Description:

The class will introduce students to the practice of tai chi. Students will learn the basic structure, footwork, and breathing involved in the execution of routines consisting of a variety of postures. 2 hrs. activity/wk. This course will meet the general education requirement for Health and/or Physical Education.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic structure, footwork, and breathing necessary to perform tai chi
2. Identify some of the health benefits associated with the practice of tai chi
3. Define the concept of chi and its role in Eastern philosophy
4. Perform a short routine of tai chi postures
5. Describe the relationship between tai chi, chi kung, and Chinese medicine
6. Apply at least one posture in a self defense situation

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Health
   A. Define the concept of chi and its flow throughout the body
   B. Describe how the practice of tai chi leads to the generation of chi
   C. Identify some of the health benefits associated with the practice of
tai chi

II. Philosophy
   A. Compare internal and external styles of martial arts
   B. Identify the role of chi in Eastern philosophy
   C. Describe the relationship between tai chi, chi kung, and Chinese
medicine

III. Footwork
   A. Step before shifting weight, rather than while shifting weight
   B. Bend light leg before driving with heavy leg
   C. Shift weight by driving through soles of feet

IV. Structure
   A. Turn waist and shoulders as one unit
   B. Position head above one leg or other to maintain balance
   C. Move same side hip and elbow together

IV. Breathing
  A. Breath from the dan tian
  B. Inhale with contraction, exhale with expansion
  C. Practice chi kung to integrate meditation with movement

V.  Drills
  A. Practice silk reeling to combine weight shift, structure, and
breathing
  B. Perform push hands with a partner, moving with partner's energy
rather than against it

VI. Postures
  A. Move between postures to combine footwork, weight shift, structure,
and breathing
  B. Identify postures associated with a particular style
  C. Apply posture in self defense situation

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Attendance and Active Participation     60-70 % of grade
5-10 In Class Demonstrations            20-30 % of grade
1-2 Written Examinations                 5-10 % of grade
Total                                    100 %


Grade Criteria:
  A = 90 – 100%
  B = 80 –  89%       
  C = 70 –  79%             
  D = 60 -  69%          
  F =   0 –  59%

Caveats:

1. Strenuous activity

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.