VT Classes

Local Vermont Classes and Events Schedule

  • Beginner Classes taught by Bob’s dedicated student Emanuel Betz in Richmond, VT at the library and will start on Tuesdays between Nov 10-Dec 22, 2026
    • Option 1: 9-10.15am  Cost $125
    • Option 2: 5.30-6.45pm  Cost $125
    • Reserve your slot today. This beginner’s series offers a “taste of tai chi”! You will be introduced to basic tai chi principles and the opening series of moves in sequence from the Yang Family long Tai Chi Chuan form. A special class web site is included with videos designed to compliment each class. Sign Up/Questions: 802-881-4426 or emanuelbetz@gmail.com
  • Classes taught by Bob’s long-time student Mary Schwartz for all levels are every Monday from 5:30 – 7:00 PM at 100 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont
  • Future Event: Nov 22, 2026 Sunday Tai-Chi Bi-monthly Seminar, 9.00am-noon, Richmond Library, Vermont (For students who know the long form)
  • Other classes or private lessons may be created or offered on a flexible basis

Since Bob’s death, many Vermont students who studied with him from 30-50 years continue their active advanced practice, friendship and periodic and regular collaborations. This community legacy impacts positively what can be taught to the beginner through advanced tai chi practitioner.  Our school can teach (humbly) the  core ideas, principles and forms of Snake Style as taught by Ip Tai Tak through Robert Boyd including but not limited to:

  • Tai Chi Chuan Long Form
  • Broadsword
  • Sword
  • Spear
  • Long Boxing Form
  • Push Hands Practice
  • Qi-Gong ( Zhan Zhong ) including Ding Bu Chuan ( Ip Tai Tak’s Innovative form)

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that uses slow rhythmic movement to simulate and cultivate the body’s natural energy. By moving from posture to posture in a continuous flow, muscles are stretched, the spine is flexed, joints are loosened, connective tissue is massaged and the blood is oxygenated. Tai Chi is also a sophisticated self-defense system that uses subtlety and sensitivity to neutralize and control brute force.

Tai Chi offers good health, peace of mind and renewed vigor. For the serious student, it can become the driving force behind personal health, physical fitness (including self-defense skills), and success in living a full and fruitful life. The Bao Tak Fai Tai Chi Institute offers expert instruction to match the interest of the practitioner from beginner to instructor level.

Health and the Internal Snake Style

Snake Style derives its name from the serpentine use of the spine in tai chi movement. In snake style, the thoracic spine moves the arms and legs through myofascial connections that unify the body from the bottom of the foot to the occipital point of the skull creating a powerful, dynamic posture.
Flexible strength is the goal of the snake stylist. Through practice, a strong, pliable internal “core” is developed giving the body a youthful strength and vitality. Snake style movement uses continuous spinal manipulations that benefit the practitioner in many ways including:

1. Massaging the internal organs
2. Stretching the small muscles of the spine and ribs
3. Contraction and expansion of major blood vessels to remove toxins
4. Activation, stretching and strengthening of the iliopsoas and abdominal muscle groups
5. Stretching and softening the back muscles for back health
6. Reverse breathing to promote deep oxygenation of the blood
7. Activation of the lower abdominal muscles promoting digestive health

Snake style movement naturally activates the energy meridians of the body creating a pumping action from the “bubbling well” of the foot to the Dan Tien to the spine and then out to the hands. This powerful balance of bio-mechanics and energetics gives the snake style practitioner an unparalleled exercise for strength, health and longevity.

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