Teach 5E
What is Teach5e.org?
As a Tai Chi instructor, I aim to reach and empower as many students as possible, training them to become teachers who can share this accessible, memorable, and beneficial form. Teach5E.org is my main vehicle to accomplish this goal. The Five Elements form offers calming moments and supports recovery; many long-term practitioners find it deeply reassuring. Its connection to the natural world makes it especially relevant today, encouraging respect for nature and a greater awareness of our interconnectedness. Teach5E.org provides donation-based classes so anyone can participate, with teacher training fees kept affordable. My mission is to spread the Five Elements Tai Chi practice widely and help people feel at home within themselves and in nature.
What is Tai Chi?
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi, also known as Taiji or Taijiquan, originated in China over 2,000 years ago. Its evolution is deeply rooted in Taoist philosophy, which emphasizes the harmony between humans and nature. The practice is often attributed to Chang Sanfeng, a legendary Chinese martial artist who founded the Wudang School of Tai Chi.
Tai Chi’s slow, flowing movements are designed to cultivate inner energy, or “Qi,” by balancing yin and yang forces within the body. The practice is not just physical exercise; it’s an embodiment of the principles of wu wei (), or effortless action, where the practitioner becomes one with the movement.
As you observe Tai Chi practitioners, notice how they move with intention, yet seemingly without effort. This is because Tai Chi is not about achieving a specific goal but rather embracing the present moment and allowing the body to respond naturally. The practice encourages you to quiet your mind, letting go of distractions and stress, as you focus on the flow of energy within.
Remember that Tai Chi is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself as you develop your skills, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The true power of Tai Chi lies not in mastering the physical movements but in cultivating inner harmony and balance in your daily life.
The 5 Elements Form
The Harmony of Five: Understanding the Ancient Wisdom of Chinese Philosophy
In an era where constant change and chaos reign supreme, ancient wisdom from Chinese philosophy offers a timeless framework for navigating the complexities of our modern world. At the heart of this philosophy lies the Five Elements system, a dynamic model that weaves together Water, Fire, Wood, Metal, and Earth to reveal the intricate relationships between seemingly disparate forces.
The Five Elements Form: A Pathway to Balance and Harmony
Within the realm of Tai Chi, a centuries-old martial art rooted in Chinese philosophy, practitioners have long harnessed the power of the Five Elements to cultivate balance, harmony, and inner peace. The Five Elements Form is a short, yet profound practice that embodies this ancient wisdom, guiding individuals towards a deeper connection with themselves and to nature.
Unlocking the Secrets of the Five Elements
This formative practice weaves together gentle, accessible movements that is mirrored on both sides of the body, inviting practitioners to explore the dynamic interplay between Water, Fire, Wood, Metal, and Earth. As one flows through the sequence, each element is evoked, revealing its unique characteristics, functions, and interactions with the other elements.
A Modern Take: The Five Elements Form
Advanced by Master Teacher Chungliang Al Huang and passed down to his students, the Five Elements Form is a modern adaptation of this ancient wisdom. This 5-minute practice honors the natural world by facing each cardinal point and revolving in recognition of the seasons, time, and our place upon the Earth.
Embarking on a Journey of Body-Mindfulness
As practitioners commit to this formative practice, they can expect to experience profound benefits, including:
- Greater balance and coordination
- Improved physical strength and mobility
- Enhanced mental clarity and focus
- A deeper connection with their human nature and the world around them
By embracing the Five Elements Form, individuals from all walks of life can embark on a journey of Body-Mindfulness, cultivating harmony within themselves and with the natural world.
Services Info
Weekly Live-Stream
Class Structure
This class will be available for all subscribers (donation, monthly, trainees). It is held Every Sunday @5:30-6:15pm EST via livestream here on the websites’ virtual classroom.
We will discuss fundamentals and practice the form in seated and standing positions. We will also touch on other chi practices and work with our energy centers.
Class Requirements
To attend this class, you will need; a webcam of your choice w/ operational microphone, enough space to move around, and of course yourself. You may also have a pen and some paper to write questions that may come up during the class, although this is optional, it is highly suggested.
During the instructional portion of class, we ask all participants to have their webcam on, and microphones off until the end.
Bi-Weekly Live-Stream Teachers Training Class
Class Structure
Classes are divided into 2 sections. The first section will be a 30 minute, teacher led instructional. Within this section, you will go through; basic warm ups, clarification & practicing The Five Elements Form, and an ending meditation.
After the first section, the next 15 minutes of class will be a Q&A. Within this section, you will be able to ask any questions pertaining to the class, and The Five Elements Form.
This will be held bi-weekly, on a monthly basis, and will be live-streamed via Zoom on the Virtual Classroom tab of teach5e.org.
Class Requirements
To attend this class, you will need; a webcam of your choice w/ operational microphone, enough space to move around, and of course yourself. You may also have a pen and some paper to write questions that may come up during the class, although this is optional, it is highly suggested.
During the instructional portion of class, we ask all participants to have their webcam on, and microphones off. Once this section is complete, you will need to turn your microphone on to participate in the Q&A discussion.
We ask that you reserve all questions you may have until the Q&A discussion. If you have a question that comes up during the class, you may quickly write down your question and resume participation.
Certification Testing
Testing Requirements
We require a minimum of 6 classes with active attendance and participation prior to testing. This is to ensure you have a foundational understanding of the form.
Once you have attended & participated for a minimum of 6 classes(approximately 3 months with consistent attendance), you will be eligible to test for the Five Elements Form of Tai Chi teachers certification.
Please look at the Calendar to see available testing days, and then RSVP with your selected day and time-slot.
Once you send the request, you will receive a confirmation email with the zoom link for the day of the class.
On the day of the test, all that you will need are a quiet place to take the test and a working camera with microphone. The test will be held via zoom.