Ray Sol, leads tai chi class on the Jane Rau Nature Trail located at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy nine North Scottsdale. Courtesy of Experience Scottsdale.
Moving Relaxation for Health and Wellness
Courtesy Raymond Sol, MS. Ed
There is a new offering of Tai Chi classes in the Pinnacle Peak area. The classes are being conducted at the Jazzercize Scottsdale North studio, at 7609 Pinnacle Peak Road, suites 16 & 17.
The goal of my Tai Chi and Quigong classes is to improve balance and stability, flexibility and strength, and relaxation and stress relief. These are exercise classes based on ancient Chinese martial arts skills that are now used for health and wellness.
Classes Available Now
Introduction to Tai Chi. Offered twice a month, this class is for people who are new to Tai Chi, or who are not exercizing now, and want to start.
Tai Chi Level I
Simplified 25
This is an exercise class, and is the first step towards learning Tai Chi Simplified 25 Form by Master Teacher, Raymond Sol, MS. Ed. Students will first be introduced to a special Tai Chi Form that was first created by the Chinese Sports Committee in 1956. This Form, sometimes called the Beijing Form, was later revised and simplified and is now probably the most widely practiced Tai Chi Form in the world. This revised Form has been modified further by Raymond Sol. There are no prerequisites for this class.
Tai Chi Level II
Simplified 25.com
This is an excercise class, and is a continuation of the class described above. This class will further refine the 25 Tai Chi movements and introduce Quigong deep breathing exercises associated with each movement. This will further enhance the Tai Chi Simplified 25 Form into a truly moving relaxation experience. The prerequite for this class is the Tai Chi Level – I Simplified 25 class.
Ray Sol and Students. Courtesy of Experience Scottsdale.
Additional Courses Starting May 10th
The new Tai Chi Body Balance program in North Scottsdale is expanding the number of classes it is currently offering. Raymond Sol, MS.Ed. and master teacher, will begin offering Tai Chi classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting on May 10th. The new classes will teach the Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi style. This style has 64 movements and was once called the Imperial style, because it was taught to the Imperial Family of China. The Level I class is at 11:30am, and is where students will learn the “flow” of the 64 movements. The Level II class is at 10:30am, and is where students will fine tune their understanding the 64 movements.
Future health and wellness classes are also being considered, and will include “Prenatal Tai Chi” for expectant moms, and “Parkinson’s Tai Chi Balance,” classes for people who are still able to move and stand. Also, being considered are special classes like the Lotus Blossom Fan, Dragon Sword, and Tiger Staff. All classes are strictly for exercise. Many of these classes will be taught on Friday mornings. Check Ray’s website at: www.raymondsol.com
No special clothes or equipment are needed for these classes. Students are asked to wear loose comfortable clothing. Cross training shoes that have not been worn outdoors on dirt or sandy surfaces should be worn to keep the special workout floor clean. The Tai Chi movements will all be done standing and you will not be required to get down on the floor. You must check with your doctor to confirm that the Tai Chi health and wellness exercises will be OK. For more information email rsdahawk@gmail.com or visit www.raymondsol.com.
For More Information Visit www.raymondsol.com
December 27, 2015
I have had the pleasure of taking classes from Ray Sol for several years now. Ray is an excellent master Tai Chi instructor and makes his classes fun, informative and easy going. I actually look forward to going to Ray’s Tai Chi and have improved my balance and well being in doing so. If you have an interest in Tai Chi give Ray’s classes a try, you won’t be disappointed. Ray is simply the best teacher in this area of Phoenix.
December 27, 2015
I would agree with Jan B. I started Tai Chi in my late 60’s because I wanted an exercise I could do all my life. Ray is a super teacher and individual.
The balance, flexibility and relationships with others that I have gained has encouraged me to keep taking his classes.
Bob C
January 6, 2016
First of all I agree with the comments above. I started Tai Chi just 4 months ago because I was having balance issues. I am 75 years of age and will be 76 in May of this year. I have found tai chi has helped in that area. Ray Sol is an excellent, patient teacher.