To Try a "Beginning" or "Fundamentals" class for free, Just show up!
• For ongoing instruction, become a member. • Join the mailing list
Bret Hall Tai Chi Workshop
Form, Push Hands, Sword - A Deeper Understanding
Tai Chi Center of Madison, 1304 S Midvale Blvd., Madison WI, 53711
April 17-19, 2026
We are excited to be hosting Bret Hall for a three-day workshop focusing on Tai Chi Form, Push Hands and Sword, the three aspects of practice most emphasized in the Cheng Man Ch’ing lineage. Bret is deeply rooted in the lineage having studied with many of Professor Cheng’s most respected students, especially with Carol Yamasaki starting in 1989 until her death, and with Liu Hsi-heng in Taiwan.
Many have encouraged us to host Bret, due to his ability to convey deeper aspects of Tai Chi practice beyond “posturing” and “choreography”. Bret’s teaching can bring students to deeper experience and clearer understanding of things like "Center; Root; Connection; Yielding without moving; Returning energy without intent to move; Filling up; Creating One mind . . . then No mind; Not getting “caught” in your opponent, or your sword; Getting Centered instantly; Being an Open Vessel."
Don't get it? Don't worry!
These are just the sorts of words that remain empty and meaningless, and leave many Tai Chi students confused and misunderstanding . . . until their meaning is experienced. That kind of experience is what one gets from masterful teachers, and what we hope we all find in this workshop.
Schedule
Friday April 17
• Session 1 ($60): 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Tai Chi Form work - for students of all levels
Saturday April 18
• Session 2 ($60): 10:00 - NOON: Tai Chi Form work - for students of all levels
• Session 3 ($45): 1:30 to 3:00: Learning how to push - How to discover the Root, Demonstrations, Basic Movements. for students of all levels
• Session 4 ($45): 3:15 to 4:45: Push Hands – Deeper Feeling, Mindset of “Root” and how to use it - for students with push hands experience
• Session 5 ($30): 5:00-6:00 Sword (Based on Cheng Man Ch’ing style sword form. Sword experience recommended)
Sunday April 19
• Session 6 ($45): 9:00-10:30 Teachers, experienced students, the irrepressibly enthusiastic. If you don't know ask!
• Session 7 ($45): 12:30-2:30 Push Hands
Registration
Registration is online, Payment is by credit card. You may sign up for individual sessions, or purchase the discounted "All Sessions" package. Participants are required to sign a liability waiver, either online, or when you arrive at the workshop.