Arisecore Taiji Academy

Learn Authentic Yang-style Tai Chi Through a Structured Foundation Program

A systematic foundation program focusing on tendon and fascia conditioning, relaxation training, and body awareness.

1 Are This Course Right for me?

This program is designed for adults who...

✓ Have little or no Tai Chi experience ✓ Spend long hours sitting at a desk ✓ Feel stiff, tense, or lack flexibility ✓ Want to improve balance and body awareness ✓ Prefer a gentle, structured way to stay active ✓ Are interested in authentic Yang-style Tai Chi ✓ Want to build a solid foundation instead of simply memorizing movements ✓ Small-group learning
✓ Individual guidance

If you checked several of the boxes above, this course was designed with you in mind.

This program is not designed for people looking for a fast-paced fitness class or a weekend workshop. We focus on building lasting skills through consistent practice.

2 Why Start with the Foundation Program?

Many beginners jump straight into learning the choreography, eager to master the entire routine as quickly as possible. However, authentic Tai Chi training is not about memorizing movements first—it is about rebuilding the body. In our program, you will progress step-by-step:

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We help transform your body first, then we learn the movements.

3 Meet Master Wang Zuyao

Master Wang has practiced martial arts since childhood and began his systematic study of Yang-style Tai Chi in 2008. As an 8th-generation lineage holder of Yang-style Tai Chi, he has long been committed to the preservation and teaching of authentic Yang-style Tai Chi. Over the past decade, he has personally trained hundreds of students ranging in age from 3-year-olds to 80-year-olds. His students include professional martial artists, Tai Chi competition champions, and judges, as well as absolute beginners with no athletic background, office workers dealing with long hours at desks, and seniors looking to improve their health and quality of life. No matter the background of his students, Master Wang always adheres to personalized, tailored coaching. He excels at translating profound Tai Chi theories into simple, clear, and accessible language. Through hands-on demonstrations and step-by-step training, he guides students to build proper body awareness, ensuring that people of all ages, skill levels, and cultural backgrounds can truly understand and master Tai Chi.

4 Meet Your Teaching Team

屏幕截图 2026-07-24 184343.png Lead Instructor： Dolly Jiang Senior Disciple of Master Wang Zuyao

Dolly Jiang has cherished a dream of martial arts since childhood and has practiced Tai Chi on and off for over 30 years. Since 2021, she has trained under Master Wang Zuyao, systematically studying Yang-style Tai Chi and internal martial arts. She possesses a high comprehension of Tai Chi movements and bodily sensations, and excels at clearly communicating movement requirements and practice experiences in English. She will serve as the Lead Instructor for this foundational course. Assistant Instructor：Ian Colvine Student of Master Wang Zuyao

Ian has practiced Tai Chi since 2015 and has assisted with teaching for over 9 years across two Tai Chi organizations. In 2024, he began studying under Master Wang Zuyao, gaining a deeper understanding of body awareness, active relaxation, and structural alignment in Tai Chi. He will assist with teaching the foundational courses and help English-speaking learners better understand the training methods.

Assistant Instructor：Val.S Student of Master Wang Zuyao

Val has practiced Tai Chi since 2010. After studying under Master Wang Zuyao, she gained a deeper understanding of body awareness, relaxation training, and the internal connections within Tai Chi. Drawing from her own learning journey, she will assist students in developing proper physical awareness and feel during practice.

Registration & Enrollment

5 Special Support Team

Tina Zhao Senior Disciple of Master Wang Zuyao

Tina has studied under Master Wang Zuyao for over 4 years and has long been involved in instructional support. She possesses a deep understanding of body mechanics, relaxation training, and Tai Chi philosophy, and excels at helping learners recognize their physical transformations in a way that resonates with Western audiences.

May Chen Senior Disciple of Master Wang Zuyao

May has studied under Master Wang Zuyao for over 4 years, building a solid foundation in Tai Chi forms, stance training (Zhan Zhuang), and Push Hands. She will participate in class demonstrations and student discussions based on her schedule.

Liqun Kong Long-term Student of Master Wang Zuyao

Madame Kong is a vocal music instructor who has studied Tai Chi under Master Wang Zuyao for years. At 78 years old, her dedicated, long-term practice has brought profound improvements to her physical coordination, mobility, and vocal control. As a dedicated practitioner, she will join us to share her personal learning journey and experiences with new students.

Helen Shen Student of Master Wang Zuyao

Helen handles program coordination, student communication, and international outreach. She is dedicated to helping more international friends discover and experience truly systematic and authentic Yang-style Tai Chi.

6 Real Stories from Our Tai Chi Community

6.1 Val.S

Student of Master Wang Zuyao | Experienced Tai Chi Practitioner

I have practiced Tai Chi regularly since 2010. It helped me recognize strength and balance after breaking my lower left leg in late 2015. My experience with Master Wang since 2025 is a deeper understanding and awareness of being able to feel the Qi and has increased body awareness which allowed me to feel where I was holding tension in my body. We, as westerners, are often told to mask any pain etc with pills and keep going. By learning to listen to my body again, I was able to release tension and stress that was causing pain and discomfort. Once I had less pain and discomfort, I began to experience Qi more clearly, both as an internal sensation and as a greater awareness of my body's connection with the space around me.

