Beginning Tai Chi
Burke Fairfax Springfield VA Area
Tues, Apr 27 – June 29, 2010

By Kris Brinker | Published: March 1, 2010
  • Day(s): Tuesdays
  • Date(s): April 27 – June 29, 2010
  • Time(s): 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  • Number of Classes: 10
  • Location: Ekoji Buddist temple
  • Class Code: N/A
  • Fees: $120 Non-temple Members / $100 Temple members
  • Description: Beginning Taiji (Tai Chi)
    Yang Style – Ch’eng Man Ching Variation


    Classes will be taught with an emphasis on relaxation and increasing flexibility. Modifications are available for physical considerations. The goal is to relax, have fun, and increase and maintain health through breathing and the gentle movements of the form. A tool for improving physical and mental health, taijiquan is also a martial art, with each movement having applications.


    Please REGISTER FOR CLASSES in advance (required).

    Please include your full name, phone number and email address in your registration email. Please bring your payment to the first class.
    Email Kris Brinker for more information.

    Please see my entire class list for Tai Chi (Taiji), Chi Kung (Qigong), and Yoga classes offered in or near Chantilly Virginia, Centreville Virginia, Burke Virginia, Fairfax Virginia, Reston Virginia, Herndon Virginia, and Springfield Virginia. And coming this fall – Manassas Gainsville VA, please inquire!

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Chi Kung, Tai Chi, Reiki, The Mind, and Healing

By Kris Brinker | Published: February 16, 2010

Rereading a book by Bill Douglas, an amazing man and founder of World Tai Chi and QiGong Day (whom I hope to meet in person some day), I find myself inspired to expand upon a thought that he speaks well about and one I have often shared with my students…

Our society, often, is so able to accept that our thoughts and our mind can make us sick, but gasps when the notion of our mind and thoughts making us well and healing us is suggested. We associate illnesses of all kinds with stress and depression, we accept that we can think about a dreadful event that happened 2 weeks ago and it still makes us nauseated or shorten our breath, we know that if we concentrate on that huge presentation next week, we can get anxious, nervous and tight in the chest, but mention that our thoughts can cause self healing and you get some strange looks.

I am a Reiki practitioner and teacher as well as practitioner and instructor of Taiji (Tai Chi), QiGong (Chi Kung), and Yoga. I have seen the results and heard the feedback of the people I have instructed and practiced with. I have seen the results of a one half hour QiGong lesson change someone’s breathing pattern and watched her stress melt away. We can facilitate our own healing by practicing methods that promote mental well-being.

I would like to remind everyone that our bodies are designed to heal themselves. If we cut our finger, it heals. If we break a bone, it mends. If we get an infection, our immune system is built to go right to work. And we know that if we create and environment that assists healing, we heal faster. Practicing the internal arts and working with our Qi (Chi) is like making sure we clean and tend to a wound, promoting healing.

The next time you feel anxious, stress, or angry, focus on your breath and imagine your chi flowing throughout your whole body. When we begin to heal ourselves, we begin to heal the world one person at a time.

Namaste

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Tai Chi Classes Burke VA – Adjusted Schedule

By Kris Brinker | Published: February 2, 2010

Class for Feb 8th and 9th will be postponed and added to the end of the session.

Monday classes: Our next class would be Feb 22. Our end date (assuming no further snow cancellations) is now April 12. Please make a note.

Tuesday class: Our end date (assuming no further snow cancellations) is now March 9. Please make a note.

Practice, practice, practice!!!

I will have a new schedule posted soon – all dates will depend upon snow cancellations and will be adjusted accordingly. New registrations, please check back to double check new class dates.

Many blessings and thanks,
Kris Brinker

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A Response to Dahn Yoga Cult News

By Kris Brinker | Published: January 6, 2010

The latest news regarding Dahn Yoga and it’s cult accusations is disturbing to me as I do not desire to see a shadow cast upon the Yoga community here in Northern VA, or anywhere else for that matter.

Teaching and practicing Yoga in such a diverse area as Northern Virginia offers many forms and varieties of Yoga styles such as Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and others. Yoga is a mind-body, physical, as well as spiritual practice focusing on breath control (Pranayama) while holding or flowing through poses (asanas).

Speaking to people in this area – drawing from the Springfield, Fairfax, Burke, Chantilly, Centreville, Herndon, Reston, Manassas areas here in Virginia – I am pleased to know how many people are familiar with Yoga. Some new comers do express concern as to the religious affiliation of the internal arts. My response is to inform that while the internal arts such as Yoga, Chi Kung (Chi Gong, Qigong), and Tai Chi (Taiji) can be a spiritual practice, it is not religion based, nor is it a cult.

