend or Family Member the First Few Moves

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Reinforce your own learning by explaining and demonstrating the movements to someone else.

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Choose a friend or family member who is interested in learning Tai Chi.
Break down the first few moves into simple steps.
Provide clear and concise instructions.
Offer encouragement and support.

Career center

Learners who complete Secrets of Powerful, Peaceful & Beautiful Tai Chi! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Martial Arts Instructor

A martial arts instructor guides students in the practice of various martial arts disciplines, emphasizing technique, discipline, and physical fitness. If you aspire to become a martial arts instructor, a course focused on the secrets of Tai Chi could provide you with a strong foundation in this discipline. The course introduces the Wudang Tai Chi 8-form, a great starting point for beginners. Learning from Master Gu, a 15th generation disciple of the San Feng Pai, provides practical instruction and explanation of the principles behind excellent Tai Chi. Understanding of fundamental principles such as firm grounding, staying relaxed, and visualizing Qi circulation are directly applicable to effectively teaching Tai Chi to others.

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Wellness Coach

Wellness coaches support clients in achieving optimal health and well-being through holistic practices and personalized guidance. For a career as a wellness coach, this course on powerful, peaceful, and beautiful Tai Chi may enhance your understanding of mind-body practices. The course's emphasis on increased flexibility and a calmer state of mind aligns directly with wellness goals. The syllabus covers vital approaches to Tai Chi and methods to avoid sharp edges. The course provides a foundation for incorporating Tai Chi principles into broader wellness programs, allowing you to offer clients a unique and effective path to improved well-being.

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Fitness Instructor

Fitness instructors lead group exercise classes and provide personalized fitness training to help clients achieve their health goals. A fitness instructor may find value in this Tai Chi course, as it introduces the Wudang Tai Chi 8-form. The course teaches about increased flexibility and a calmer state of mind. Master Gu’s instruction on firm grounding and staying relaxed may offer useful insights into injury prevention and movement optimization. Learning how to visualise Qi circulation, lead movement from the waist, and move arms by segments can enrich a fitness instructor's approach to exercise programming.

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Yoga Instructor

Yoga instructors guide students through yoga poses and breathing techniques, promoting physical and mental well-being. A course that unveils the secrets of powerful, peaceful, and beautiful Tai Chi may be helpful to a yoga instructor. The course's focus on increasing flexibility and cultivating a calmer state of mind aligns with the core principles of yoga. Master Gu's instruction on firm grounding, staying relaxed, and avoiding sharp edges in movements could augment a yoga instructor’s knowledge. Gaining an understanding of how to visualize Qi circulation and lead movement from the waist adds depth to teaching.

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Meditation Teacher

Meditation teachers lead individuals and groups in mindfulness practices to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity. The principles taught in this Tai Chi course may be useful for someone looking to become a meditation teacher. The course emphasizes achieving a calmer state of mind, a central goal of meditation. Learn fundamental principles of Tai Chi, explore the three approaches to Tai Chi, and understand how to visualize Qi circulation. This knowledge provides insights into the interconnections between movement, breath, and mental focus.

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Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants work under the direction of physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries and illnesses through exercise and rehabilitation. For a physical therapist assistant, a course on the secrets of powerful, peaceful, and beautiful Tai Chi can be helpful by broadening their understanding of movement and rehabilitation techniques. The course emphasizes increased flexibility and teaches how to hold postures to avoid injury. Understanding the principles behind excellent Tai Chi can be useful in designing and implementing rehabilitation programs for patients with limited mobility or chronic pain.

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Dance Instructor

Dance instructors teach various dance styles to students of all ages and skill levels, focusing on technique, choreography, and performance. The principles of powerful, peaceful, and beautiful Tai Chi, as introduced in this course, may be useful for a dance instructor. The course touches on important postures in Wudang Tai Chi and covers practical tuition and explanation of the principles behind Tai Chi. Visualising Qi circulation, leading movement from the waist, and moving arms by segments can improve a dance instructor’s understanding of body mechanics and help prevent injuries in their students.

