Community Classes Introduction
Chinese Language
Why Study Mandarin Chinese?
Mandarin Chinese is the world’s longest-living written and spoken language. With 1.4 billion speakers, it is also the most widely spoken language globally. In today's increasingly interconnected world, Mandarin is rapidly becoming a key language for business and educational development. The Asian Initiatives at WMU offers Chinese language classes to the Greater Kalamazoo community. These classes provide adult learners (18 years of age or older) with an opportunity to study the language in a fun and casual environment.
Chinese Language Class Levels
To help students choose a language class that suits their level, a placement test may be held at the beginning of the session.
| Level | Prerequisite | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Language Basic 1 | None | For those interested and have very little to no Chinese language proficiency. |
| Chinese Language Basic 2 | Chinese Language Basic 1 or at least 30 hours of studying Chinese language | For those who already have a basic foundational and functional understanding of the language. |
| Chinese Language Basic 3 | Chinese Language Basic 2 or at least 50 hours of studying Chinese language | |
| Chinese Language Intermediate 1 | Chinese Language Basic 3 or at least 60 hours of studying Chinese language | For those who have an advanced foundational and functional understanding of the language. |
| Chinese Language Intermediate 2 | Chinese Language Intermediate 1 or at least 80 hours of studying Chinese language | |
| Advanced Chinese Language | Chinese Language Intermediate 2 or at least 90 hours of studying Chinese language |
Tai chi
Why Do We Practice Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art originally designed as a unique self-defense technique, which later evolved into an effective health exercise. Characterized by flowing, graceful, and well-balanced movements, Tai Chi strengthens both the body and mind, promoting complete harmony between the two. Through practicing Tai Chi, practitioners integrate the balance of Yin and Yang, the essence of nature, and the art of relaxation into their lives. Suitable for people of all ages, genders, and health conditions, Tai Chi is an ideal form of physical exercise for many.
Tai Chi classes are open to WMU faculty, staff, students and the community (18 and above).
Tai Chi Class Levels
| Level | Prerequisite | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tai Chi Basic | 18 and above, able to stand and follow the movements for 1 hour. | This course will introduce some essential Tai Chi principles such as controlled relaxation, mental quietness, breathing in depth, intent first etc. The class will practice 8 Trigrams and 5 steps. By the end of the session, students are expected to grasp these essentials and be able to practice basic Tai Chi movements independently. |
| Tai Chi Intermediate | Has taken Tai Chi basic, and received the instructor's reference prior to registering for this class. | This class will introduce and teach Cheng Man Ching 37 Form (CMC 37). CMC 37 was developed by Professor Cheng Man Ching. Regarded as the “Master of Five Excellences”, Cheng excelled in Poetry, calligraphy, painting, medicine, and Tai Chi. Originated from Yang Cheng Pu style, CMC 37 incorporated Cheng’s personal understanding derived from years of practice. |
| Tai Chi Seminar | Has completed Tai Chi Intermediate and obtained the instructor's reference. | This class aims to fine tune Tai Chi skills. By exploring the details and applications of CMC37, practicing the Eight Techniques, and engaging in partner exercises like pushing hands, participants will not only find enjoyment but also gain a deeper understanding of Tai Chi. The class also emphasizes the practice of internal principles to achieve the integration of mind, intent and energy. |
| Tai Chi Fan | Has taken Tai Chi basic, or has learned basic Tai Chi within 2 years prior to this class. | The class will be engaging in the practice of the Chen Style 24 Form Tai Chi Fan. Tai Chi Fan presents a captivating dimension of Tai Chi that seamlessly blends martial arts techniques with the elegant motions of the fan. It offers an unique way to simultaneously train the body and nurture the mind. |
| Tai Chi Sword | Has 2 years of recent experience practicing Tai Chi and pass the instructor's evaluation | The class will be engaging in the practice of the Chen Style Tai Chi Sword. |
| Seated Tai Chi | None | This course will introduce some essential Tai Chi principles such as controlled relaxation, mental quietness, breathing in depth, intent first etc. The class will practice Qigong Baduanjin and 12 Form Seated Tai Chi. By the end of the session, students are expected to grasp these essentials and be able to practice basic Tai Chi movements independently. |
Chinese Tea Ceremony
Why Do We Learn Chinese Tea Ceremony?
Tea has played a historical and significant role in Chinese culture, serving not only as a traditional beverage but also a carrier of Chinese tea culture. At the heart of this culture lies the spirit of the tea ceremony, which embodies harmony, peace, happiness, and truthfulness—with happiness being the most essential aspect. Beyond its popularity as a drink, tea is also an integral ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese cuisine, further highlighting its cultural and practical significance.
What can we learn from this Class?
This course provides an authentic experience of getting close contact with Chinese tea culture. By completing 12 weeks hands-on sessions with the instructor who is a senior tea master and a professional TCM manager, students will be able to learn about Chinese tea culture in-depth. Including recognizing, tasting, brewing, holding a Chinese tea ceremony by themselves, as well as get to know more about the Chinese wisdom of health management.
Chinese Art
Chinese Painting and Calligraphy were regarded as fundamental skills for scholars in ancient China and East Asia for thousands of years. They also serve as creative forms of free expression and relaxation. This course guide students into meditative practice through painting and calligraphy, encouraging exploration of the connections between art, behavior, thought, and aesthetic pursuits. While this course is ideal for those with some foundational training in painting, it is not limited to them, and welcome anyone interested in deepening their appreciation of this art form.
Chinese Culture
This course introduces contemporary Chinese culture, including food, etiquette, customs, lifestyle, literature and film. It will add to or refresh your knowledge about today’s China and Chinese people in their daily life.