Experience Peace, balance, and Camaraderie
Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and Earth. This shows clearly the principle of softness overcoming hardness.
–Lao Tzu
Benefits of Tai Chi
Taichi has a profound impact on the nervous system, supporting both physical and emotional well-being.
Through slow, mindful movement and steady breathing, Tai Chi encourages the body to shift out of a chronic “fight or flight” state and into one that is more balanced, regulated, and sustainable. This helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve the body’s ability to adapt to the daily challenges life throws.
Over time, regular practice develops a nervous system that is relaxed and yet simultaneously alert. Tension softens, awareness increases, and movements become more efficient and coordinated. This newfound internal regulation supports better balance, clearer focus, and a greater sense of ease in everyday life.
Tai Chi is not about forcing relaxation—it’s about creating the conditions for the nervous system to settle naturally. This is where resilience, stability, and health begin.
Read about the school in the Santa Barbara Independent: Cloud Hands and Camaraderie
About Qigong
“Our Fundamental Qigong was developed to help people rapidly develop flexibility, improve strength, internal energy and Qi circulation. All the benefits are just the side effects; the primary purpose for this this Qigong is to help Tai Chi practitioners to better understand the Tai Chi principles and use a more direct and simple approach to something that can be very complex. “
—Master Alex Dong
Our mission:
We are dedicated to the proliferation of Taijiquan in its highest form.
We strive to further develop the Santa Barbara Tai Chi & Qigong school, our local branch of the Alex Dong International Taijiquan Association, to bring our community another venue for health and awareness, conflict resolution through the study of Push Hands, and finding the principles of yin yang, of change, in our everyday lives.
Happy Year of the Fire Horse!
The Santa Barbara Taichi and Qigong school celebrated the 2026 New Year with a banquet of fantastic food and inspirational demonstrations, welcoming in the year of the fire horse with high ambitions and great company. Students of all skill levels and experience performed examples of the forms they have been studying in their time with the school. While SBTC&Q is only four years old, anyone could feel the enthusiasm and comradery between students with a single step into the room.
A special shout out to Ellie! Her performance of the 6 minute competition form was rewarded with a standing ovation, a testament to her hard work and dedication!
Here are some short clips of the demonstrations.
Beginners welcome
