The real deal

Although many classes claim to be teaching taijiquan, very few are. In order for the art to qualify as taijiquan, it must to the essence of the art:

1. Move your body in accord with The Tai Chi Classics 
2. Train all 13 areas of study
3. Follow Yang's 10 Essentials
4. Maintain medically-sound body use
5. Functionally apply the art in a skilful 'taijiquan' way
6. Employ the taijiquan principles at all times
7. Embody the teachings of Taoism
8. 13 patterns should be made manifest at all times
9. Every movement is a whole-body movement

Providing these criteria are met, you have an immense degree of freedom for personal expression and individual interpretation.

Tai chi or taijiquan?

What is the difference between taijiquan and tai chi for health? Taijiquan is a style of kung fu. Tai chi for health is a non-martial health exercise adapted from taijiquan.

What makes tai chi 'tai chi'?

Slow motion movement, chilled out exercise or dance cannot be considered tai chi. Tai chi is more than this. It adheres to certain parameters, guidelines and rules of practice.

Welcome to our tai chi school

Have fun in a calm, vibrant, training environment; free from bullying, cliques and politics. The atmosphere is friendly and stimulating. Individual progress is important to us.

We have a detailed tai chi syllabus in place in order to optimise the learning experience. Both of our instructors are registered with The Tai Chi Union for Great Britain.
The senior instructor has been practicing since 1975, teaching since 1995.

Invest in your wellbeing

The benefits of tai chi are medically proven and long-lasting:

1. Chill out and have a laugh
2. Acquire a more light-hearted way of looking at life
3. Cultivate an unusual form of strength
4. Boost energy
5. Increased brain activity
6. Make friends
7. Stay calm
8. Develop your memory skills
9. Mindfulness
10. Better focus/concentration
11. Improved joint function
12. Feel balanced
13. Increased stamina and endurance
14. Release deeply-held muscular tension
15. Improved circulation
16. Meditation & awareness
17. Increased flexibility
18. Coordination
19. Learn to relax naturally
20. Improved poise and posture
21. Avoid strain, exertion and exaggeration
22. 'Motor learning' - how we use our bodies, the way in which we move, the processes involved
23. Age with dignity and grace

Tai chi for health & fitness

Tai chi for health is a popular form of movement-based exercise derived from taijiquan. The art requires low effort. No sweating. No exertion. No taxing the body.

Tai chi for fitness involves cross-training tai chi for moderate, varied exercise. The training incorporates core strength, psoas work, leg stretches, cardio training and Taoist Yoga.

Self defence

Self defence is the ability to protect yourself from harm: physically, mentally and emotionally. The aim of self defence is to incapacitate the attacker and walk away; ideally unharmed.

The training begins with the fundamentals of effective body use and slowly moves through different levels of threat. We will invite you to consider new options, possibilities and choices.

Baguazhang

Baguazhang (8 trigrams palm) is a very challenging kung fu system. It addresses the experience of combat in a different way to taijiquan, with multiple opponents in mind at all times.
It is a highly unusual martial art famous for its fast, evasive footwork, fluid, unorthodox movements, unpredictability and spontaneity. The student avoids direct confrontation by using circles and spirals.

The rabbit and the fox

This excellent self defence story comes from Zen in the Martial Arts:

A zen master out for a walk with one of his students pointed out a fox chasing a rabbit.

"According to an ancient fable, the rabbit will get away from the fox," the master said.

  "Not so," replied the student. "The fox is faster."

"But the rabbit will elude him," insisted the master.

"Why are you so certain?" asked the student.

"Because the fox is running for his dinner and the rabbit is running for his life," answered the master.

(Joe Hyams)

Taijiquan

Taijiquan (supreme ultimate fist) is an advanced martial art based upon ancient Chinese knowledge, biomechanics and the yin/yang principle. Some of the training methods are slow, but many are not.
Authentic taijiquan practice follows specific guidelines. It is fascinating, fun and mentally stimulating. Taijiquan teaches powerful, functional skills, along with an in-depth philosophical background.  

Qigong

Tai chi students always start by learning qigong first. The simple qigong exercises build strength, improve coordination and exercise the body. After a session you feel at ease, energised and comfortable.

Explore a variety of exercises designed to cultivate the flow of blood and oxygen around the body, as well as release tension within the muscles. Qigong helps people relax and unwind.

Our classes

Self defence training in our classes is fun, friendly and gently challenging. Many of the skills seem counter-intuitive. We will invite you to consider new options, possibilities and choices.
To drop long-held preconceptions.

When both the self defence aspects and the methods of training internal power are seamlessly integrated, you are doing taijiquan.

(Bruce Frantzis)

Freeze, flight or fight...

The human brain responds to danger by making us do one of the following:

• Freeze
• Run away
• Become aggressive

Taijiquan offers an alternative to option 3. Instead of becoming aggressive or panicking, we seek to neutralise the threat whilst remaining calm.

Martial arts are tough

Mainstream martial arts classes typically teach skills that can be used in self defence. But, martial arts also have the potential to be quite brutal and not everyone wants to get smacked around.

Confrontation

Confrontation occurs in many forms and can be very stressful. It is important to handle yourself in a constructive, calm manner. Discover how to keep a cool head, avoid conflict and cope with hostility.
You can be switched-on without being macho, defensive or paranoid.

