What is Tai Chi Chuan?


Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese exercise system and a martial art. The literal translation of the name is “Supreme Ultimate Fist”.  Many people associate Tai Chi with the image of a large group of people in a park in China moving slowly in unison through a series of "dance like" movements. This is one aspect of the art, although the complete system encompasses much more than simply performing a series of movements. Tai Chi training is based on slow, continuous, gentle and flowing movements of the whole body and a calm, focused, and centered state of mind.   Tai Chi is an exercise practiced by millions daily in China, and is gaining
 popularity around the world. Our classes focus on the standardized syllabus (8-step, 16-step, 24-step, 32-step, etc.) for beginners. Students may go on to study the traditional Yang Style "Long Form", traditional Sun Style, the International Competition Routines (42-step, 42 Sword), Weapons (Broadsword, Straight Sword, Spear, Fan), and Push-Hands (two-person work).

What are the benefits of practicing Tai Chi?


Improved health, flexibility, balance, strength, relaxation and mental calmness and focus are benefits proven by a series of studies of Tai Chi in a medical setting.  The Tai Chi practitioner focuses on correct posture, rooting, breath, flexibility, relaxation, mind/body connection, and a centered, focused, calm and alert state of mind.  In studies at major hospitals and Universities Tai Chi has been shown to be effective in providing support for those suffering with pain from Arthritis, Fibromyalgia,  Shingles, and a variety of other conditions.  For those people attracted to martial arts training, Tai Chi represents a balance between soft, yielding, and redirecting principles and relaxed applications of force through rooted and whole body integrated movements. It’s effectiveness does not depend on size, strength or speed, making it an appropriate martial art for anyone to learn regardless of age or physical attributes. 

Current Schedule

The Tai Chi Academy at Final Results Fitness announces a special summer program for Monday evenings.  Beginning immediately a second class has
been added on Mondays to accommodate students of all levels.  This "OPEN" class will be held from 6:30 to 7:30, and will be followed by an Advanced
class.  Everyone is welcome to attend at 6:30, and beginning or less experienced students will benefit from the opportunity to work with
advanced students as we enhance our balance, flexibility, and foundation skills.  At 7:30 the advanced class begins, but everyone is welcome to
stay and participate in the drills, and be inspired by the skill level of these students, many of whom have been studying Tai Chi for 12 years or
longer!

This special schedule on Mondays only will be in effect until after Labor Day.  The fall schedule will be announced in August.  Don't forget, you do
not need to be a member of Final Results to join The Tai Chi Academy, but there is a discounted price for Final Results members.

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If I don't want to learn a martial art should I still join the class?


Yes, absolutely!  Most students are only interested in the health and meditative aspects of Tai Chi, while some students will want to pursue its martial applications as well. Our classes are designed to accommodate both types of students. Each student is encouraged to pursue their own interests.

Is the class suitable for beginners as well as advanced students?


Yes, we are offering classes for beginners as well as students with Tai Chi experience.  Never done Tai Chi before?  Great! Join us at 6:00, or ask about an introductory session from 5:30 – 6:00 and then stay for the regular class.   Have you done Tai Ch previously?  The Level 2 class at 7:00 is perfect for students who have been studying for 6 months or longer.  Are you interested in expanding your knowledge with the study of weapons, partner routines, or competitive routines?  Be sure to check out our Special Topics and Advanced classes.  Not sure where you fit?  Just ask to talk to Chief Instructor Betsy Chapman, or you can send her an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Please note that we also offer private instruction by appointment.  You may schedule one or a series of lessons to hone your skills, or explore a specific topic in more depth.

What is the typical class structure?


The class begins with gentle warm ups. Next, we’ll review material we’ve covered previously.  We’ll follow that with a demonstration and explanation of new material, and we’ll practice together. Questions and discussion are encouraged and are an important part of the learning process. The class concludes with a cool down routine and closing.

Class Price Overview:
$60 per month for Non-Final Results Fitness Members
$30 per month for Final Results Fitness Members
(Tai Chi students may add FRF membership for an additional
$30/month while they remain active Tai Chi students)

Class Price for Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fibromyalgia:

$99 for the public, $49 for FRF members for the 6 week program.

So who is this Betsy Chapman anyway?

Betsy began her study of martial arts in 1981, and began focusing on Chinese styles exclusively in 1990.  She is a student of Master Peter Warr (UK), who was Chairman of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Wushu Competition and continues to serve on the Technical Committee of the International Wushu Federation.  (Wushu is the correct term for Chinese Martial Arts, usually called Kung Fu in the US.)  She also studies with Master Jose Johnson (US), National Champion in 1995. Betsy has taught Chinese Martial Arts at Ursinus College since 1999. She is certified as a Senior Coach (Black Sash) by the Wu Kung Federation (UK), and holds additional Black Sash ranking from Nick Gracenin's Martial Arts Center (US) and the International Wushu SanShou Dao Association (China). She is certified as a Chief Judge for Chinese Martial Arts competition in the US. Her competitive experience includes Tai Chi, weapons, and Xingyiquan.  She travels to China, the UK, and Canada to supplement her studies.  Her student Julie Nieznay won the National Championship for Chinese Martial Arts in 2006.  To complement her martial arts training, Betsy is an active musician, Shiatsu, and Reiki practitioner.  She is a Certified Clinical Musician, working in hospital and hospice settings, and practices Vibro-Acoustic Harp Therapy, an emerging therapeutic modality.

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