Classes

Our classes are suitable for peoples of all ages and levels of experience. You do not need to have had any prior experience with Tai Chi, nor any other form of martial art, in order to be able to enjoy our classes. Our aim is to make learning and enjoying Tai Chi accessible to all.

Wisconsin Tai Chi Academy currently offers Beginner and Intermediate classes at five locations. Students will have a ‘main’ location where they mostly attend, however are able to attend at multiple locations if they wish. Locations, dates, times, and fee information is provided below.

An Outstanding Entry Point Into the Art of Tai Chi

Ray Gates’ Wisconsin Tai Chi Academy is an outstanding entry point into the art of Tai Chi. Ray brings a vast depth of knowledge of martial arts generally and Tai Chi specifically to his students. He has a very interactive teaching style and each class is designed to bring students along at an easily digestible pace. The Academy offers a variety of learning tools as supplements to in-class learning such as instructional videos and on-line forums that create a broad learning environment. If you’re looking for an intellectually and physically stimulating approach to health improvement, this is it!

• Greg Sinner
• Student

Tai Chi Beginner Classes

Beijing 24 Forms

The Beijing 24 Forms is an internationally standardized Tai Chi set sometimes referred to as the Yang 24 Forms or Simplified Yang Form and widely practiced throughout the world. It is a perfect introduction to fundamental concepts and movements for those just starting their Tai Chi journey. Those more experienced have the opportunity to refine and go deeper into their technique. Students will also learn the Lotus Qigong set.

Completion of Bejing 24 Forms is a prerequisite to commencing Intermediate Classes.

Tai Chi Intermediate Classes

Yang 40 Forms

Prerequisite: Completion of Beijing 24 Forms

The Yang 40 Forms (sometimes referred to as the Yang Short Form or Yang Competition 40 Forms) is part of the Yang family of Taijiquan sets. It is a competition set. Students will also learn the Ba Duan Jin Qigong set.

32 Forms Sword

Prerequisite: Completion of Yang 40 Forms

The 32 Forms Sword (sometimes referred to as the Yang 32 Forms Sword Competition Routine) is part of the Yang family of Taijiquan sets. It is a competition set and introduces students to the Chinese straight sword (jian). Students will also learn the Ba Duan Jin Qigong set.

Fee Structure

Terms run for 10 weeks and there are 4 terms per year. Fees are for one full term.

Fees include:

• student handbook (issued with first full term payment)
• full membership, including member-only website access and future updates to the student handbook

Notes on Fees

* Multiple classes means you can attend all classes (Intermediate requires prerequisite – see above) at all venues. This means you could attend from 2 up to 10 classes per week.
a. retiree/student (to undergraduate)/social security beneficiary (eg: disbility) – requires proof of status (eg: valid ID, correspondence confirming status, etc.)

Payment Options

Please note: commitment is important. Please carefully consider your ability to attend the duration of a term prior to making your payment. Term fees represent a discount to students who are committing to their Tai Chi. Term fees are for the duration of the term, not for 10 (or equivalent) classes. Missed classes are non-transferable and no refunds will be considered.

Preferred payment methods are listed in the following order:
1. Check made payable to ‘Ray Gates’
2. Zelle or Venmo using phone number (details provided on request)
3. Bank transfer (details provided upon request)
4. Cash
5. Credit card – note: a 3% surcharge to cover processing fees will be included

Credit card payments are handled through our secure Square site which also features Afterpay – the ability to split your payment into 4 installments to make payments easier. Afterpay may include its own fees or charges seperate from your term fee for using this service, and students using this service are advised to be sure they understand all the terms and conditions of Afterpay’s service prior to establishing a payment agreement with them. Payments using Afterpay can only be made through our secure Square site.