Dan Kimball

Beginner-friendly Yang-style Tai Chi in Tucson. Build balance, ease stress, and develop calm strength with step-by-step instruction in a supportive community.

In this article, I break down the Tai Chi finishing sequence — the final push forward, foot adjustments, and gathered close. Learn how to transition smoothly from the punch and sleeve wipe into the ending posture with proper weight distribution, relaxed elbows, and foot alignment.

Learn the Punch and Parry sequence in Yang Style Tai Chi step by step. This guide breaks down the hand motions, footwork, timing, and posture so you can practice the form with clarity and balance. With drills, corrections, and training tips, you’ll refine coordination and develop rooted power through this sequence.

This in-depth article explores the pipa, China’s ancient four-stringed lute, and its surprising connection to Tai Chi. You’ll learn about the instrument’s 2,000-year history, unique anatomy, right- and left-hand techniques, and the rolling tremolo that makes its voice so distinctive. The article also highlights how the pipa’s sound language reflects Chinese culture, compares it to Western plucked instruments, and explains its role in solo and ensemble repertoire. For Tai Chi practitioners, the piece uncovers the meaning behind the “Play the Pipa” posture, showing how music and martial art share the same essence of flow, balance, and storytelling.

Discover the art of Brush the Knee and Play Pipa in Yang-style Tai Chi — one of the most iconic and practical sequences in the form. This in-depth guide covers everything from step-by-step breakdowns and alignment cues to practice drills, common mistakes, and martial applications. Whether you’re a beginner building fundamentals or an intermediate student refining technique, you’ll learn how to perform this sequence with clarity, confidence, and flow.

Discover the beauty, balance, and martial roots of the Tai Chi sequence Lift Hands, Press Heel → White Crane Spreads Its Wings. This step-by-step guide breaks down each posture with clear instructions, martial applications, internal energy principles, and common mistakes to avoid.

This in-depth guide explores the Circular Single Whip posture in Wudang Yang Style Tai Chi, blending history, symbolism, and core principles with a step-by-step breakdown, footwork drills, and internal energy cues. You’ll also learn how to avoid the seven most common Tai Chi mistakes that limit balance, flow, and martial structure.

Grasp the Bird’s Tail (攬雀尾 Lǎn Què Wěi) is one of Tai Chi’s most essential and elegant sequences. Here we explore its poetic meaning, the four foundational energies—Peng (Ward Off), Lu (Roll Back), Ji (Press), and An (Push)—and how this practice embodies balance, softness, and rooted power.

This blog explores how practicing Tai Chi with mindfulness enhances physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Discover key benefits like deeper relaxation, better balance, and greater energy awareness—plus practical tips to bring mindfulness into your movement. You'll also find a list of top wellness centers and scenic parks in Tucson, Arizona, that offer the perfect environment for mindful Tai Chi practice.

Yi Jin Jing, or the Muscle-Tendon Change Classic, is a powerful Shaolin Qigong system designed to strengthen the body from within. Developed by monks seeking physical resilience and spiritual awakening, this 12-movement practice transforms tendons, improves circulation, and cultivates inner energy (Qi). Perfect for beginners and experienced Tai Chi practitioners alike, Yi Jin Jing offers a path to strength, flexibility, and lasting vitality.

Join fellow Old Pueblo Tai Chi members for a 30-minute group meditation at the peaceful Sol Center

In this guide, we will explore the essential Yang style ward off, also known as Peng, in Tai Chi. This movement is a fundamental defensive technique that embodies the balance, flow, and rooted energy characteristic of Yang style Tai Chi. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your form, mastering the ward off posture will enhance your stability, coordination, and internal energy connection.

Discover the flourishing Tai Chi scene in Tucson, Arizona—where ancient movement meets modern wellness in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. This guide explores the health benefits of Tai Chi and highlights Tucson’s top instructors, community programs, and inclusive classes for all skill levels. Whether you're seeking mindfulness, pain relief, or community connection, this article will help you find the perfect Tai Chi class near you.

