Mindful Movement Center

A Life of Balance

Taiji Peoria is focused on improving health through connecting the mind and body. We build strength, balance, improve cognitive and cardiovascular function by integrating body, breath, movement, and meditative awareness. The goal is to apply these skills to enhance well-being and improve our daily lives.

Our "memory garden" honoring our Taiji friends who remain in our hearts.

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Special:

Purchase 3 Classes for $25.

Great for yourself or as a gift

2024 Class Schedule

Taiji Fundamentals (In-Person & Zoom)

Monday 10:00 a.m. CT

This introductory level class will provide students with the basic principles of Taiji to improve health as well as learn the Yi Lu (first routine) Chen style Taiji.

Taiji - Chen Second Routine (Zoom)

Monday 6:00 p.m. CT

This intermediate level class is for practitioners who have completed the Yi Lu form. We will be practicing the Er Lu (2nd routine). Each class includes a variety of qigong exercises, standing meditation and concludes with sitting meditation.

Taiji - Intermediate Chen Style (In-Person & Zoom)

Tuesday 6:00 p.m. CT

This beginning/intermediate level class will begin each session with Taiji Stick routines to help improve grip strength and flexibility in the upper limbs, joints & back. We will look at refinements of the Yi Lu routine. Each class will conclude with sitting meditation.

Balance and Meditation (In-Person & Zoom)

Wednesday 10:00 a.m. CT

For beginners through advanced. This morning class will focus on simple balancing exercises that help strengthen our lower extremities. We will incorporate self-massage, mobility and qigong exercises, and conclude with sitting meditation.

Silk Reeling and Transitions (In-Person & Zoom)

Thursday 10:00 a.m. CT

This intermediate class is designed for those that have completed at least half of the first routine. We will engage in an in-depth study of the embodiment of taiji methodologies. These methods include open & close, silk reeling force, proper weight distribution, yin yang relationships, 8 energies and 6 directions, and more. The embodiment of these tenets in your taiji practice facilitates a greater understanding of the precepts of movement and leads to an overall balance of motion.

Beginning Taiji & Qigong (In-Person & Zoom)

Thursday 6:00 p.m. CT

This is a basic class for beginner and intermediate practitioners alike. Each class will begin with gentle energy movement exercises. We will be reviewing movements from the Yi Lu and conclude each class with sitting meditation.

Qigong & Taiji (In-Person & Zoom)

Saturday 10:00 a.m. CT

Qigong series, the 8 Pieces of Brocades. Each week we will focus on different aspects of the 8 Brocades movements and their relationship to the body, mind and spirit.

Once a month there will be a Special Session instead of the regular Saturday morning class.

Special Sessions

Beginning in January 2024, we will be offering the Chen Taiji Straight Sword Form on the first Sunday of each month. This 63 form is popular within Chen Fake lineage of taijiquan.

Next class: Sunday, October 6, 2024 10:30-11:30 a.m. CT

Class fees: $15 per class or $55 per month for unlimited classes.

Monthly membership includes access to our instructional videos and discounts on workshops and private lessons.

Students attending one class per week can be a member for $40 per month.

This would not include access to the video library.

We have assembled a small handbook for your reference.

Please click here: Mindful Movement Handbook

email taijiofpeoria@gmail.com to register

In-person classes held at

2619 W Heading Ave

Suite #106 (Lower Level)

Peoria, IL 61604

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Our Instructors
Strong Foundations

Dwight Edwards - Dwight Edwards has been involved in the martial arts for more than 48 years. In high school he signed up for his first taijiquan class at the Peoria YMCA. The following year he began studying Shorei-Goju Karate. In his twenties he began exploring other styles like wingchun, Lama White Crane, and the progressive eclectic style of the time that included varying elements of wingchun, kali-escrima and muay thai. In 1984 he met Keith Boswell and together they taught at the Peoria Park District and promoting taijiquan in the Peoria area. In the late 80’s Dwight began studying Shaolin and Mantis Boxing. Between 1993 and 1994 Dwight was introduced to two prominent Chinese martial arts teachers, a well-known Seven Star Preying Mantis teacher and Chen style taijiquan teacher. Between 1995 and 2005 he taught Seven Star Preying Mantis and Chen style taijiquan at the Peoria YMCA. Dwight’s taiji focus is the study of the Beijing line of taijiquan. Together with Keith Boswell and Jim Wheeler he is working to re-established the Taiji Association of Peoria and promote the benefits associated with the practice of taijiquan.

Keith Boswell - Keith began his study of Taiji in 1975. He studied the Cheng Man-Ching Yang Style short form over the next seven years from Sifu Muntu and Preston Jackson. Keith began teaching this form for the Peoria Park District in 1982. In 1986 he formed the Taiji Association of Peoria with Dwight Edwards. Keith moved to Knoxville, Tennessee and started the 5 Elements Tai Chi school with Dr. S. Matascik. He continues to study Tai Ji with a strong focus on healthy balance.

Jim Wheeler - Jim began his study of Taiji Quan in 1992. He had previously studied external martial arts for eight years. He has been instructing locally since 1999.

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