Tai Chi (Yang Long Form), Qi Gong, and Tai Chi Exercises - Scroll down for many options, both In Person and on Zoom


Tai Chi (Yang Long Form)

Tai Chi Form classes are in person - either in a school or public building (the morning classes go outside when the weather is good).

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.


Beginning Tai Chi (Yang Long Form)
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. Taught by Gwen Roman (Wednesday evening) and Rod Barfield (Thursday morning). Make up, if needed, is added to the end of the session.
* 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 since 2005.
* Rod Barfield, a former NYC teacher, has been doing Tai Chi exercises since 1994 and has studied the Tai Chi Form under Gwen Roman for over seven years.

Wednesday Evening with Gwen Roman

8 Sessions $ 102 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 87)
Wed., 9/27; 10/4, 11, 18, 25; 11/1, 8, 15 from 6 to 6:50 p.m. at East Ridge Middle School

Thursday Morning with Rod Barfield

8 Sessions $ 102 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 87)
Thur., 9/28; 10/5, 12, 19, 26; 11/2, 9, 16 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; Annex

Friday Morning with Rod Barfield

8 Sessions $ 102 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 87)
Fri., 9/29; 10/6, 13, 20, 27; 11/3, 17; 12/1 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; Annex No class 11/10 or 12/1.


Tai Chi Intermediate (Continuing)
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. Taught by Gwen Roman (Wednesday evening) and Rod Barfield (Friday morning). Make up, if needed, is added to the end of the session.
* 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 since 2005.
* Rod Barfield, a former NYC teacher, has been doing Tai Chi exercises since 1994 and has studied the Tai Chi Form under Gwen Roman for over seven years.

Wednesday Evening with Gwen Roman

8 Sessions $ 102 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 87)
Wed., 9/27; 10/4, 11, 18, 25; 11/1, 8, 15 from 5 to 5:50 p.m. at East Ridge Middle School.

Friday Morning with Rod Barfield

8 Sessions $ 102 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 87)
Fri., 9/29; 10/6, 13, 20, 27; 11/3, 17; 12/1 from 10 to 11 a.m.; outdoors Note: new dates. No class 11/10.


Tai Chi Exercises


Tai Chi Exercises (Beginner): the Natural Way to Promote Health
This class is a meditation in motion and a full body workout combined, all done standing (no mat). 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. These exercises are based on Step by Step Tai Chi: the Natural Way to Strength and Healing by Master Lam Kam Chuen. Please have a set of 2 or 3 pound weights and a water bottle available. 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 for over seven years. Make up date, if needed, is added to an open date or the end of the session.

Tuesday Morning: via Zoom

7 Sessions $ 89 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 76)
Tue., 9/26; 10/3, 10, 17, 24, 31; 11/7 from 10 to 11 a.m.; Zoom.

7 Sessions $ 89 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 76)
Tue., 11/14, 21, 28; 12/5, 12, 19; 1/9 from 10 to 11 a.m.; Zoom.

Wednesday Evening: In Person

6 Sessions $ 77 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 65)
Wed., 8/30; 9/6, 13, 20, 27; 10/4 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. at the Annex/East Ridge Middle School.

6 Sessions $ 77 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 65)
Wed., 10/11, 18, 25; 11/1, 8, 15 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. at East Ridge Middle School.

6 Sessions $ 77 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 65)
Wed., 11/29; 12/6, 13; 1/10, 17, 24 from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. at East Ridge Middle School.

Thursday Morning: In Person

7 Sessions $ 89 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 76)
Thur., 10/5, 12, 19, 26; 11/2, 9, 16 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Annex.

7 Sessions $ 89 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 76)
Thur., 11/30; 12/7, 14; 1/4, 11, 25; 2/1 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Annex. No class 12/21, 28; 1/18.


Qi Gong

Qi Gong: Level 1
In Chinese Medicine, the condition of one’s Qi, an omnipresent life force, is the most critical determinant of health status. Participants learn a set of Qi Gong exercises for practice and self-cultivation of one’s Qi yielding benefits in health maintenance and disease prevention. Sudents first learn to sense and enhance the flow of Qi within the body and around the inner organs and then learn 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 is owner of Meridians, a provider of Eastern Health Alternatives, in Ridgefiel. She has practiced and taught Qi Gong for many years.

4 Sessions $ 39 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 33)
Fri., 9/29; 10/6, 13, 20 from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the Annex.

4 Sessions $ 39 (Ridgefield Sr./Disab. $ 33)
Tue., 10/3, 10, 17, 24 from 7:15 to 8 p.m. at Veterans Park School.


Medical Questions:

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