Nurture Your Inner Strength
With Chen Style Tai Chi
Tai Chi: What is it?
A Centuries-old Martial Art
In Qing-era China, a farming village needed a way to protect themselves against bandits. Increased literacy also led to the integration of life and philosophy. This naturally led to the development of Tai Chi (or Taijiquan), a complete martial arts system based on Yin and Yang.
A Holistic Exercise System
In the modern era, Tai Chi is most often practiced as a health-oriented exercise system. It incorporates relaxation, focus, and physical training; while it is often practiced among the elderly, it is potentially quite suitable for those seeking a demanding exercise. Tai Chi’s benefits also deepen over time, as one progresses in their skill through consistent practice.
The Benefits of Tai Chi
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Structure and freedom of movement in the joints facilitate a holistic strength that can be expressed in numerous ways. This strength relies on the power of thought to guide force through the body.
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Through relaxed strength and coordination, our body becomes balanced in all movement. This balance is not limited to single, stiffly held static postures, but a holistic mind-body coordination built on the duality of Yin and Yang as it can be explored physically and mentally in motion. The result is relaxed, strong, and stable movement, which appears to flow smoothly as it is refined.
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As we cultivate expression with strength and balance, our mind becomes embodied in our physical being. We learn about how intention interfaces with the body, we learn to sense changes within, and our movements facilitate healthy and unhindered expression. Within the structure of Tai Chi, we find freedom.
Public Classes
Public classes are currently being held at Washington Waterfront Park, Tuesdays from 6-7PM. They are a great way to get started and meet other practitioners!
Beginner’s first two classes are free.
$10 per class after.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are a great way to deepen one’s practice and get individualized feedback. They can be tailored to one’s needs.
Starting at $50 per hour.
Beaufort County Community College
Classes are being held at Beaufort County Community College during the Fall semester of 2025. Class registration is through the college and is $55 per 6 week session.
Tony Demma offers Chen-Style Taijiquan instruction in Washington, North Carolina, USA. Standing in the lineage of the Chen Taijiquan Network, he learns from Nabil Ranné and Ryan Craig, emphasizing structural integrity, functional movement, and internal principles in his teaching.
Tony began studying martial arts in 2011, beginning in a Korean hybrid system. In search of something mysterious, his teacher introduced him to Chen Taiji, and in 2016 he began studying under students of Chen Xiaoxing and Chen Xiaowang, attending workshops led by Chen Ziqiang, where he found Tai Chi to be more fascinating than mysterious, but still difficult. In search of greater clarity, he began studying under Nabil Ranné and Ryan Craig in 2022.
As a certified Assistant Instructor with the Chen Taijiquan Network (CTN), Tony leads a local training group open to beginners and advanced practitioners alike. His classes are rooted in traditional methods and tailored to support long-term development.
About the Teacher
Any questions?
tonylcdemma@gmail.com
Washington, North Carolina 27889
