Tai Chi (Yang Long Form), Tai Chi Exercises, and Qi Gong - Scroll down for several levels of Tai Chi!


Tai Chi (Yang Long Form)

Tai Chi, the gentle form of exercise often called meditation in motion, has been practiced in China for hundreds of years. This ancient art helps relieve stress, increase strength and flexibility, improve balance, coordination and circulation. Its slow and graceful movements make it accessible to anyone, regardless of age or level of physical fitness. While Tai Chi improves overall physical and mental health, it is also an effective martial art. Class sizes are limited. The instructor, Gwen Roman has extensive experience in the Arts of Tai Chi and Jin Shin Jyutsu. She has extensive experience teaching Tai Chi and trains with Myles MacVane. Other teachers include Alex Dong, Master Bing, and Wang Feng-Ming. She has taught in Ridgefield for years. Weather make ups are added to the end of the session.

Beginning Tai Chi (Yang Long Form) with Gwen Roman
Tai Chi, described as “meditation in motion” is a centuries old Chinese discipline used for health, relaxation, and meditation. Relaxation and inner calm and strength are emphasized. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, sex or athletic ability. Tai Chi is considered a healing exercise. The instructor, Gwen Roman has extensive experience in the Arts of Tai Chi and Jin Shin Jyutsu. She has extensive experience teaching Tai Chi and trains with Myles MacVane. Other teachers include Alex Dong, Master Bing, and Wang Feng-Ming. She has taught in Ridgefield for years. Make up, if needed, is added to the end. No class 4/22 & 29.

Wednesday Evening with Gwen Roman:

8 Sessions $ 96 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 77)
Wed., 11/20; 12/4, 11, 18; 1/8, 15, 22 & 29 from 6:30 to 7:20 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

9 Sessions $ 108 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 86)
Wed., 2/5, 12, 19, 26; 3/4, 11, 18, 25 & 4/1 from 6:30 to 7:20 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

6 Sessions $ 73 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 58)
Wed., 5/6, 13, 20, 27; 6/3 & 10 from 6:30 to 7:20 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School


Tai Chi Intermediate (Continuing) with Gwen Roman
This intermediate class is for students who have completed the first level class. Tai Chi, described as “meditation in motion” is a centuries old Chinese discipline used for health, relaxation, meditation and self defense. Relaxation and inner calm and strength are emphasized. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, sex or athletic ability. Tai Chi is considered a healing exercise. The instructor, Gwen Roman has extensive experience in the Arts of Tai Chi and Jin Shin Jyutsu. She has extensive experience teaching Tai Chi and trains with Myles MacVane. Other teachers include Alex Dong, Master Bing, and Wang Feng-Ming. She has taught in Ridgefield for years. Make up, if needed, is added to the end of the session. No class 4/22 & 29.

8 Sessions $ 96 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 77)
Wed., 11/20; 12/4, 11, 18; 1/8, 15, 22 & 29 from 5:30 to 6:20 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

9 Sessions $ 108 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 86)
Wed., 2/5, 12, 19, 26; 3/4, 11, 18, 25 & 4/1 from 5:30 to 6:20 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

6 Sessions $ 73 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 58)
Wed., 5/6, 13, 20, 27; 6/3 & 10 from 5:30 to 6:20 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School


Beginning Tai Chi (Yang Long Form) with Rod Barfield
Tai Chi, described as “meditation in motion” is a centuries old Chinese discipline used for health, relaxation, and meditation. Relaxation and inner calm and strength are emphasized. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, sex or athletic ability. Tai Chi is considered a healing exercise. Instructor Rod Barfield, a former NYC teacher, has been doing Tai Chi exercises since 1994 and has studied under Gwen Roman since Fall 2013.

Wednesday Morning: at Ballard Community Room

8 Sessions $ 98 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 78)
Wed., 2/5, 12, 19, 26; 3/4, 11, 18 & 25 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.; Ballard Green Community Room, 25 Gilbert St., Ridgefield 

Spring / Summer classes will be posted on this web site at the end of February!

Friday Morning with Rod Barfield:

7 Sessions $ 86 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 69)
Fri., 12/6; 1/10, 17, 24, 31; 2/7 & 21 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; Annex NOTE: 1/31; 2/7 & 21 have been added as the make up for 12/13 & 20. The 2/21 overlap will be adjusted for students continuing into March.

6 Sessions $ 73 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 58)
Fri., 2/21, 28; 3/6, 13, 20 & 27 from 9:30 to 10:25 a.m.; Annex

Spring / Summer classes will be posted on this web site at the end of February!


Beginning Tai Chi (Continuing)
A continuation of the beginning class up to approximately 50 of the first 108 moves. Instructor Rod Barfield, a former NYC teacher, has been doing Tai Chi exercises since 1994 and has studied under Gwen Roman since Fall 2013.

6 Sessions $ 73 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 58)
Fri., 2/21, 28; 3/6, 13, 20 & 27 from 11:35 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Town Hall Annex

Spring / Summer classes will be posted on this web site at the end of February!


Tai Chi Exercises

Tai Chi Exercises (Beginner): the Natural Way to Promote Health
This first class consists of 35 basic Tai Chi exercises designed to promote better health, stress relief, balance and coordination, concentration, and internal organ massage. based on Step by Step Tai Chi: the Natural Way to Strength and Healing by Master Lam Kam Chuen. Please bring a set of 2 or 3 pound weights. Instructor Rod Barfield, a former NYC teacher, has been doing Tai Chi exercises since 1994 and has studied the Tai Chi Form under Gwen Roman since Fall 2013.

Wednesday Evening: at East Ridge Middle School

8 Sessions $ 98 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 78)
Wed., 2/5, 12, 19, 26; 3/4, 11, 18 & 25 from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School

Spring / Summer classes will be posted on this web site at the end of February!

Friday Morning: at the Annex

7 Sessions $ 86 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 69)
Fri., 12/6; 1/10, 17, 24, 31; 2/7 & 21 from 10 to 11 a.m.; Town Hall Annex NOTE: 1/31; 2/7 & 21 have been added as the make up for 12/13 & 20. The 2/21 overlap will be adjusted for students continuing into March.

6 Sessions $ 74 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 59)
Fri., 2/21, 28; 3/6, 13, 20 & 27 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Town Hall Annex

Spring / Summer classes will be posted on this web site at the end of February!


Qi Gong

Qi Gong: Level 1
In Chinese Medicine, the condition of one’s Qi is the most critical determinant of health status. This life force is omnipresent and can be transferred and absorbed. In this series, participants learn a set of Qi Gong exercises for self-cultivation of one’s Qi. Practicing these exercises can yield benefits in maintenance of good health and prevention of disease. The students first learn to sense and enhance the flow of Qi within the body and around the inner organs. Then the student learns to improve his/her Qi balance through meditation. The student will learn techniques for the expelling of bad Qi and the drawing in of good Qi from the outside. Students from prior classes are welcome back. Instructor Debbie Dong, owner of Meridians, a provider of Eastern Health Alternatives in Ridgefield. She has taught Qi Gong for many years.

4 Sessions $49 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $39)
Tue., 4/21, 28; 5/5 & 12 from 9 to 9:45 a.m.; Town Hall Annex


Medical Questions:

We expect students to have consulted with their doctor before starting any new exercise program.