6.2 Ian Colvine

Student of Master Wang Zuyao| Experienced Tai Chi Practitioner

Ian has practised Taiji regularly since 2015. He also assisted with instruction of Taiji for two organizations over 9 years. Starting from April 2024, Ian learned Taiji from Master Wang. He began learning internal experience and knowledge – inside of body how to move from tension to relaxation. This was different from previous Taiji practise. Ian says Master Wang is not a hard task master with unrealistic expectations, his calm and confident demeanour makes learning a good experience. He tailors your workout depending upon how you feel each day. Tai Chi is not simply a relaxed or effortless movement practice. It may look easy but it isn’t, it will strengthen your body and help improve your balance as long as you are willing to put in the effort to practice daily. He said: "Learning Tai Chi properly is a journey of life long learning. Starting in my 70’s I will never become a Master but I will, and have benefited physically and mentally. I highly recommend this journey."

6.3 Liqun Kong

Long-term Student of Master Wang Zuyao

Ms. Kong is a vocal music instructor who has studied Yang-style Tai Chi under Master Wang Zuyao for years. Over the years, she has maintained a daily practice of Tai Chi or stance training (Zhan Zhuang) for at least one hour, gradually experiencing the profound, positive impacts of Tai Chi on her physical condition, body awareness, and daily life. Her most significant transformation has been in her leg strength and physical stability. In the past, due to chronic leg discomfort, she often relied on handrails when walking or taking the stairs, and even had to manually lift her legs one by one just to get in and out of the driver's seat of her car. Today, at 78 years old, she walks with a light step, moves with complete freedom, and can even dance. She also maintains excellent spirits, sharp senses, enjoys 8 hours of restful sleep every night, and leads a more fulfilling, vibrant life. As a vocal coach, Ms. Kong also discovered that "Song" (active relaxation) in Tai Chi has brought unexpected benefits to her vocal expression. Her lower registry, which used to be challenging to control, can now be delivered and sustained much more naturally—a breakthrough that has further elevated her insights and practical approach to vocal instruction. She is incredibly eager to share her years of Tai Chi experience and personal insights with students during the course, encouraging more people to discover the transformations in their own bodies and lives through consistent, proper practice.

6.4 Wayne Zhao

Student of Master Wang Zuyao

As an IT engineer, Wayne began studying Tai Chi under Master Wang in August 2025. Initially, his body was stiff, and it was difficult for him to perceive any internal energy. Over the past year, he has dedicated one hour every day to practicing foundational training and Song (active relaxation). His transformation began with soreness in his right shoulder, which noticeably improved after consistent practice, followed by the same pattern of temporary soreness and subsequent recovery in his left shoulder. Although he has not yet mastered the full Yang-style 13-Form, his body is no longer tense, and he can fully appreciate the benefits of active relaxation. He now knows how to release tension during long drives, how to conserve energy and move efficiently while shoveling snow, and exactly which exercises to perform to quickly restore his energy after prolonged computer use.

6.5 Tina Zhao

Senior Disciple of Master Wang Zuyao

Tina Zhao has trained under Master Wang Zuyao since 2021, systematically studying Yang-style Tai Chi. Before starting her Tai Chi journey, she was physically frail and not fond of exercise. Through years of systematic practice, she has experienced profound improvements in her posture and overall well-being. Even friends she hasn't seen in a long time can clearly notice her transformation from the inside out. Throughout her study of Tai Chi, Tina has not only elevated her own skills but has also developed a deep comprehension of Tai Chi's physical philosophy. Her understanding and practice of "Song" (active relaxation) are particularly outstanding. She is adept at integrating concepts of Western anatomy and movement patterns to help local Canadian students understand how Tai Chi guides micro-adjustments in the body—such as movement habits, physical coordination, and the mechanics of power generation. With her warm, friendly personality and years of accumulated practice, Tina has become a key pillar of Master Wang’s teaching team. For the past two years, she has continuously assisted Master Wang with daily instruction, helping many Western students rediscover their bodies through Tai Chi principles and correct long-standing poor postural habits. Moving forward, she will participate in teaching foundational courses, assisting new students in developing proper training methods and body awareness.

Erollment & Registration

7： Frequently Asked Questions

🌍Culture & Language

Q1: I don’t understand Chinese at all and have zero background in Chinese martial arts. Will I be able to follow the class? A: Absolutely! This course is fully taught in English. Even if you have no prior knowledge of Chinese culture, you will be able to master it easily.

Q2: What is the atmosphere of the class like? Is it very rigid or religious? A: Our classes are highly inclusive, modern, and vibrant. Datong Taiji is a body science focused on physical and mental health, free of any religious elements. Here, you are not just learning an ancient Eastern art—you are joining a relaxed, supportive community where you can explore the limitless potential of your body alongside like-minded friends.

