Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a physical and contemplative practice that originated in China in the 3rd century. It has been shown to improve mood, decrease fatigue, improve sleep and cultivate a sense of tranquility.

Tai Chi’s movements are a slow and deliberate shifting of weight and direction which improves balance and muscular strength. Tai Chi is done in a standing position with bent knees and so it also improves aerobic capacity and flexibility.

By the end of this 8-week series, students will be able to

Execute several forms (movements) on their own
Harmoniously link forms and breath to execute a set (series) with a degree of precision and control
Identify some details of the roots, history, and philosophy behind of Tai Chi

Tai Chi can be adapted to a seated position where only the arm movements are executed for students experiencing mobility limitations. For more information, connect with Lauren Brown at laurena.brown@utoronto.ca.

Note: Dates and times mentioned in the video below are from a previous year. The upcoming series will run from October 17 to December 5, 2022 from 1 – 2 p.m. at Koffler House, 569 Spadina Ave.

Program Eligibility
How The Program Works

Students must register and join by the second session so the group can progress together. We warmly recommend that students attend all sessions to gain the maximum learning and development this program offers.

Each session is 1-hour long. Participants should wear comfortable clothing they can move in. This practice is done standing with bent knees for much of the practice.
Program Facilitators

Juensung Kim

Role on Team: Tai Chi Facilitator

Juensung is a doctoral candidate in developmental psychology and education at OISE. His research concerns the intentional pursuit of wisdom, virtue, self-transcendence and meaning in life, understood as personal projects. He is interested in how those aspirations are supported by education, religion, and spiritual practice, and how we can retain such aspirations and practices in a secular age. Juensung is a long-time martial artist and historical fencer and has studied Beijing Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) with Dr. John Vervaeke since 2013. He recently also began studying the Wu Family's Tai Chi.

Learn more about Juensung
Program Registration

This 8-week series runs on Mondays from 1 – 2 p.m. at Koffler House, 569 Spadina Ave. It begins on October 17 and runs until December 5, 2022.

Registration opens September 15, 2022.

Note: Space is limited. Participants must be registered and participate by the second week to continue in the series.

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