About the Academies
Welcome to the Jade Dragon Tai Chi Chuan Academy
About Theā¦
TheĀ Tai Chi Chuan Program ā ę„ę°å¤Ŗęę³Ā
Within the Jade Dragon Martial Arts Academy, Yang style Taijiquan (å¤Ŗꄵę³) is taught as a complete system of internal cultivation which integrates martial arts, energetic refinement and personal development into a single, coherent practice.Ā
The foundation of Taijiquan rests upon the harmonious relationship between Yi (ę), Qi (ę°£) and structure. Through progressive training, practitioners learn to soften unnecessary tension, establish song (é¬) within the body and allow Jin (å) to emerge naturally from correct alignment and āreleaseā. As the form is refined step by step, internal and external qualities merge, resulting in a practice that simultaneously develops energetic health, structural integrity and physical vitality.Ā
Let us guide you through the system of Taiji in a clear, step by step manner through an ongoing and structured program. Each week, a new video is released which leads students progressively deeper into the principles and practices of this refined internal art.
Whether approached as a method of personal cultivation, a means of maintaining health or a martial system for self defence, the Taiji taught within this program is designed to become a lifelong practice. The skills you develop here are intended to remain with you, continuing to support and inform your training for many years to come.
Body Transformation
Body change within Taijiquan is developed through a series of fundamental exercises and internal practices which form the root of the art and underpin all later training. Within the ongoing weekly classes, students are guided step by step into this process, beginning with the careful reorganisation of posture, alignment and structural integrity so that the body may begin to function as a unified whole.
As training deepens, attention is gradually drawn away from the outer mechanics and towards the internal connections that link the body through Qi and stabilised-attention.
Through this layered approach, Taijiquan becomes a method of genuine body change rather than mere external form practice.Ā
Forms Training
The Taijiquan forms form the central moving practice through which the principles of the art are embodied and refined. Within the Academy, training begins with the Huang style Taiji 37 Form, which is taught in a clear and progressive manner, addressing posture, stepping and coordination while steadily introducing the internal mechanics that give the form its depth and function.
As the training develops, students are guided onward into large and medium frame Taijiquan forms, allowing the principles established in the earlier material to be expressed through broader movement ranges and more complex structural relationships.
Alongside this, Taiji sword training is introduced, providing a precise method for refining alignment, intent and whole body connection through the extension of the weapon.
Taiji Nei Gong
What is often missed is that Yang Taiji IS a form of Nei Gong. To separate the system from the idea of inner-development is to kill what Taijiquan is. If we approach the art as just a series of movements or choreographed sequances, we are essentially practicing a form of contemporary exhibition-wushu.Ā
For this reason, many of the lessons in the Internal Arts Academy are focused not upon ānew movesā but on transforming the body and developing internal power through various static and moving Nei Gong exercises. We approach the Yang system as a whole and so many of the Nei Gong exercises are taken from Sifu Gregās experience in the Huang Xingxian line as well as theĀ CMC andĀ Sanfeng systems.Ā
The end goal of Taiji is to transform WHO is practicing Taiji, not WHAT is being practiced and understanding this is the key to authentic and classical Taijiquan.Ā
Weaponry Training
The Taiji sword is traditionally regarded as the pinnacle of Taijiquan training and occupies a central place within the internal development of the art. Far from being a decorative or purely technical practice, sword training reveals the deeper internal mechanics that underpin Taijiquan, with the weapon acting as a direct extension of the body, intent and Qi. Through this relationship, subtle errors in structure and connection are exposed, while correct internal organisation is immediately reinforced.
As training progresses, the sword refines qualities that are difficult to access through empty hand practice alone. Precision of alignment, clarity of Yi and continuity of Jin are all developed through the requirement to project internal power beyond the body into the length of the blade. In this way, sword practice demands a high level of internal integration and calm presence, making it both challenging and deeply revealing.
Push Hands Training
Pushing hands occupies a central role within Taijiquan training and provides the bridge between solo practice and partner interaction. It is through this method that the internal qualities developed in form and Nei Gong are refined and brought into direct relationship with another person. Sensitivity, structure and intent are explored in a dynamic and responsive environment, revealing the true functional nature of Taiji principles.
As training develops, pushing hands trains the ability to listen through touch, recognise incoming force and respond without resistance or collapse. The practitioner learns to maintain sung, root and clear alignment while adapting continuously to change.
Within the Academy, pushing hands is taught as a progressive and methodical practice rather than a competitive exercise.Ā
JDMAA and SynerG Coaching and Wellness is based in Lenoir City TN. We offer weekly in person Martial Art and Internal Art classes in Lenoir City TN and in Farragut TN.Ā I also offer private learning for those who prefer learning at your own pace and prefer a tailored curriculum.Ā Our classes provide a complete Martial Arts practice that includes all of the Shaolin Five Ancestor Fist curriculum (and more), Quin na and self defense and a variety of training methods to create a strong, supple and energetic body.
As an in person student, you will also gain access to the online courses that follow the precise curriculum in the same order you are learning it live. This becomes a great resource for you as you practice on your own.
We also have online learning through the JDMAA Academies as well as the SynerG Academy for those who prefer to learn online at your own pace. Our Academies are comprehensive and follow the same curriculum as our in person classes. Below is a list of all the Academies
