I began studying Tai Chi 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 became inspired to teach Tai Chi after assisting my friend Mary Mulligan at her Senior Tai Chi class. I started my Nam Hoa Tai Chi instructor training in January of 2007. I received my instructor certification to teach the Longevity Tree Form in June of 2008, and certification to teach the Nam Hoa Yang Application Form in February of 2013 from Tai Chi Master Jim Scott-Behrends.
In November of 2011 I had the opportunity to study with Dr. Paul Lam who developed the internationally recognized Tai Chi for Health Programs. That November I attended his workshop Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis. In February of 2012 I received certification to teach the Tai Chi for Arthritis Form from Master Trainer Marty Kidder. In July of 2012 I received certification to teach the Tai Chi for Diabetes Form from Master Trainer Robin Malby. In December of 2012 I received certification to teach the Tai Chi for Arthritis Part 2 Form from Robin Malby. In January 2013 I had the opportunity to study Silk Reeling with Sifu Dan Jones. In October 2013 I received my update certification for the Tai Chi For Arthritis Form and studied the 24 Forms with Dr. Lam. In October of 2014 I received certification to teach the Tai Chi for Beginners Form with Dr. Lam. I attended the Weeklong 2015 Tai Chi for Health Conference where I took the Depth of Yang 24 Forms Course with Robin Malby. I received my update certification for TCA in March 2016 with Hei Takarabe. I received certification in the Tai Chi for Rehabilitation form, updated certification for Tai Chi for Beginners, and attended a Master Class in the 24 Forms with Dr. Lam in June 2016 and October 2017. I participated in the weeklong Tai Chi For Health Institute Conference studying the Depth of the Sun 73 Form with Bill and Linda Pickett in 2019 and in 2022. I have been studying with Sifu Hong Yang since 2018 for Sun 73 Form, Tai Chi Philosophy, Exploration of the Basic 13 movements in the 24 Form, Six Healing Sounds Qigong, and Peng Zu Qigong. I have recently completed the Master Class for the Sun 73 Form in October 2022 with Dr. Paul Lam.
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. ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF MUST WEAR A MASK TO ATTEND CLASSES INSIDE THE BUILDING.
TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES YOU CAN SIGN UP ONLINE, IN PERSON OR BY CALLING THE OFFICE (831) 457-7099. THE PEP OFFICE IS IN THE LOBBY OF THE WELLNESS CENTER RIGHT AS YOU WALK IN. ALL STUDENTS MUST WEAR A MASK TO PARTICIPATE FOR INDOOR CLASSES PER PUBLIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AS THIS IS A HEALTH CARE FACILITY. FOR OUTSIDE CLASSES MASKING IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE INSTRUCTOR AND/OR STUDENT’S PREFERENCE AND IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AT THIS POINT IN TIME.
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
Class fee: $12.50 per class as of 1/2023 or $15 for one day intro class (pricing is set by the PEP Program)
This class will be held outdoors in the back garden, check the weather, dress in layers as the temperature can fluctuate. If it rains we will have class indoors or if the weather or other events bar outside participation.
Material fee: 0, instructor will email handouts
We will explore Qigong practices from the Tai Chi for Health Program, Nam Hoa Internal Arts 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 must mask indoors. Please do not enter the building without a mask.
Monday 2/27/23-3/27/23 10:30-11:30 5 sessions/$63
Monday 4/10/23-4/24/23 10:30-11:30 3 sessions/$38
Monday 5/8/23-6/26/23 10:30-11:30 6 sessions/$75 no class dates 5/29 and 6/19
BEGINNING TAI CHI/QIGONG
Class is 1 hour and 15 minutes
Class fee: $15 per One hour and 15 minute class
This class will be held outdoors in the back garden, check the weather, dress in layers as the temperature can fluctuate. If it rains we will have class indoors or if the weather or other events bar outside participation.
Materials fee: 0
Monday 2/27/23-3/27/23 11:45-1:00 5 sessions/$75 – this class is fully enrolled
Monday 4/10/23-4/24/23 11:45-1:00 3 sessions/$45
Monday 5/8/23-6/26/23 11:45-1:00 6 sessions/$90 no class dates 5/29 and 6/19
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.
TUESDAY
INTERMEDIATE TAI CHI/QIGONG
Class is 1 hour and 15 minutes
Class fee: $15 per One hour and 15 minute class
Materials fee: 0
Instruction includes Qigong Energy breathing exercises, Tai Chi for Arthritis Joint Warm Ups, Concentration Practice, and instruction in the movements 7-12 of the Tai Chi For Arthritis Form. The extension 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. It is helpful to have taken the Beginning Tai Chi/Qigong class as this class.
Tuesday 3/7/23-4/25/23 9:30-10:45 (no class 4/4/23) 7 sessions/$105
Tuesday 5/9/23-6/27/23 9:30-10:45 (no class 6/20/23) 7 sessions/$105
TAI CHI/QIGONG: SUN 73
Class time is 1 hour and 30 minutes
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 3/7/23-4/25/23 11:00-12:30 (no class 4/4/23) 7 sessions/$105
Tuesday 5/9/23-6/27/23 11:00-12:30 (no class 6/20/23) 7 sessions/$105
Students should have taken the Tai Chi/Qi Gong Core and Extension Movements Classes and the Advanced Sun Style Form and the Yang Form to attend this class. This class includes Qi Gong Warm-ups, Concentration Practice, and instruction in the Sun 73 Form. TCA 1 & 2 and Yang Form will be part of the warm up practice for experienced students to maintain knowledge of these forms. The Sun 73 Form will take a minimum of 18 months to learn.
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.
