We added something extra to our community potluck this year—a graceful Tai Chi Fan demo alongside a group run-through of the Traditional Wudang Yang Style – First Set. Thanks to everyone who helped make it a relaxed day of food, friendship, and flowing movement for our Tucson Tai Chi community.
Update: This community potluck and Tai Chi Fan demo took place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Freedom Park in Tucson. We’re keeping this page as an archive so visitors can see what we practiced, watch the demo videos, and find links to current classes and future community events.
Quick Answer: Event Archive
- When: Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
- Where: Freedom Park, Ramada #1, 5000 E 29th St, Tucson
- What happened: Community potluck, Tai Chi Fan demo, and all-levels Traditional Wudang Yang Style – First Set group flow
- What people brought: Water, sun protection, optional food, and optional fans
Event Details: Tucson Potluck + Tai Chi Practice
- 📅 When: Saturday, November 15, 2025 • 11:00 AM
- 📍 Where: Freedom Park — Ramada #1, 5000 E 29th St (between Craycroft & Swan)
- 🚗 Parking: Use the south lot (drive around to the back). The ramada is next to the ball field.
- 🥗 Potluck Style: Bring a snack, dish, or non-alcoholic drink to share (optional). Come even if you can’t bring food!
Activities: Fan Demo + First Set Group Flow
1) Tai Chi Fan demo
Elegant, expressive, and rhythmic—the Tai Chi Fan form blends classic Tai Chi principles with dynamic openings and closings of the fan.
- Smooth, circular arm pathways and coordinated stepping
- Moments of crisp “kai/he” (open/close) energy
- A slow flow that’s fun to watch and inspiring to learn
About the fan demo: Here’s a short practice video of what we performed at the picnic. A limited number of practice fans were available to borrow, and you’re welcome to bring your own if you have one. Need a fan? Check out our recommendations here.
Short video: Tai Chi Fan movement example.
2) Wudang Yang Style – First Set (Group Flow)
We gathered for a friendly, all-levels walk-through of the First Set—breath-led, rooted, and accessible:
- Focus: Alignment, softness, whole-body connection
- Feel: Calm, steady, grounded
- For Beginners: We’ll cue the structure and offer simple modifications
- For Experienced Practitioners: A chance to refine intent, timing, and internal opening/closing
Short video: Traditional Wudang Yang Style – First Set example.
Schedule (Flexible)
- 11:00–11:20 Arrivals, setup, and hellos
- 11:20–11:40 Gentle warm-ups & joint circles
- 11:40–12:00 Fan Demo + mini-lesson
- 12:00–1:00 Potluck lunch & conversation
- 1:00–1:30 Wudang Yang Style – First Set (group)
- 1:30+ Freestyle shares, Q&A, photos, and hangout
(Come and go anytime. Low-pressure, high-friendliness.)
What to Bring
- Optional dish/snack/drink (non-alcoholic)
- Comfortable clothing and flat shoes
- Water, sun protection, and a camp chair or picnic blanket
- A Tai Chi fan if you have one (we had a few to share)
Etiquette & Safety
- All styles, schools, and experience levels are welcome.
- We kept movements slow, safe, and inclusive; seated options offered.
- Please ask before filming others during the fan demo or group set.
Why a Fan Demo?
The fan is a playful gateway into principles we love: whole-body connection, spiral energy, balance, and timing. Its visual flourish helps beginners “see” open/close (开合) and weight shifts more clearly—plus it’s just plain fun.
Closing
If you’re new to Tai Chi and want a steady place to practice, you can also explore Old Pueblo Tai Chi, check out our beginner-friendly classes, or view the current schedule. You might also enjoy our annual community gathering for World Tai Chi Day in Tucson.
Product comparison / recommendation embed:
Bridging Theory to Practice
Try This Today: The 3-Joint Release Check
60 seconds
Somatic Intent: Check that your ankles, knees, and hips are unlocked and resting.
- 1Stand comfortably and take one calm breath.
- 2Gently release your jaw and notice if your teeth were clenched.
- 3Drop your shoulder blades down your back like coats sliding off a hanger.
- 4Unlock both knees by just half an inch, sensing instant relief in your lower back.
* Always work within your personal comfort zone. There is never any forcing, straining, or breath-holding in Tai Chi.
Old Pueblo Tai Chi — Traditional Yang & Sun Style Classes
Culture Connects Studio • 3000 E. 22nd Street, Tucson, AZ 85713 • https://oldpueblotaichi.com
Questions about classes? Contact Dan Kimball at dan@oldpueblotaichi.com or (520) 222-8232
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Experience the Practice in Person
Reading about Tai Chi is great, but the true benefits come from moving. Join our welcoming morning classes at Culture Connects Studio in Midtown Tucson.
Culture Connects Studio • 3000 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85713 • Mondays & Wednesdays 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Doors open 9:45 AM, arrive 10–15 min early)
