What is Tai Chi?

There are as many tai chi forms as there are teachers, almost! Each teacher will bring their own chi with them into practice. Over the years five basic styles were formed, yang, wu, yin, chen and taoist. Again, throughout each you will recognize the same movements performed in a different style.  Within each style there are many forms, 18 step, 24 step, 48 step etc. You can never be bored learning tai chi! There is always another form, another style.

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Tai chi was primarily taught for health, the Beijing Physical Education Centre has standardized many of the old forms, so that a “perfect” exercise can be learned. The form ensures that every move is of benefit to the body, no excess stretching, no pain to be endured, just excellent aerobic exercise for every joint and muscle!

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I teach a modified 24 step simplified yang style that is directly from the Beijing Physical Education Centre. Modified so that my classes are easy for Westerners to understand. I teach in an unorthodox fashion, allowing humour and speaking to the class!

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I usually like to teach an 18 movement qi gong to start with, thus allowing students to get used to the unusual movements. It also teaches breathing, which is hard to teach in tai chi, along with the physical movements. Usually, masters will just say that “the breathing will come”. This is true, but with the qi gong, you get a “head start”.

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Tai chi and qi gong are both excellent for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. It is truly an holistic sport!

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It is not competitive, though there are World Competitions, there are no belts or grades to attain, just a healthy body and relaxed mind.

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As you practice, the mind enters a new state of consciousness, the body flows from one movement into another so naturally, it is impossible to tell where one starts and ends until the body finishes the form. The mind enters the body relaxed again, ready to face the day. When you know how to collect a chi ball, you can be assured of stress-free living and start to welcome your life more.

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I have taught people with complaints ranging from asthma, arthritis, frozen shoulder, back troubles, poor circulation, poor balance and of course, stress!

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These people have all benefited from the knowledge of tai chi and qi gong, applying it to their own lives. All I can do is teach, I cannot make you practice!

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It is the practice that brings you health, not the knowledge!