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?