Online Tai Chi Chuan Essence and Essentials, Mondays 7:00pm to 8:00pm ET (9/28 to 11/16/2026)
This online class, taking place Mondays from 7:00pm to 8:00pm ET, teaches and practices the essential principles and specific forms and connections that make Tai Chi Chuan so valuable for mental and physical well-being, and as a sport and martial art.
In the class title, Essence refers to the opening up of well-being, energy, and clarity that is fundamental to the practice of Tai Chi Chuan. Essentials refers to all the components such as alignment, specific movements, and mental focus, that allow for the Essence to appear and "grow". As I say in class, natural movement is different from habitual movement, and when we can connect to our natural state of mind and body, we experience an opening up that is beneficial to self and to others.
The session of up to eight classes is for those who are familiar with a Yang-style Short Form, such as the Short Form of either Grandmaster William C.C. Chen or Professor Cheng Man-ch'ing, at least up to Crossing Hands. These online classes are conducted via Zoom; receive the link after registering.
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Some testimonials, from in-person classes:
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Master David Alexander’s workshops are an excellent opportunity to practice and improve Tai Chi skills and understanding. A senior student of Grandmaster William C. C. Chen, David’s workshops offer a welcoming, accepting environment for beginning, intermediate, and advanced Tai Chi practitioners to learn together.
~ Master Steven Asherman, Founder of Content Galaxy Tai Chi Chuan Channel
- I have attended the advanced form refinement class, push hands class, and applications classes. Even though I have been studying T'ai-Chi Chuan for over 40 years I always feel that I learn something new in each of the classes. David provides a calm and supportive environment that is quite conducive to learning. He is a keen observer and gives clear, positive feedback.
~ Master Bruce McCarter, Instructor of Tai Chi Chuan and Teacher of Buddhism -
I highly recommend the tai chi lessons and workshops with David. Not only has he mastered the forms and techniques, but is able to explain the underlying body mechanics.
This becomes more apparent when push hands and martial art applications are taught and practiced. He is able to teach at all levels, is very patient and provides a safe and very enjoyable learning experience.
~ Michael Stefanovich, Psychiatrist
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David B. Alexander is an excellent and patient teacher who clearly interprets William CC Chen’s method of Tai Chi Chuan. The curriculum he teaches in his workshops is thorough and sincere. I highly recommend him. Your Taichi will improve whether you are a beginner or advanced student.
~ Bernard Rozenberg, Long-time Tai Chi Practitioner and Push-Hands Enthusiast
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The teacher, Master David B. Alexander, has taught since the early 1990s. He has also studied steadily with Grandmaster Chen since 1983 and before that with Herman Kauz. That includes assistant teaching for many years, and accompanying GM Chen by invitation for many workshops to assist and at times to run classes during the workshops. These workshops took place multiple times in Massachussets, upstate New York, and near Washington D.C.