As an instructor, we put in many hours and invest considerable time and money in training for ourselves and yes, we do deserve to command a reasonable investment for the classes we offer, but gathering extreme amounts of money and taking advantage of students and creating “followers of your cause” is not Yoga.

To give readers an idea of what to expect to pay for internal arts classes (Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Meditation, etc) in the Northern VA area, I have noticed group classes being offered anywhere from $8 to $18 per one-hour class per person on average. This depends sometimes on the experience of the instructor, the location, what the instructor has to pay for space use, if you register for an multi-week session or drop in, and various other things. Some instructors also teach by donation and personal one-on-one instruction is, of course, a higher fee. Workshops and special training is often higher as well.

My advice…Find an instructor that you like, a location and time that is convenient, balance that with the investment you are able to make to take the classes and a style that suits you – different people are drawn to different styles and forms – and stick with the practice – for you, your health, your well-being and your spirit, not to support a group.

Posted in In The News, Yoga | 7 Comments

Tai Chi Exploration / Burke, Springfield, Fairfax VA Area /
Dates TBD, Contact with Interest

By Kris Brinker | Published: January 4, 2010
  • Day(s): Wednesdays
  • Date(s): TBD – Register to express interest
  • Time(s): 4:30-5:30PM
  • Number of Classes: 10
  • Location: Ekoji Buddist temple
  • Class Code: N/A
  • Fees: $120 with registration. $15 per class drop in without registration.
    Temple members $100/$13.
  • Description: Tai Chi Exploration

    We will flow between energetic balance and strengthening work and relaxation and meditation allowing for more complete relaxation and toning of the body. Just what the body needs leading into winter and the new year!

    Classes will be taught with an emphasis on relaxation and increasing flexibility. Modifications are available for physical considerations. The goal is to relax, have fun, and increase and maintain health through breathing and the gentle movements of Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Yoga.

    This is a multi-experience class, allowing new-comers to experience and explore the many advantages of various arts and allowing current practitioners to deepen their understanding and expand their feeling. Some meditation may be incorporated as well. All experience levels are welcome and will benefit. You will learn practical applications to take to work or home.

    Please REGISTER FOR CLASSES in advance.

    Please include your full name, phone number and email address in your registration email. Please bring your payment to the first class.
    Email Kris Brinker for more information.

    Please see my entire class list for Tai Chi (Taiji), Chi Kung (Qigong), and Yoga classes offered in or near Chantilly Virginia, Centreville Virginia, Burke Virginia, Fairfax Virginia, Reston Virginia, Herndon Virginia, and Springfield Virginia.

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Tai Chi Burke VA Classes Postponed!

By Kris Brinker | Published: December 21, 2009

CLASSES POSTPONED!! Stay home, relax and JUST BREATHE!!

Please take note that due to the weather and parking conditions, all classes for the Week of Dec 21 will be postponed until the following week. Class sessions will now be extended for an additional class beyond the scheduled end date.

Have a most relaxing and joy-filled week. If you are a current practitioner, find some time to practice.

For those who have registered for this new session beginning today, please bring payment next week. For those who have not registered, but intend to join, please register now.

For full class descriptions, times, locations and session lengths either click the links to the left, or visit my Class Schedule for full details and to register.

Please feel free to contact me with questions!
Hey, Kris Brinker – I have questions!!!

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Tai Chi Exploration / Burke Fairfax VA /
Wed, Jan 6-Mar 10, 2010

By Kris Brinker | Published: December 15, 2009
  • Day(s): Wednesdays
  • Date(s): January 6 – March 10, 2010
  • Time(s): 4:30-5:30PM
  • Number of Classes: 10
  • Location: Ekoji Buddist temple
  • Class Code: N/A
  • Fees: $120 with registration. $15 per class drop in without registration.
    Temple members $100/$13.
  • Description: Tai Chi Exploration

    We will flow between energetic balance and strengthening work and relaxation and meditation allowing for more complete relaxation and toning of the body. Just what the body needs leading into winter and the new year!

    Classes will be taught with an emphasis on relaxation and increasing flexibility. Modifications are available for physical considerations. The goal is to relax, have fun, and increase and maintain health through breathing and the gentle movements of Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Yoga.

    This is a multi-experience class, allowing new-comers to experience and explore the many advantages of various arts and allowing current practitioners to deepen their understanding and expand their feeling. Some meditation may be incorporated as well. All experience levels are welcome and will benefit. You will learn practical applications to take to work or home.