Step 3 of Wudang Tai Chi—“Embracing Balance and Flow”—introduces the transformative posture of “Holding the Ball,” where breath, movement, and intention unite. This article explores the symbolism of yin and yang, step-by-step instructions for the movement, and insights into breath coordination, internal energy, and balance.

Think you’ve got your Tai Chi fundamentals down? 🌄 This short but insightful 10-question quiz will test your knowledge of two essential elements of Wudang Yang Style Tai Chi: • Postural Foundations (Questions 1–5) • The “Sun Rises and Moon Sets” Sequence (Questions 6–10) Whether you're a beginner or refining your form, this quiz helps you reflect on the quality of your movement, breath coordination, and mind-body awareness.

Sun Rises and Moon Sets | This beautiful sequence symbolizes the natural rhythm of day and night, yin and yang, breath and flow. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.

The Tai Chi posture isn’t just about standing up straight—it’s about cultivating a relaxed, rooted, and energetically aligned body that supports every movement and breath. In this article, we break down the 10 key postural guidelines taught in our latest video, from grounding through the Yongquan points to lifting through the crown (Baihui). Whether you’re just beginning your Tai Chi journey or looking to refine your foundation, these timeless principles will help you feel more centered, calm, and connected.

Get your new Old Pueblo Tai Chi and Qigong class shirts—comfortable, meaningful, and made for movement. Designed with thoughtful symbols that reflect our Tucson community and practice.

Over 1,800 years ago, the visionary physician Hua Tuo created a dynamic practice known as the Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi)—one of the earliest known systems of preventive health care. Inspired by nature’s most vital creatures, this powerful Qigong form harmonizes breath, movement, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this post, we explore the origins, symbolism, and healing potential of each animal and learn how Hua Tuo’s teachings remain relevant for modern wellness today.

Explore the top Tai Chi Ruler picks on Amazon with our expert guidance. Discover the best wood types, uses, and tools to support energy flow, posture, and inner calm.

Wudang Tai Chi is more than a set of movements—it’s a complete system for improving your body, mind, and spirit or energy. Rooted in the natural wisdom of the Dao, it teaches us to slow down, breathe deeply, move with intention, and live with balance and harmony.

Deepen your Tai Chi with 5 effective ball exercises and top-recommended tools. Explore practice tips, benefits, and the best Tai Chi balls to boost your wellness.

Join us every Monday morning for a rejuvenating Tai Chi and Qigong class designed to help you cultivate calm, enhance flexibility, and restore your natural energy. Guided by gentle instruction, this class is perfect for all experience levels—no previous knowledge required. You’ll explore foundational techniques from Tai Chi and Qigong, integrating breath, posture, and mindful movement. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, improved balance, or a deeper connection to your body and spirit, this hour-long session offers a peaceful and empowering start to your week.

Old Peublo Tai Chi offers a beginner-friendly, stress-relieving practice that uses slow, mindful movement to improve balance, sleep, and emotional resilience. No experience necessary.

Most people think "Kung Fu" means martial arts—but it doesn’t. This post uncovers the real meaning of kung fu (功夫) as a lifelong skill cultivated through discipline and dedication, far beyond combat.

Tai Chi is a gentle, flowing form of exercise rooted in ancient Chinese martial arts and philosophy. Often described as “meditation in motion,” Tai Chi combines slow, deliberate movements with deep breathing and focused awareness. Originally developed for self-defense, it is now widely practiced for its powerful health benefits, including improved balance, flexibility, mental clarity, and stress reduction. By harmonizing body and mind, Tai Chi promotes relaxation, resilience, and inner peace, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.

Learn how the ancient practice of Zhan Zhuang can transform your health, mental clarity, and internal energy through simple, powerful standing postures.

Discover the history, legends, and healing power of the Tai Chi Ruler (Taiji Bang). Learn how this ancient Daoist practice enhances Qi flow, stimulates acupoints, and supports whole-body wellness.