Tai Chi and Qigong with Cari Shurman

Week of April 4, 2026

TAI CHI – Animal Frolics  (morning class) 

Tai Chi and Qigong grew out of the observation and understanding of energy flow in nature: the balance, interaction, strength and flow of chi. The energy flow in our body works in these same patterns. There is interaction and reaction. Tai Chi improves the flow of chi for better coordination, relaxation, balance and strength so we can have  longer, healthier lives. The morning Tai Chi class will focus on a powerful 15 minute Tai Chi wake up for extra energy as we start our day. The animal frolics are fun to do and easy to remember. We will do the elephant, the flying crane, the dragon, fish, lion and tiger. The grace and power of the animals feels very good. The focus improves balance and muscle tone to reduce falls, and improves relaxation and circulation. It is fun and feels good. You are ready for the day! It is the perfect complement to other sports, exercise, and activities. A little Tai Chi everyday makes a big difference in everything else you do.  

QIGONG – The Grandfather of Tai Chi. (afternoon class) 

For over 4000 years the Chinese have practiced Qigong movements for better health and longevity and the internal harmony of the body.  We will practice focused movements for each of the organ systems – heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, liver.  Five Element Qigong  helps us feel the balance of the elements of nature and the elements of the body.  Improved our balance, strength and flexibility help us experience more restful sleep. The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi calls Tai Chi (and Qigong) the perfect exercise for healthy aging.  It has beneficial impact on the heart, bones, nerves, muscles, immune system and the mind. It helps to reduce falls.  It can even be done seated or lying down. 

“Tai Chi (and Qigong) help preserve the body’s physiological complexity, the ability to adapt flexibly to the challenges of aging. This translates into longer life, greater stability, and a deeper sense of connection.”  Dr Peter Wayne, Harvard Medical School. 

The two classes complement each other. You are welcome to attend one or both. You may join at any time during the week. 

  

 

Cari Shurman discovered Tai Chi and Qigong in 1985 on her first of many trips to China. The flexibility, balance, and focus of the people doing Tai Chi in the parks awakened her interest in these exercises for health and longevity. Then she saw that students in the public schools did flowing movements to start the school day with better focus. Could students in other countries gain the focus and concentration she saw among Chinese students? She was excited about the possibility. For the next 10 years she studied and worked with her own students. She returned twice to China to study with masters there. She was astounded at the results. This led her to develop a program for children that is done all over the US and beyond: Tai Chi for Kids©. These years of teaching, studying and trying out new ideas with all ages led her to write and publish a book. This book of poetry, drawings, and QR codes for audio guidance gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the focus, fitness and well-being of Tai Chi. Tai Chi for Kids And the Adults Who Love Them was published in June 2025. The simplified movements are perfect for beginners of all ages.  Her adult classes, live or Zoom, help participants stay involved everywhere. Their stories of feeling happy, relaxed and balanced, of reducing pain and stress, of improving focus and positive energy are inspiring. 

“It is wonderful to hear from those who have done Tai Chi or Qigong with me at the Ranch how life changing it has been to discover, feel and understand Tai Chi and Qigong. I have seen over and over again that Tai Chi and Qigong can change your life.”