The curriculum at the Tao Institute has been specially designed by Master Paolillo to give students a complete foundation in the internal arts.
Class Schedule
* Starred classes are taught by Master Paolillo (Sifu)
All other classes are taught by Mela, an assistant instructor
About Our Classes
Offering a diverse, and in-depth curriculum, we are focused on cultivating quality practitioners and long-term students. The training offered at Tao Institute is “Way of Life” training and geared towards instilling a deep understanding and lifelong practice of Tao and the Internal Arts.
Please feel free to contact school@taoinstitute.org for further information.
Entry Level
Both of our entry level classes provide important foundation training in our curriculum. These classes are designed to cultivate skill with consistent study over time. In these classes we study the basic Qigong exercises and forms fundamental to a well-rounded study in internal martial arts. These classes complement each other — though you can choose one or the other, depending on your interests.
These classes are open to beginners. New students are welcome to join us anytime. Please see the tuition page for more details on pricing.
Qigong Foundation
MONDAYS 5:30PM-7:00PM
Qigong Foundation Class provides fundamentals for all training in our curriculum with an emphasis on Baguazhang basic exercises and Tao Style short forms. Our training in this class focuses on flowing movement, full mind/body/spirit connection, and intention development. This class builds internal skill through a well-rounded sampling of the different techniques, methods, and styles present in our curriculum. Training in this class includes Tai Chi Silk Reeling Spiral Power Qigong, Baguazhang 8 Mother Palms, circle walking, 8 trigrams standing meditation, stances, sitting meditation, and short qigong forms.
Chen Tai Chi Ch’uan
WEDNESDAYS 5:30PM-7:00PM
Chen Style Tai Chi Ch’uan class focuses on building the foundation of Tai Chi movement and energy cultivation. Developed over 300 years ago, Chen Tai Chi Ch’uan is known for its use of spiraling movements and the principles of Yin & Yang. Through the study of Tai Chi we learn the fundamentals of alignment, posture, internal cultivation, mind directed energy, meditation and Tao Philosophy. Chen Tai Chi class includes Silk Reeling Spiral Power Qigong, stance training, a short Tai Chi Foundation/13 Methods form, the first Chen Style long form, two person pushing/sensing hands basics, as well as standing & sitting meditation.
A short demonstration of the Snake Qigong & Entering the Forest forms which are currently offered through the Qigong Foundation class.
This video shows a preview of the Qigong exercises practiced in our entry level classes as well as an overview of our Tai Chi & Bagua training.
Continued Education
These classes are available once students accomplish prerequisite training. All students new to our school should expect to spend a minimum of one year acquiring the basics of both Tai Chi Ch’uan and Baguazhang in the Entry Level before being eligible for these classes. Since these are ongoing classes with an established group, openings are periodic, depending on where we are in our curriculum.
Tao Warrior Spirit Training (Martial Monk Methods)
TUESDAYS 5:30PM-7:00PM
In the Tao Warrior Spirit Training class, the focus will be on strengthening the mind’s will through disciplined martial training. We will work through the body in order to attain formlessness for deep internal alchemy work and then use the formless to aid the form. This class is about change, transformation and achieving spiritual freedom through the attainment of pure stillness. Study of martial theory, qigong methods and Taoist classics are included in this class.
Traditional Internal Martial Arts: Chen Tai Chi / Pao Choi / Ba Gua Zhang / Praying Mantis
THURSDAYS 5:30PM-7:00PM
In Traditional Internal Martial Arts class students learn to take their basic foundation a step further through Chen Tai Chi, Pao Choi, Dragon Ba Gua Zhang & Praying Mantis Kung Fu. The emphasis in this class is the cultivation of “hidden power.” This class offers a well-rounded foundation in Internal Martial Arts as well as a deeper understanding of the philosophy and practices therein.
