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.

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During warmer weather, in-person students enjoy class outside in our "memory garden", which honors our Taiji friends who remain in our hearts.

*We are now accepting payments online. Click on this link. PayPal

Class Schedule

Taiji Basics (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 traditional 48 form.

Taiji - 71 Pao Chui Form (Zoom)

Monday 6:00 p.m. CT

This intermediate level class will review in detail the 71 Pao Chui form along with the silk reeling and agility related to these forms.

Taiji - Refined 48 Form (Zoom)

Tuesday 6:00 p.m. CT

A beginning/intermediate level study of the Refined 48 Form as well as silk reeling and agility related to these forms

Balance and Meditation (Zoom)

Wednesday 10:00 a.m. CT

All Levels - Balancing exercises, agility, qigong, and meditation

Silk Reeling and Transitions (Zoom)

Thursday 10:00 a.m. CT

Intermediate level class designed for students familiar with the Essential 48 form. We will study silk reeling and exercises related to the individual postures.

Qigong and EBT 7 Form (In-Person & Zoom)

Thursday 6:00 p.m. CT

Beginning/Intermediate Level class will practice Yi Jin Jing (Changing Tendon Exercises) and study each of Dr. Yang Yang's 7 Evidence-Based Taiji postures

Qigong & Taiji 48 Form (In-Person & Zoom)

Saturday 10:00 a.m. CT

Beneficial for all levels, the 8 Pieces of Brocade exercises help improve balance, fluidity of movement, and internal organ function. We will also practice the first 12 of the Essential 48 Form "Follow Me".

Special Sessions:

Saber Sunday (Zoom)

Sunday, February 26, 2023 10:00 a.m. CT

We will continue to review and practice the 38 Saber Form.

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

Peoria, IL 61604

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Our Instructors
Strong Foundations

Dwight Edwards - Dwight has been involved in the martial arts for 48 years. In high school he signed up for a taijiquan class at the Peoria YMCA. The following year he started Shorei-Goju Karate with Dave Suzuki. In his twenties he began exploring other styles, studying wingchun, Lama White Crane, and the progressive eclectic style, which 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 promoted taijiquan in the Peoria area. In the late 80’s Dwight began studying Shaolin and Mantis Boxing with Keychung Song. Between 1993 and 1994 Dwight was introduced to two prominent Chinese martial arts teachers, shifu Jon Funk, a well-known Seven Star Preying Mantis teacher and promoter from Vancouver, Canada and Dr. Yang, a Chen style taijiquan teacher originally from Jiaozuo, China, a city located some 30 miles north of the Chen village, the birthplace of taijiquan. Between 1995 and 2005 Dwight taught Seven Star Preying Mantis and Chen Style Taijiquan at the Peoria YMCA. Dwight’s focus in taiji is the study and teaching of Dr. Yang’s Hunyuan Chen Style 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. He met and began studying Chen style form with Laoshi Yang Yang in 1993. Keith moved to Knoxville, Tennessee and started the 5 Elements Tai Chi school with Dr. S. Matascik. He continues to study with Dr. Yang and is a certified EBT instructor.

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. Jim currently teaches Taiji Quan at the Mindful Movement Center in Peoria, Illinois and is one of Dr. Yang Yang's certified instructors.

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