Biography
I began studying Tai Chi and Qigong with Nam Hoa Temple Internal Arts Master Jim Scott-Behrends in 2000 in my hometown of Scotts Valley, Ca. I fell in love with this style of Tai Chi/Qi Gong because it integrated movement and mindfulness into one practice. I directly experienced improved strength, balance and a sense of well being because of my tai chi practice. I am certified to teach Nam Hoa Longevity Tree Qigong Form and Nam Hoa Yang Application Form.
In November of 2011 I had the opportunity to study with Dr. Paul Lam who developed the internationally recognized Tai Chi for Health Programs. I have studied with Master Trainers Robin Malby, Marty Kidder, Hei Takarabe, Bill Pickett, Becky Rahe and Hong Yang. I am a certified Tai Chi for Health Instructor in the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Form Part 1 and Part 2. I have taken the master class for Yang 24 Forms and Sun 73 Forms with Dr. Lam.
I have studied Tai Chi Philosophy, Peng Zu Qigong and in depth study of the Yang 24 Forms with Hong Yang.
I am currently studying 24 Postures Therapeutic Qigong with Bill and Linda Pickett. I was also introduced to Shibashi Qigong with Bill Pickett and received more instruction from Becky Rahe.
I have been a Tai Chi/Qigong instructor at Dominican Hospital’s Personal Enrichment Program since July 2011. I taught Tai Chi and Qi Gong at Mid-County Senior Center from September 2007-December 2016.
I live in Santa Cruz County, California. I am grateful to my husband, Tom Bush and our two grown sons David and Matt for their enduring love and support. I am retired from my job as a pediatric occupational therapist after working at Dominican Hospital for 18 years and Stanford University Hospital prior to that. As an OT I worked with adults in rehabilitation and acute care in my early career and later specialized in NICU OT. My hobbies are studying and practicing Tai Chi and Qi Gong, mindfulness practice, reading, bird watching, and photography.
I am available for consultation for corporate wellness events.
To contact me by phone call 831-227-7073, or email me at bloominglotuschi@baymoon.com
Grace Sanchez’s Schedule
FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE INSTRUCTOR AS WELL AS OTHER CLASS PARTICIPANTS PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS ONLY IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE COVID-19 VACCINATION AND RECOMMENDED BOOSTERS UNLESS MEDICALLY CONTRAINDICATED. CURRENTLY AS OF APRIL 2024 IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS AND STAFF WEAR A MASK FOR INDOOR CLASSES.
TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES YOU CAN SIGN UP ONLINE, IN PERSON OR BY CALLING THE OFFICE (831) 457-7099.
DOMINICAN PEP WELLNESS CENTER
21340 East Cliff Drive (at the corner of 14th and East Cliff Dr.)
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
https://www.dignityhealth.org/bayarea/locations/dominican/classes-and-events/exercise-and-fitness
MONDAY CLASSES
QIGONG AND GUIDED RELAXATION PRACTICES (standing or seated)
Class time is 1 hour, ****start time will be changing in July 2024
Class fee: Pricing is set by PEP Program
This class will be held indoors with option of outdoor session weather permitting
Material fee: 0, instructor will email handouts
We will explore Qigong practices from the Tai Chi for Health Program, Nam Hoa Internal Arts, 24 Postures Therapeutic Qigong, and Five Elements practices. Instructor will also incorporate guided relaxation practices for decreasing stress, increasing relaxation and improving mental focus. All students are welcome. Students requiring assistive devices can use them as needed or participate in seated practice. No experience necessary. This class will be held outdoors in the back garden unless the weather is inclement, class will move to an indoor setting if it is raining or too cold/hot. All students and staff are encouraged to mask indoors.
Monday 7/8/24-8/26/24 10:00-11:00 8 sessions/$120
Monday 10/7/24-12/6/24 10:00-11:00 9 sessions/$135 No class 11/11/24, 11/25/24
TAI CHI AND QIGONG: YANG 24 FORM
Class fee: Pricing is set by PEP Program
Class time: 11:15-12:30
Materials fee: 0
Instruction includes Qigong Warm-up exercises, concentration practice and form practice for the Yang 24 Form. The Yang 24 Form is excellent for improving strength, physical balance, and for relieving stress. Most students take about a year to learn the foundation of the form. It is a wonderful lifelong practice.
Monday 7/8/24-8/26/24 11:15-12:30 8 sessions/$132
Monday 10/7/24-12/6/24 11:15-12:30 9 sessions/$149 No class 11/11/24, 11/25/24
TUESDAY
BEGINNING TAI CHI/QIGONG
Class is 1 hour
Class fee: Pricing is set by PEP Program
Materials fee: 0
Instruction includes Qigong Energy breathing exercises, Tai Chi for Arthritis Joint Warm Ups, Concentration Practice, and instruction in the movements 1-6 of the Tai Chi For Arthritis Form. The core movements of the Tai Chi for Arthritis form will be taught over 2-3 consecutive class series. Most students find benefit in repeating the course to integrate the movements into daily practice or to benefit from the support of group practice. Students should be able to walk without assistive devices to participate in this class. Beginners are warmly welcomed, no experience necessary. This class is held indoors with an option for outdoor class weather permitting.
Tuesday 7/9/24-9/3/24 9:45-10:45 9 sessions/$135
Tuesday 10/8/24-12/17/24 9:45-10:45 9 sessions/$135 No class 11/12/24 and 11/26/24
TAI CHI/QIGONG: SUN 73
Class time is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Class Fee: Pricing is set by PEP Program
This class is being held outdoors in the back garden. Bring layers for fluctuations in temperature. We will meet indoors if it is raining or necessary for some other reason.
Tuesday 7/9/24-9/3/24 11:00-12:30 9 sessions/$153
Tuesday 10/8/24-12/17/24 11:00-12:30 9 sessions/$153 No class 11/12/24 and 11/26/24
This class includes Qi Gong Warm-ups with instruction in 24 Postures Therapeutic Qigong, Concentration Practice, and instruction in the Sun 73 Form. The Sun 73 Form will take a minimum of 18 months to learn. Prior knowledge of the Tai Chi for Health – Tai Chi for Arthritis Form is beneficial but not mandatory for registration.
If you have any questions about Grace’s classes or teaching schedule feel free to call or text her at 831-227-7073. Class fees are based on number of hours of classroom time and is set by PEP Wellness Center Administration.