    Please REGISTER FOR CLASSES in advance.

    Please include your full name, phone number and email address in your registration email. Please bring your payment to the first class.
    Email Kris Brinker for more information.

    Please see my entire class list for Tai Chi (Taiji), Chi Kung (Qigong), and Yoga classes offered in or near Chantilly Virginia, Centreville Virginia, Burke Virginia, Fairfax Virginia, Reston Virginia, Herndon Virginia, and Springfield Virginia.

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Tai Chi 1 / Burke Fairfax VA /
Tues, Nov 24, 2009 – Mar 9, 2010

By Kris Brinker | Published: December 15, 2009
  • Day(s): Tuesdays
  • Date(s): November 24, 2009 – Mar 9, 2010
  • Time(s): 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Number of Classes: 13
  • Location: Ekoji Buddist temple
  • Class Code: N/A
  • Fees: $143 Non-temple Members / $117 Temple members
  • Description: Taiji (Tai Chi) Section 1
    Yang Style – Ch’eng Man Ching Variation


    Classes will be taught with an emphasis on relaxation and increasing flexibility. Modifications are available for physical considerations. The goal is to relax, have fun, and increase and maintain health through breathing and the gentle movements of the form.

    A tool for improving physical and mental health, taijiquan is also a martial art, with each movement having applications.


    Please REGISTER FOR CLASSES in advance.

    Please include your full name, phone number and email address in your registration email. Please bring your payment to the first class.
    Email Kris Brinker for more information.

    Please see my entire class list for Tai Chi (Taiji), Chi Kung (Qigong), and Yoga classes offered in or near Chantilly Virginia, Centreville Virginia, Burke Virginia, Fairfax Virginia, Reston Virginia, Herndon Virginia, and Springfield Virginia.

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Tai Chi 2/3 / Burke Fairfax VA /
Mon, Dec 28, 2009 – Apr 12, 2010

By Kris Brinker | Published: December 15, 2009
  • Day(s): Mondays
  • Date(s): December 28, 2009 – April 12, 2010
  • Time(s): 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Number of Classes: 14
  • Location: Ekoji Buddist temple
  • Class Code: N/A
  • Fees: $154 Non-temple Members / $126 Temple members
  • Description: Taiji (Tai Chi) Section 2/3
    Continuation of the Yang Style – Ch’eng Man Ching Variation


    Classes will be taught with an emphasis on relaxation and increasing flexibility. Modifications are available for physical considerations. The goal is to relax, have fun, and increase and maintain health through breathing and the gentle movements of the form.

    A tool for improving physical and mental health, taijiquan is also a martial art, with each movement having applications.


    Please REGISTER FOR CLASSES in advance.

    Please include your full name, phone number and email address in your registration email. Please bring your payment to the first class.
    Email Kris Brinker for more information.

    Please see my entire class list for Tai Chi (Taiji), Chi Kung (Qigong), and Yoga classes offered in or near Chantilly Virginia, Centreville Virginia, Burke Virginia, Fairfax Virginia, Reston Virginia, Herndon Virginia, and Springfield Virginia.

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Tai Chi 1 / Burke Fairfax VA /
Mon, Dec 28, 2009 – Apr 12, 2010

By Kris Brinker | Published: December 15, 2009
  • Day(s): Mondays
  • Date(s): December 28, 2009 – April 12, 2010
  • Time(s): 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Number of Classes: 14
  • Location: Ekoji Buddist temple
  • Class Code: N/A
  • Fees: $154 Non-temple Members / $126 Temple members
  • Description: Taiji (Tai Chi) Section 1
    Yang Style – Ch’eng Man Ching Variation



    Classes will be taught with an emphasis on relaxation and increasing flexibility. Modifications are available for physical considerations. The goal is to relax, have fun, and increase and maintain health through breathing and the gentle movements of the form.

    A tool for improving physical and mental health, taijiquan is also a martial art, with each movement having applications.

    Please REGISTER FOR CLASSES in advance.

    Please include your full name, phone number and email address in your registration email. Please bring your payment to the first class.
    Email Kris Brinker for more information.

    Please see my entire class list for Tai Chi (Taiji), Chi Kung (Qigong), and Yoga classes offered in or near Chantilly Virginia, Centreville Virginia, Burke Virginia, Fairfax Virginia, Reston Virginia, Herndon Virginia, and Springfield Virginia.

Posted in Taiji (Tai Chi) | Leave a comment