Location and Time Brown hall 4017, Western Michigan University main campus.

Jan.28, 2015– Apr. 22, 2015

Wednesday 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Classes with low enrollment (less than 3 participants) may be canceled.

Target Student Anyone who is interested in basic Tai Chi. There is no Chinese language proficiency requirement.

Class Description Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese internal martial art system, which combines profound principles,

theories and martial art techniques. This course will teach you about basic Tai Chi. This semester we

are learning 24-form Tai Chi. You can learn basic forms of Tai Chi which includes boxing, sword,

broadsword, spear and push-hand, etc. The slow, soft and continuously flowing movements can

cultivate one's internal energy, mind and the physical body.

Class Objectives Learn to appreciate the beauty of Tai Chi.

Learn to do basic Tai Chi.

Acquire some basic Chinese language and culture.

Course Expectations In order to receive the greatest benefit from your participation in the course, you are expected to fully

participate in class and learn how to do basic Tai Chi with interest and enthusiasm.

Confucius Institute

Western Michigan University

Basic Tai Chi

Spring 2015 Class Syllabus

Instructor

Xu Zhou

(269)348-5209

Email: xu.zhou@wmich.edu

Final Project In order to satisfy the requirement for receipt of a Certificate of Completion, a final project

presentation will be due on 12 classes. Each one needs to play 24-form Tai Chi.

Tentative Schedule

Week 1 Jan. 28 Introduction to Tai Chi

Form1: Beginning

Form 2: Part the wild horse’s mane on both sides

Week 2 Feb.4 Form 3: White crane spreads its wings

Form 4: Sweep over knee and step forward

Form 5: Playing the lute

Week 3 Feb.11 Form 6: Reverse reeling forearm

Form 7: Grasping the sparrow’s tail – left

Form 8: Grasping the sparrow’s tail - right

Week 4 Feb.18 Form 9: Single Whip

Form 10: Wave hands like clouds

Form 11: Single Whip

Week 5 Feb.25 Form 12: High pat on horse

Form 13: Kick with right heel

Form 14: Struck opponent’s ears with both fists

Week 6 Mar. 4 Form 15: Turn and kick with left heel

Form 16: Left snake creeps down & Golden rooster stands on one leg

Form 17: Right snake creeps down & Golden rooster stands on one leg

Week 7 Mar. 18 Review Form 1 - Form 17

Week 8 Mar.25 Form 18: Fair lady weaves shuttles

Form 19: Needle at sea bottom

Form 20: Flashing the arms like a fan

Week 9 Apr. 1 Form 21: Deflect, parry and punch

Form 22: Pushing one’s hands forward in defense

Form 23: Cross hands

Week 10 Apr. 8 Form 24: closing form

Review

Week 11 Apr. 15 Review

Week 12 Apr. 22 Final project presentation

Disclaimer: The instructor reserve the right to amend the schedule at any time

Certificate of Completion The Confucius Institute at Western Michigan University awards Certificates of Completion to

participants who have a successfully completed the class objectives. In order to receive a Certificate

of Completion, you also need meet the following requirements:

Attend no less than 10 scheduled classes.

Successfully complete the final project.