Class Content

Most of the classes are a combination of Tai Chi Qigong, and Tai Chi Chuan.

Important note for those considering Tai Chi for gentle recovery exercise following serious illness, surgery or trauma: it's possible that a whole hour of even the gentlest of exercise routines may be a bit too much.  A number of 5 or 10 minute breaks during the hour might be a sensible start. It is wise to consult with your physician when commencing any new form of exercise.  You will be encouraged to assess your own limits and work sensibly within them, especially when coping with a new injury.

You will not be expected to learn a foreign language, though there may be a few Chinese terms/expressions bandied about that don't easily translate into English.  Please also note that there may be times when It can be helpful for learning to physically adjust hands, arms, shoulders and so on.  I will always seek permission before doing so.

For Beginners, a quick overview of what to expect:

Each class begins with a short loosen-up routine of 5-10 minutes and then, unless it is a 'Qigong' Class (where it is exclusively Qigong for the whole hour)  classes continue with learning a tai chi 'form'.

A variety of forms from the following lists may feature in a session:

Qigong

Longer sequences:

18 movements of Yang-style Tai Chi Qigong (aka Shibashi set 1)

18 movements of Chen-style Tai Chi Qigong (aka Shibashi set 2)

The Yin and Yang Brocade

The Winter Brocade

Zhineng Qigong

The Soaring White Crane

Shorter sequences:

Ba duan Jin (also known as The Eight Treasures or Brocades)

Mountain-top qigong (devised by Angus Clark of Living Movement)

Three Circles Qigong

Four Waves Qigong

and others

Tai Chi Chuan (Yang-style):

Beginners routines:

The 16 forms, The 10 forms, Mrs X Bao's 10 forms

The 24 forms (Yang – Beijing-style)

Advanced routines:

The 32 forms (mixture of styles, competition form)

The 88 forms (also known as the 104 or 108 forms)

The 18 Sword 

The 32 Sword

The Broadsword (Wu-style)

Double Fans