Dallas Academy of Tai Chi Chuan

Who we are

The Academy was founded in the 1970s by Sam Yuen Chinn. The Cheng Man-ch'ing short Yang form, Yang Sword form, Yang Cane form, and Traditional Long Wu form are taught. Martial applications, push hands and advanced study are also available. The school focuses on internal development through qigong practice, stance training and forms study.

Tai chi as practiced by our group increases strength, balance, and attention through structured movement having origins in the martial arts. While the martial applications of tai chi are used to illustrate, explain, and amplify the student's understanding of the forms played, they are not the primary purpose of our practice.

Classes are taught by Sifu Susan Franks, with the assistance of Walter Hofheinz. We work together to provide individual attention within the group. Our group is informal and accommodating, but committed. While regular attendance is extremely helpful to the student, it is not required since we recognize the many demands placed on our time.

Come join us!

Class schedule

Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
(Beginner Yang and Wu styles, Advanced, Cane and other specialty forms and applications), with class from 7:00-8:00 p.m., and optional practice from 8:00-8:30 p.m.

On September 10th, 2024 we are starting a twelve week class cycle that will focus on basics of tai chi and the Cheng Man-ch'ing's Yang-style Short Form. More advanced students will continue in this class.

We cycle through a new ten to twelve week cycle for beginners periodically, focusing on basic skills and the Yang-style Short Form. You are welcome to begin at any time. Please join us!

Where?

We meet at First Unitarian Church of Dallas in the Krebhiel Music Center on the Second Floor of Channing Hall adjoining the sanctuary. Although the address is 4015 Normandy Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205 (two blocks north of the intersection of Preston and Mockingbird), you should park on either St. Andrews (one block north of the intersection of Preston and Mockingbird) or in the lot at the back of the church campus off of St. Andrews, and enter through the church courtyard in the center of the campus. Channing Hall is the new building on the north side of the courtyard. The door facing the courtyard will be open.

Map

Instructor

Susan Franks: Susan started training Tai Chi Chuan with Sam Yuen Chinn in 1977, learning both Cheng Man-ch'ing's Yang-style Short Form and the Wu Form. Susan continued as an instructor for Sam Yuen Chinn in 1979. She has studied with both her grand masters, William C.C. Chen and Edwin Yee, in New York. Susan has participated in six national competitions and has earned thirteen national titles with eleven gold and two silver medals.

Walter Hofheinz assists with instruction. Walter has over twenty five experience practicing the forms.

Private Instruction

Individual and small group private instruction can be scheduled by contacting Susan Franks directly.

Contact us

Telephone: call Susan Franks at 214.533.1243 or Walter Wm. Hofheinz at 214.363.2400

Email: Susan Franks or Walter Wm. Hofheinz

Rules and Forms

Link to Sifu Franks' demonstration of Cheng Man-ch'ing's Yang-style Short Form and abbreviated version. The abbreviated form begins at 23.07 of the video.

Link to Sifu Franks' demonstration of Wu style

Link to Sifu Edwin Yee's demonstration of Wu style

Pictures

Other Resources of Interest

Building Strength Through Tai Chi, from the Seattle Times.

Simple ways to prevent falls among, from MPR News.


If anyone has info about activities or events, or pictures and suchlike you would like on the site, email Walter at wwh@hofheinzlaw.com, or give Walter a call at 214.363.2400.