Rochester Tai Chi Chuan Center Inc

The Rochester Tai Chi Chuan Center Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Rochester, NY. It has been tax-exempt since July 1997, with the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 16-1301332[4][5]. The organization focuses on promoting the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of Tai Chi, Qigong, and related internal arts.

Background and History

The center was founded in the late 1970s by Kai Sung, a third-generation lineage student of Chen Pan-ling, along with his students. It was incorporated in 1982 by Kai Sung and his students, with James Ransom as its first President[1]. The organization operates as a not-for-profit educational entity structured into a "University" of six "colleges" or schools, each with certified instructors and volunteer teachers[1].

Programs and Activities

The Rochester Tai Chi Chuan Center offers a variety of courses for beginners to advanced practitioners. These include classes in William C.C. Chen's Yang form, Qigong (drawing from teachings by Sifus Ken Cohen and Yang Yang), Liangong (based on Gerald Sharp's methods), Peter Ralston’s Cheng Hsin T’ui Shou, Sun Traditional T'ai Chi Ch'uan (from Tim Cartmell), and the Legacy Arts of Chen Pan-ling, as taught by his son Grandmaster Chen Yun Ching. Additionally, Master Da Liu's modified Yang style Tai Chi Chuan Form is offered as a vehicle for "Meditation in Motion"[1].

Health Benefits and Classes

Tai Chi is valued for its therapeutic properties, especially for stress relief, improving balance, strengthening muscles and ligaments, and enhancing cardiovascular and lung function. It is often recommended for individuals recovering from illness or injury and for those seeking an enjoyable and low-impact mind-body workout[1]. The center typically offers nine ten-week-long T'ai Chi Ch'uan classes, accommodating approximately 40 people per class[2].

Safety and Operations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the center implemented safety protocols to ensure students and instructors could practice indoors safely. This included optional masking (with a preference for N95 masks), use of HEPA filters, and open windows for better ventilation[1]. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated students are welcomed, and all instructors have been fully vaccinated[1].