- True Tai Chi

Reclaims

Cultivates

Nourishes

your energy

watch

True Tai Chi® values

Our VALUES are Clarity. Depth. Quality. Fellowship. Lineage

Top RatedStudent satisfaction

LINEAGE

As the sole DC region branch of the historic Chenjiagou Taijiquan Academy from Taiji’s birthplace in Chen Village, Henan, China, our practice and instruction stems directly from the source.

CLARITY

We represent orthodox Chen style Taijiquan, embodied by the founding family of Taijiquan, the Chens of Chenjiagou, Henan, China – promoting the core elements that permeate all variations of traditional Chen Taiji.

DEPTH

We offer unparalleled depth in our practice and instruction, supplemented by quarterly teaching visits from key leaders of the founding family of Taijiquan and others.

QUALITY

Long recognized for the world-class quality of our classes and programs, we provide the very best training in Taijiquan and Qigong available anywhere, with a foundational pedagogy unique to our program.

FELLOWSHIP

We provide an envied community of diverse practitioners, not driven by competition or ego, who are driven by warmth and support of each other and the best values of traditional Chinese martial arts.

What is Tai Chi & Qigong?

Tai Chi is a martial art created centuries ago by the military commander, Chen Wanting. His conception tied self-defense training to the metaphysics of Taoism and Chinese medicine. Once secret, his art bred warriors renowned for combat ability and robust health. Qigong are moving and still exercises derived from ancient Chinese concepts of wellness.

Our Curriculum

We are Tai Chi & Qigong

True Tai Chi® is Washington, DC’s premier Tai Chi and Qigong group. We offer exclusive programs in Chen style Taiji, Qigong, and other martial arts. Stephan Berwick founded the True Tai Chi® group to promote the value and pleasure of traditional Chinese martial and health culture.

True Tai Chi® program

The True Tai Chi® group offers year-round training for beginner to advanced. Our exclusive, 3-stage curriculum quickly Reclaims, Cultivates, and Nourishes students’ energy, power, and well-being.

Beginner

RECLAIM ENERGY

Fundamentals I

Qigong Strong®

All Levels Taiji

Intermediate

CULTIVATE ENERGY

Fundamentals II

Qigong Strong®

Taiji 'Endure'®

All Levels Taiji

Beyond

NOURISH ENERGY

Taiji 'Endure'®

Qigong Strong®

All Levels Taiji

Class descriptions and schedule here.

True Tai Chi® students speak

I didn’t expect much, because I thought I was moving down to easier exercise due to age/injury. But I got fewer inches, more flexibility, improved stamina, better balance.
I got . . . more flexibility, improved stamina, better balance.

Ardeth K.

Student

I’ve found that I feel a strong sense of pride in learning authentic Taiji with a solid lineage: when asked, I am immensely pleased to tell people where, and from whom, I am learning Taiji.

David O.

Student

From my first email to Stephan Berwick, his response was so graceful and encouraging. Initially, the training seemed so strange, because my previous exposure to Tai Chi was very different (sweatless slow dance). Unlike many Tai Chi schools I am not hearing all the esoteric stories here. Things are very practical and tangible here.

Ashok K.

Student

I find that sustained practice brings me a focus and clarity in my thoughts that has been extremely beneficial to me. The training of staying relaxed under stress (especially in push-hands) has helped me a lot at work.

Scott F.

Student

When I tried the first class I recognized this was the real deal. Pains and health issues have improved or vanished. I am able to take the body method taught in the True Tai Chi curriculum and apply it to other physical disciplines.

Hilary E.

Student

It’s a total re-framing of what it is to be fit and capable.

Kate B.

Student