Foundation
What am I doing?
Build structure, Song, breathing, empty and full, weight transfer, stepping, turning, coordination and fundamental movements.
Milestone: understand the fundamental principles and practise them independently.
01
Learn
Progressive Tai Chi instruction: structure, Song, breathing, empty and full, stepping, turning, whole-body movement, traditional movements, forms and applications where appropriate.
02
Practise — Micro Tai Chi
The complete short-practice library. Every Micro practice links back to the main lesson where its Tai Chi principle is taught properly.
03
Relax & Connect
Qigong, breathing, awareness, attention, internal practice and nature/environment sessions, with traditional concepts treated respectfully and honestly.
04
Stay Capable
Tai Chi-informed practice connecting principles to standing, sitting and rising, turning, stepping, direction changes and everyday movement.
What membership adds
- Structured progression rather than random videos
- Full Micro Tai Chi curriculum and new practices
- Deeper Tai Chi and Qigong teaching
- Cross-linked lessons: learn the principle, then practise it briefly
- Live online teaching / technique clinics as the program develops
- Member programs, challenges and progression pathways
Coming soon launch pricing to be confirmed
Register now and we’ll let you know first when membership opens, along with any founding-member launch offer.
Progress without ranksStage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
Four stages of development — not four levels of status.
Shang Tai Chi™ will not use belts, coloured sashes or artificial rank pressure. These stages describe the changing focus of practice. You never graduate from the fundamentals; later stages contain and deepen the earlier ones.
Connection
How do the pieces work together?
Connect feet, legs, centre, upper body, hands, attention, intention, breath and movement. Micro practices begin combining principles rather than isolating only one.
Milestone: connect principles into coordinated movement.
Integration
Can I maintain the principles while moving?
Develop continuous movement, transitions, rhythm, forms, deeper Qigong and the ability to recognise Tai Chi principles in ordinary standing, walking and movement.
Milestone: keep the principles present as movement becomes continuous.
Expression
Can I apply rather than merely reproduce?
Explore forms, applications, Chen/Yang material where appropriate, push-hands concepts and deeper internal practice with increasing independence and adaptability.
Milestone: apply Tai Chi principles with growing awareness and independence.
The return principle
Progress is circular, not a ladder.
An experienced practitioner can spend an entire session on standing, Song or weight transfer. The exercise may look simple, but what the student can perceive and integrate changes with experience.
Progress isn't leaving the fundamentals behind. It's discovering more within them.
Retention through meaningful progress
01
Practice Pathways
Clear pathways through Foundation, Connection, Integration and Expression, alongside Micro Tai Chi, Qigong and Stay Capable practice.
02
Milestones
Recognise real achievements such as completing Foundation material, establishing a consistent practice habit, learning a form section or completing 100 Micro practices.
03
Practice Journal
Track what you practised, what you noticed and which principles are becoming more natural. Reflection becomes part of progression.
04
Seasonal Programs
Optional 21- or 28-day practice series, live clinics and themed pathways provide fresh focus without creating artificial rank pressure.
No rank substitution: members will not be described as “Level 4” or awarded status titles. The stages describe current learning focus, not a hierarchy of worth or ability.
Free versus membership: the free 7-day program lets you genuinely learn and experience the Shang method. Membership provides the structured progression, complete Micro Tai Chi library, deeper practice and continuing instruction.