What is Tai Chi?
Tai chi is a physical practice of Body/Mind exercises that restore the energy level in the body and calm the mind. These exercises can be practiced at any time of the day.
Tai chi main work takes place internally. An aspect that is emphasized in our training.
The Tai chi I teach is Yang style. It is a group of exact movements. The first structure comprises 37 different positions linked to form the "simplified form". Learning this figure takes a minimun time of six months with a training of 2 weekly lessons (mandatory).
Tai chi: means: “the greatest,” and is based on Daoist philosophy, whose fundamental goal is to flow with nature and achieve fulfillment. The principle of Wu Wei—effortless action—is about finding harmony within the body/mind.
Tai chi is an internal style of Chinese martial art, stressing the principles of relaxation and "yielding" both in application and in daily life. Tai chi training develops inner strength and harmony through the coordination and relaxation of Mind and body. Externally, Tai chi is the art of movement for health and self defense. Internally, is the science of Mind and internal energy or Qi.
This training prioritizes deep internal development and is meant for people looking for more than just good health or relaxation.
About me
I am Monica Gonzalez (1966) and my practice began in 2002 in a basic Qi Gong course in Zurich, Switzerland. It was there that I became fascinated with martial arts movement and the Yin-Yang philosophy. From 2006 -2023, I studied with a direct disciple of Master Huang: Patrick Kelly of New Zealand. I learned that not only does the body have to maintain a state of calm but that the mind, being calm, dominates the body. I graduated as a Yang style Tai chi teacher in 2010 and, since then, I have practiced daily. In 2014, I gave my first group lessons, always with the aim of motivating students to learn this wonderful way of exercising the body, mind and spirit. My ongoing and compelling journey continues.
Teachers and trainings
2004-2008
Diploma in Chinese Medicine at Biomedica in Zurich, Switzerland.
Practice under the supervision of Dr. Wei Zhang in Glarus, Switzerland
2008-2011
Tai Ji School in Zurich, Switzerland, Diploma recognized by the National Association of Tai Ji and Qi Gong in Switzerland SGQT
Member of of the Swiss Qi Gong and Taiji Association SGQT with lectures and seminars in Buddhist Meditation and I Ging
Training with Chunglian Al Huang, with the 5 Forces or 5 Elements; ground principles of the Chinese Medicine.
Trainings and seminars:
From 2011 to March 2023, I trained a minimum of 6 hours per week in Tai chi.
In April 2023, in Mexico where I practice daily in local parks. I also give daily lessons presented in Spanish and/or in English.
Every year since 2017, I have attended various Tai Chi seminars in Europe and the United States. These have strengthened my knowledge of the 37-movement Yang Form, as well as the original 108-movement form, Quickfist, and meditation.
Tuishou (partner exercises) have helped me refine my body’s sensitivity and my awareness of others.
My training has taken place in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the U.S. Some of these sessions were with PATRICK KELLY or with his long-time students, such as Christina Schneider, Heribert Greiner, and Michael Ploetz.
My most recent seminar, in February 2026, was with Heribert Greiner in Freiburg, Germany.
My teachers webs:
* Patrick Kelly. https://ninecloudstaiji.org
* Ch. Schneider https://taiji-schule.at
* Michael Ploetz https://www.taijifreiburg.de
* Heribert Greiner https://taijifreiburg.de
How a lesson is designed
Each lesson (about 75 minutes) is structured in the same way. This structure helps us in the progress of learning. During the course of the lesson, the physical exercises become more and more complex. In the process, we try to enter an increasingly deep and calm state of mind that can be refined for everyday life.
Contact me via contact below or email to book a course: moniposa@gmail.com
First part - Relaxation exercises
At the beginning of each Taichi class we do five loosenings excercises designed by Master Huang Xingxian. With these we learn to release tension, to align the body and to move smoothly. At the same time, we begin to calm the mind from the daily hustle and bustle leading us to inner peace. The first step is to concentrate on the internal movements of the body.
Part Two- Taiji Form
Beginners first learn Master Huang's short form, which is based on Master Zheng Manqing's 37-positions. In each lesson we go into more detail.
Moving forward until you have memorized all 37 positions with movement that is coordinated and smooth.
By practicing the form, we learn to perceive the internal forces that move us from the feet to the head; the body aligns and strengthens.
Third part - Tuishou - push (perceive) with the hands.
There are eight basic exercises that are practiced in all classes that focus on the forces at the center of the body in combination with the arms.
These exercises are carried out in pairs with great sensitivity and without force. We learn to feel the activation of the muscles in ourselves, but also in our partners to establish the smoothest connection.
Each lesson ends with a short meditation.
We conclude with a Meditation.
Meditation is an important and integral part of inner training Neigong “Inner work” in Chinese. It is a set of Taoist practices involving breathing, posture, movement, and mental concentration.
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MERIDA CENTRO
Tuesdays & Thursdays from 07.30
to 08.30 am
Address: Parque La Plancha, between 51 and 53 beside UNAY on the street 48
Language: Spanish (English)
Teaching: Yang short form of 37 positions, Tuishou and meditation.
This group is advance, so if you have practiced Taichi before, you might be able to join. Please write to me for more information
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Evenings new group-beginners
Tuesday & Thursdays from 7 to 8 pm
Address: CASA CASTRO371
Calle 60 between 39 and 41,
Centro of Merida.
Language: Spanish
Teaching: Traditional Yang Style
Costs: 1000 pesos a month per person
This group is for beginners, new students start any time, the class is small, here you have the opportunity to learn the 37 positions of the Yang Taichi Form.
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MEL
Merida English Library
Introduction to Taichi every Tuesday & Thursdays at 9.30 to 10.30am
MERIDA ENGLISH LIBRARY
Address: Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68
Merida, Centro
Subs: meridaenglishlibrary.com
Language: English
Please subscribe directly at MEL web. meridaenglishlibrary.com/tai-chi-at-mel
MOVE YOUR BODY AND MIND AT THE SAME TIME