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The Full Circle Synergy School of T’ai Chi Ch’uan is devoted to the study, teaching and exploration of T’ai Chi Ch’uan (Taiji Quan) and Qigong as related internal systems of movement, meditation, healing and martial arts. We also teach the internal systems of I-Ch’uan, Bagua, and Women’s Self-Defense.

Full Circle Synergy, established by Ian P. Gamble in 1994, believes in the meditative and healing power of the internal arts of T’ai Chi and Qigong, as both solo and two person practices. We teach Yang Style T’ai Chi and Qigong for health, meditation, and a general feeling of well-being. These practices foster relaxation and stress reduction, and help the body and mind heal themselves. Recent medical research has shown that T’ai Chi can provide significant benefit for the heart and lungs, and can mitigate numerous chronic ailments. We also find that cultivating relaxation, releasing stress, improving balance, healing the heart and lungs, and integrating the mind and body often lead to finding joy within movement.

We teach T’ai Chi as a martial art through the applications of the T’ai Chi Form and the practice of Push Hands. Advanced students can also explore Tai Chi Boxing and Tai Chi Sword Sparring. Push Hands emphasizes internal qualities of rooting, neutralization and yielding to defeat an opponent’s energy. The study of both solo and two-person work enables a more complete understanding and experience of the power of this internal martial art.

As a martial art, T’ai Chi clearly demonstrates that one’s greatest martial power is found in cultivating and maintaining relaxation, internal peace, and emotional calm. Consequently, T’ai Chi’s approach to conflict fosters resolution of hostility rather than dominance over the opponent. In this way, T’ai Chi teaches tools of engagement that apply to all kinds of human interaction, not just physical altercations. You can also describe our mutual experience in your personal statement writing to show yourself from the best sides.

We serve the communities of greater Portland (where our studio is located) and Yarmouth. We also contract with third parties to offer classes to their organization’s members.

You are welcome to visit our studio at 500 Forest Ave, in Portland, to observe classes and to better understand T’ai Chi Ch’uan and our school.