Taijiquan form begins as a robotic sequence of movements and gradually transcends its original form. Movements become increasingly subtle and internally convoluted, and their power increases.
Instead of being limited by form, the practitioner merges with it to become formless.
This journey does not happen by itself.
Beginners spend ages locked in patterns of tension and external movement, never realising that the form can and should progress.
How does form move from basic to advanced? Neigong.
Sunday
Tuesday
Welcome
Our school specialises in teaching:
• Taijiquan
• Tai chi for health
• Qigong
• Martial skill (kung fu)
We have been practicing since 1975, teaching since 1995.
Both of our instructors are registered with The Tai Chi Union for Great Britain.
• Taijiquan
• Tai chi for health
• Qigong
• Martial skill (kung fu)
We have been practicing since 1975, teaching since 1995.
Both of our instructors are registered with The Tai Chi Union for Great Britain.
Our school
We offer a very high standard of tuition from a master with decades of experience.
Students work towards a comprehensive understanding of tai chi, whole-body strength and the ability to use their body in an intelligent, healthy manner.
There is a vibrant, active training environment; free from bullying, cliques and politics. The atmosphere is friendly, pleasant and relaxed.
Personal safety and individual wellbeing are important to us.
Students work towards a comprehensive understanding of tai chi, whole-body strength and the ability to use their body in an intelligent, healthy manner.
There is a vibrant, active training environment; free from bullying, cliques and politics. The atmosphere is friendly, pleasant and relaxed.
Personal safety and individual wellbeing are important to us.
Saturday
The perfect exercise
In modern life, time is in short supply and a person wants to get the best possible benefits from any new endeavour they undertake.
Harvard Medical School suggests that tai chi may indeed be the perfect exercise.
Tai chi offers a multi-layered approach to the cultivation of health, vitality and wellbeing.
The depth of study available within a bona fide system of tai chi is incredible; a student can quite literally explore the art for their entire lifetime and still discover new mysteries, secrets and skills.
As a martial art, taijiquan is unparalleled in its sophisticated biomechanics, diversity of combat skills and variety of application.
Harvard Medical School suggests that tai chi may indeed be the perfect exercise.
Tai chi offers a multi-layered approach to the cultivation of health, vitality and wellbeing.
The depth of study available within a bona fide system of tai chi is incredible; a student can quite literally explore the art for their entire lifetime and still discover new mysteries, secrets and skills.
As a martial art, taijiquan is unparalleled in its sophisticated biomechanics, diversity of combat skills and variety of application.
Thursday
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The master simply does what he should do, not straining himself in an effort to teach.
Therefore, the fact that some student's inner eye will open as a result of the master's words and actions and others will not, cannot be helped.
The master is like the rain falling from the sky without discrimination on the grass covered plain.
Understanding or not is up to the students on the receiving side.
(Morito Suganuma)
Tuesday
Monday
Form
Form is not slow-motion kata. It is not moving yoga. Taijiquan has internal content.
To gain the internal, it is necessary to address how the movements are performed.
A beginner is taught to move their arms and legs in a particular way.
This lays the groundwork but is more about spatial orientation than anything else.
The student learns which way to face, where to step and what to do with the hands.
There is no internal work occurring at this stage.
To understand form, consider a caterpillar or a snake and how they move.
Every action is generated by an undulating wave that causes every part to shift in the required direction. Form is like this.
Instead of moving the localised limb by itself, the framework twists and the striking tool is spun outward.
The movement of the limb is in harmony with the torso and power is developed.
Physics is important in kung fu.
The body parts must be aligned at all times with strength in mind.
Aesthetics are not the concern in real kung fu; priority is given to alignment and the way in which the body is used.
Each movement within the form offers a whole array of potential strikes and skills.
The emphasis is placed upon the movement itself.
The so-called posture simply serves to shape movement. It is not a static pose.
To gain the internal, it is necessary to address how the movements are performed.
A beginner is taught to move their arms and legs in a particular way.
This lays the groundwork but is more about spatial orientation than anything else.
The student learns which way to face, where to step and what to do with the hands.
There is no internal work occurring at this stage.
To understand form, consider a caterpillar or a snake and how they move.
Every action is generated by an undulating wave that causes every part to shift in the required direction. Form is like this.
Instead of moving the localised limb by itself, the framework twists and the striking tool is spun outward.
The movement of the limb is in harmony with the torso and power is developed.
Physics is important in kung fu.
The body parts must be aligned at all times with strength in mind.
Aesthetics are not the concern in real kung fu; priority is given to alignment and the way in which the body is used.
Each movement within the form offers a whole array of potential strikes and skills.
The emphasis is placed upon the movement itself.
The so-called posture simply serves to shape movement. It is not a static pose.
Friday
From simple to complex
Moving qigong is much easier to practice than form.
The coordination is simpler and the health benefits more immediate and tangible. Form takes much longer to learn and quite a long time to actually perform competently.
Anyone can do qigong. There is a lot less to think about. The exercises are focussed and clear. You need not complicate matters by thinking about self defence applications or any other concerns.
It is also important not to get caught up thinking about qi. Let the energy take care of itself. Keep your mind on the exercise. Intention leads the qi and the qi leads the blood. Breathe and relax.
Once you are competent at qigong, take what you have learned into form. Form is essentially moving qigong with extra features. The extras include increased balance and coordination, martial application and energy emission.
The coordination is simpler and the health benefits more immediate and tangible. Form takes much longer to learn and quite a long time to actually perform competently.
Anyone can do qigong. There is a lot less to think about. The exercises are focussed and clear. You need not complicate matters by thinking about self defence applications or any other concerns.
It is also important not to get caught up thinking about qi. Let the energy take care of itself. Keep your mind on the exercise. Intention leads the qi and the qi leads the blood. Breathe and relax.
Once you are competent at qigong, take what you have learned into form. Form is essentially moving qigong with extra features. The extras include increased balance and coordination, martial application and energy emission.
Sunday
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