🧍Fitness & Health

Q3: I suffer from chronic shoulder, knee, or back pain. Is this program suitable for me? A: Highly suitable. This is precisely why Tai Chi is widely recommended by Western medical institutions (such as Harvard Medical School). Many Western students have significantly improved chronic pain caused by poor posture through Tai Chi. (Safety Note: If you are in an acute injury phase or undergoing surgical recovery, please follow your doctor's advice. Please give feedback to the instructor about your physical feelings at any time during class, and we will provide adaptations for your movements.)

Q4: Is there an age limit for Tai Chi? A: Tai Chi is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It is a "low-impact, high-reward" exercise. It won't leave you gasping for breath, but it effectively builds balance, core stability, and joint flexibility through slow, deep muscle control. Whether you are a young professional looking to decompress or a senior aiming to stay vibrant, you will benefit greatly.

👟Attire & Preparation

Q5: What should I wear to class? Do I need to buy a traditional Tai Chi uniform? A: No traditional uniform is required. Just wear your most comfortable clothing! ●Clothing: Loose, breathable activewear, a comfortable T-shirt, yoga pants, or sweatpants. ●Footwear: Please wear flat, comfortable, clean indoor sneakers or canvas shoes (thin-soled or barefoot-style shoes are best). Avoid thick-soled cushioned running shoes or heels so you can better perceive the ground.

Q6: How long is each class? Do I need to bring or prepare anything in advance? A: Each session is 60 minutes long, including a warm-up, a breakdown of foundational methods, routine practice, and a Q&A session at the end. All you need to bring is an open mind and a water bottle. Our studio provides a comfortable training environment, so there is no need to bring yoga mats or specialized equipment.

📅Commitment & Practice

Q7: I have a very busy schedule. Do I have to practice at home every single day? A: We advocate for "micro-practices." Taking just 5 to 10 minutes each time to review a few movements or standing postures from class works wonderfully as a form of "moving meditation" during your work breaks. Of course, if you wish to progress faster, practicing at home for 40 to 60 minutes daily will naturally be even better. As long as you stick to doing a little bit every day, you will see long-term physical and mental changes.

🧠Concepts & Culture

Q8: What is the difference between Tai Chi and Yoga or Meditation? How do I choose? A: Tai Chi is "moving meditation." Compared to the static stretching of Yoga, Tai Chi focuses more on finding balance, core engagement, and joint relaxation ("Song") within continuous movement, and it is exceptionally gentle on the joints.

Q9: Do I need a martial arts background, or will there be sparring? Is this a combat class? A: As a beginner foundation program, the course focuses entirely on health, wellness, and body awareness. Although Tai Chi originated as a martial art, there is absolutely no intense confrontation or sparring in class, allowing you to improve physical fitness in a safe, slow-paced environment. If you wish to learn the martial applications of Tai Chi, you will need to progress to the intermediate level or above, where Master Wang teaches them personally one-on-one.

📊Class Logistics & Experience

Q10: If my body is very inflexible and I’ve never done stretching before, can I still do Tai Chi? A: Absolutely! Being inflexible is actually the perfect reason to start Tai Chi. Tai Chi does not require you to do full splits or extreme bending. On the contrary, Tai Chi uses relaxation to gradually restore your joints' natural range of motion. It is an excellent tool to improve stiffness, not a prerequisite.

Q11: What can I expect to learn in my first session (Trial Class)? A: First, we will explain why we focus on foundational methods like Tendon Stretching & Structural Alignment or "Song" (Relaxation Arts) rather than rushing into learning choreography. Then, we will select a few specific movements for you to experience firsthand. Finally, we will answer everyone's questions and open the floor for you to communicate and connect with the Instructor, Assistant Instructors, and senior students.

Q12: Will I learn a complete routine by the end of this course? What’s next? A: The beginner foundation program focuses entirely on solidifying your physical "grounding." By the end of the term, you will master a mini-routine that you can easily practice independently at home, preparing you for future Tai Chi forms. If you only took Tendon Stretching & Structural Alignment this term, we recommend studying Song Gong (Relaxation Arts) next term. In fact, we highly recommend taking both courses simultaneously because they complement each other and yield better results. If you have completed both courses this term, you can move on to Wang Qihe Tai Chi 24-Form next term—Compared to traditional forms, its movements are lighter, its footwork more agile, and its rhythm stronger, maintaining internal power within its fluid agility. It is a routine that is perfectly suited to Westerners' skeletal structure and exercise habits.

🔒Safety & Medical

Q13: I have severe balance issues or a history of falls. Will I be safe in class? A: We place the utmost importance on the safety of every student during their learning process. Prior to the start of the course, we will ask you to complete a short health screening questionnaire (PAR-Q+) to ensure your safety. Before your first class, we hope to have the opportunity to meet for an on-site consultation to determine if our course is suitable for you. If we agree to your enrollment, the Instructor will closely monitor every student, providing chair-assisted Tai Chi options or wall-supported adaptations whenever necessary.

No competition, no judgment. Just you, your breath, and a supportive community. Come as you are!

Saskatoon Tai Chi Workshop

2026 Fall Workshop Schedule & Registration & Enrollment

Workshop Introduction & Schedule in Saskatoon

1 Tendon Stretching & Structural Alignment (Body Conditioning Foundation)

Frequency

Workshop Schedule

Size

2 The Art of "Song" (Active Relaxation & Core Release)