Stop fighting

At some point a taijiquan student lets go of their preconceptions and just does what they are being told to do. They stop being awkward, arguing and over-analysing everything... And suddenly it works.

Freed from self-consciousness, the art emerges and the skill is just there. This is called 'tzu-jan'. It happened without being forced. Typically the student is sceptical; convinced that there's a trick.

They question their practice partner - leery of unwanted compliance. This is a normal response and quite reasonable. So, the situation is reproduced or the roles reversed. The same thing happens again.

It doesn't make sense...

Taijiquan new starters always make the mistake of trying to understand something unfamiliar in terms of the known. They want to get a handle on the training. They want reassurance and security.

They want to feel confident. Not knowing is daunting. But it is the truth. You cannot possibly understand taijiquan in terms of anything else.

Mind

Instead of thinking about qi, turn your attention to the human mind. Now that is a fascinating subject, and a bona fide mystery. We use the word 'mind' quite readily and freely, but do we know what it is?

Philosophers and scientists have explored the workings of the mind for a very long time now. Yet, nobody knows quite how the mind affects the body or even what the mind is. 

There are many scientific studies exploring how our thoughts directly affect our health and wellbeing. In taijiquan, the role of the mind is significant.

Qi

It is tempting for many new starters to read about qi and believe that some kind of mystical energy is going to power their art. Be prepared for disappointment. You still need to exercise the body.

There will be no 'mystical' moments where qi does the work for you.

This research on misdirection has important real-world implications. It is often important to accurately judge our own cognitive abilities, and misjudgments can have fatal consequences. For example, most people underestimate the extent to which their attention is misdirected by a phone call. Research has shown that talking even on a hands-free phone has the same detrimental impact on your driving as being over the drink-drive limit. However, since we overestimate our own abilities, we don’t notice the impact this technological misdirection has on our performance.

(Gustav Kuhn)

Taiji magic?

Unlike magic, taijiquan skills are real. But akin to magic, unless you are adept at the art yourself, you have no way of knowing how they performed the feat. This is no different to being an acrobat.
How many people can backflip? Play a Mozart piece, build a mobile phone or dive to the bottom of the ocean?

There's no magic involved. There's no trick. You're not being fooled. But there is certainly skill.

Appearances are deceptive

The skills of taijiquan sometimes appear to be impossible. They are unusual feats. 
But is it magic?

No. Not at all...

The Art of War

In The Art of War, Sun Tzu points out that All warfare is based on deception. He strongly encourages indirect, circuitous strategies, misdirection, deceit and cunning. Standing toe-to-toe is not advised.

His book contains 13 chapters dedicated to being dishonest concerning one's intentions.

Hong Kong cinema

In Chinese history and folklore the ancient Taoist sages were imbued with magical powers and abilities. This was transferred to the martial arts. Qi energy lightning bolts, flying and so on...

Martial arts movies continued this trend; often focusing upon fantasy/the impossible - rather than real world skills.

Magic deals with some of the most fundamental psychological and philosophical questions. What do you believe to be possible? What is consciousness? How much control do you have over your thoughts and your actions? Magic relies on powerful psychological illusions and magicians create their tricks by exploiting gaps and errors in our conscious experience. For example, magicians use misdirection to manipulate what you attend to and this allows them to control what you see – and what you miss. However, as I enrolled on my degree course, I was surprised to learn scientists were not particularly interested in magic.

(Gustav Kuhn)

Teaching Assistant meal @ Amaysia, Newcastle

  I have been involved in the world of martial arts since I was 8 continuing until the birth of my son. My son is now 6 so decided I wanted to return to training now I've turned 40.
 I have been interested in the internal arts, specifically Taiji and Bagua for many years but realised how hard it is to find someone teaching the authentic art.
 With Sifu Waller I finally found what I was looking for!

 Sifu's understanding and knowledge is outstanding. The syllabus is both deep and broad allowing a structured development of each student as they progress.
 Sifu Waller teaches the full art not just the commonly seen "health tai chi". This is a martial art that is subtle and effective, using body structure and biodynamics to achieve success.
 I can highly recommend this class for anyone with the passion and dedication to learn a true martial art.

 (Chris)

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.