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Recreational Therapist

Recreational therapists use recreational activities to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with illnesses or disabilities. A course in Tai Chi and its focus on powerful, peaceful, and beautiful movements may be helpful to a recreational therapist. Learning the Wudang Tai Chi 8-form could provide new ideas for therapeutic activities. Understanding Tai Chi principles such as firm grounding and staying relaxed may be beneficial when designing recreational programs. This knowledge can inform the selection of activities and contribute to a more effective and holistic approach to patient care.

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Massage Therapist

Massage therapists use manual techniques to manipulate muscles and soft tissues to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. While massage therapy primarily involves hands-on techniques, understanding the principles of Tai Chi, as taught in this course, may be helpful. The course covers visualizing Qi circulation and emphasizes avoiding sharp edges in movements. This foundational knowledge of Tai Chi could enrich a massage therapist's understanding of energy flow within the body. This course may help inform a more holistic approach to massage therapy.

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Acupuncturist

Acupuncturists insert thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and balance energy flow. Becoming an acupuncturist typically requires a master's degree. While acupuncture is a distinct practice from Tai Chi, this course on the secrets of Tai Chi may be useful. The course covers principles such as visualising Qi circulation and understanding the Yin Yang change. A deeper understanding of these concepts can improve an acupuncturist's understanding of energy flow within the body.

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Personal Trainer

Personal trainers work one-on-one with clients to develop and implement customized fitness programs, providing motivation and guidance to help them achieve their goals. A personal trainer may find a course in Tai Chi and its powerful, peaceful, and beautiful movements helpful. The course teaches about important postures in Wudang Tai Chi and covers practical tuition and an explanation of Tai Chi principles. Gaining understanding of how to visualise Qi circulation and lead movement from the waist can enrich a personal trainer's approach to exercise programming. This course may provide additional tools to help clients achieve their fitness goals.

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Life Coach

Life coaches support clients in identifying their goals, overcoming obstacles, and creating fulfilling lives through guidance. A course that introduces the secrets of Tai Chi may be useful for a life coach. The course's emphasis on achieving a calmer state of mind aligns with the goals of stress reduction and mental clarity. The syllabus explores various approaches to Tai Chi and ways to avoid sharp edges. This knowledge can inform a more holistic approach to coaching, supporting clients in cultivating a sense of inner peace and balance.

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Social Worker

Social workers assist individuals, families, and communities in coping with challenges and improving their well-being. This is often done through providing counseling, resources, and advocacy. While social work primarily involves counseling and advocacy, learning the secrets of Tai Chi in this course may be useful for a social worker to help their clients. The course teaches about achieving a calmer state of mind. Gaining understanding of how to stay relaxed could enrich a social worker's approach to promoting mental and emotional well-being.

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Guidance Counselor

Guidance counselors support students in their academic, career, and personal development, providing guidance and resources. Learning the secrets of Tai Chi may be useful to a guidance counselor. The course teaches about achieving a calmer state of mind. Gaining understanding of how to stay relaxed could enrich a guidance counselor's approach to promoting mental and emotional well-being in their students.

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Art Therapist

Art therapists use creative methods to help people explore emotions, improve self-esteem, manage addictions, relieve stress, improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, and cope with a physical illness or disability. An aspiring art therapist typically requires a master's degree. A course that talks about the secrets of Tai Chi may be useful. The course teaches about achieving a calmer state of mind, and it may inform their approach. Guidance on visualization and body movement may prove useful.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Secrets of Powerful, Peaceful & Beautiful Tai Chi!.

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of Tai Chi, including its history, principles, and health benefits. It is particularly useful for understanding the scientific basis of Tai Chi and how it can improve physical and mental well-being. The book also includes practical exercises and guidance for beginners, making it a valuable resource for students in this course. It provides a Western perspective on the practice, complementing Master Gu's Taoist teachings.

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12...

Kindle Edition

The Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi and Qigong

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Provides a broad introduction to both Tai Chi and Qigong, covering their history, philosophy, and health benefits. It good resource for beginners who want to learn more about the context and background of Tai Chi. While it may not go into as much depth as other books, it offers a clear and accessible overview of the subject. It can be used as supplemental reading to broaden your understanding of related practices.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to T'ai Chi & QiGong...

Paperback

Secrets of Powerful, Peaceful & Beautiful Tai Chi!

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Highly recommended beginner wudang tai chi

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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