Everyday conflict

Life presents us with many situations that can be unpleasant:

1. Hostile/dangerous motorists
2. Macho behaviour
3. Gangs
4. Intimidation
5. Bullies
6. Problems at work
7. Assault
8. Threats
9. Personal relationships
10. Verbal abuse

Sometimes you may feel vulnerable and alone. You may feel helpless, afraid, angry and frustrated.

Tai chi & self defence

It is quite common to read a tai chi website and come across some sketchy, vague reference to how the art can be used in self defence. If you're wanting to protect yourself, this isn't good enough.

Panic

When faced with hostility or violence, most people panic. Panic is an adverse reaction to unexpected events. It is the failure to acknowledge your fear, understand the cause of fear and recognise the options you have available.

Tai chi for health & fitness

Tai chi for health is a popular form of movement-based exercise derived from taijiquan. The art requires low effort. No sweating. No exertion. No taxing the body.
Tai chi for fitness involves cross-training tai chi for moderate, varied exercise. The training incorporates core strength, psoas work, leg stretches, cardio training and Taoist Yoga.

Taijiquan

Taijiquan (supreme ultimate fist) was created in the Wudang Mountain range in Hubei, China. It is an advanced martial art based upon ancient Chinese knowledge, biomechanics and the yin/yang principle.

This kung fu system teaches powerful, functional skills, along with an in-depth philosophical background. Authentic taijiquan practice follows specific guidelines and cultivates good character.

Some of the training methods are slow, but many are not. Taijiquan practice is fascinating, fun and mentally stimulating.

Habit patterns

If you are taught to move a certain way and respond a certain way, there is a higher likelihood of your body doing something constructive.

Under pressure you cannot rely upon your memory to save you; there simply will not be time to think. You must respond. In reality, what comes out comes out.

Qigong

Tai chi students always start by learning qigong first. The simple qigong exercises build strength, improve coordination and exercise the body. After a session you feel at ease, energised and comfortable.
Explore a variety of exercises designed to cultivate the flow of blood and oxygen around the body, as well as release tension within the muscles. Qigong helps people relax and unwind.

What is tai chi?

Tai chi is a form of gentle exercise that encourages a calm mind, balanced emotions and a strong body. When people say 'tai chi' they typically mean tai chi for health.
Doctors believe that tai chi - with its ancient origins and incredible health benefits - is the ideal form of exercise for modern people of all ages.

Ghost walking?

In Asia, ghosts are depicted as having no feet. They float. A student cannot literally float but their sense of being 'suspended from above' should feel as if they do.

Asian ghosts don't have heavy footfalls. In fact they make no sound on the ground at all.
Many people have very loud steps. Concussive. Vibrational. Loud. This indicates weak, collapsed muscles. They have succumbed to the pull of gravity...

Instead, we must lengthen upwards and be light and silent. Like the old Kung Fu TV show where Kwai Chang Caine must walk on rice paper without tearing it?

Entanglement

You cannot afford to get caught-up in things. If the Way comes to an end, then change.  Adapt, change and improvise. Move and flow like water.
No matter what the attacker does, do not become entangled. Struggling will cost you energy and time. It will also leave you vulnerable to other attackers.

Walk like a cat

Cat-stepping is vital. You must be capable moving rapidly in any direction and executing a kick without advertising its presence beforehand. This form of moving teaches you how to be sensitive and soft.

Technique-based mentality

Preset, rehearsed self defence techniques don't work in real life. They're too clunky. Preset techniques lack spontaneity. They cannot cope with unpredictability and variables.
Another problem lies with thinking, gauging, trying to remember the right thing to do... This will not work in combat. You need to learn how to just flow with what it taking place.

What would you do if...?

A common question asked by beginners is "What would you do if..."  They suggest a variety of scenarios in which you are attacked and expected to counter. How do you counter a kick? What about this hold? Can you deal with a headbutt? Will it work if the attacker has a knife?

They are wanting a fixed answer. Herein lies the problem. Self defence is anything but fixed. There are no guarantees. No security. Also, what the student is missing is the fact that what the master can do is unimportant. What matters more is what they (the student) would do.

Evade

No matter what occurs, it is advisable to evade the attacker. If your opponent cannot make contact, they cannot inflict injury upon you. Agility is essential.

I’m aware of how much violence there is at work these days. I met up with friends I used to work with in housing and violence is very common at their work. NHS staff are increasingly under physical attack (I’ve noticed warnings in my local GP surgery). School teachers too, and transport staff.

(Karen)

People who are compulsively active are unstable,
while those who are addicted to quietude are indifferent.
One should have a lively spirit while in the midst of tranquillity:
this is the mentality of the enlightened.

(Huanchu Daoren)

I'm really enjoying the training! There is so much to learn, so I'm having to discipline myself to focus on what we are learning and try not to think about how much more there is! 

 The workshop was excellent. It was great to spend all that time on one concept and drill into it in more detail than is possible in a normal class. It was great to delve into a single subject in so much depth. It also showed how subtle taijiquan is and yet so powerful. How small adjustments can make a massive difference. It was also interesting the difference between Tuesday's shuai jiao applications taster and the more subtle essence of pushing hands. And how effective taijiquan is when you combine it all together. Plus the green tea lesson was great too, thanks.

 (Chris)