Sunday

 


Self defence

Taijiquan teaches you how to defend yourself from harm. This means less fear, greater confidence, and the ability to identify (and avoid) dangerous situations.

The aim of self defence is to incapacitate the attacker and walk away; ideally unharmed. Discover how to keep a cool head, avoid conflict and cope with hostility.

Saturday

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.

Friday

 Not all tai chi is equal. Just as there are different models of cars, makes of computers and universities of varying calibres, so too are there different kinds of tai chi.

(Bruce Frantzis)

Thursday

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 chithey typically mean tai chi for health.

Tuesday

The origin of laziness?

It is believed that laziness is a biological trait. A survival tool. In itself laziness is not necessarily a bad thing. People often see/hear the word 'lazy' as being a stigma and get defensive.

Imagine that you're a primitive human living in a valley 10000 years ago... The valley has all that you need. It is safe. It is free of hostile predators or rival tribes.

There would be no sense in going elsewhere. This is laziness. A desire to maintain the status quo. Not to change.

Monday

Lazy?

Not changing is fine if your circumstances are constant. But are they ever constant? Our bodies slowly deteriorate day-by-day. We could lose our job. Our partners could leave us. We might get ill.

Change is inevitable. Even if you stand still, life won't.

Yin/yang is about exchange. To get something, you have to give something. You have to do something.

Thursday

 


Indoor exercise/fitness/dance classes remain illegal

Sadly, the Government have today announced that Newcastle is "tier #3" and specifically said that indoor exercise/fitness/dance classes remain illegal.


So, unfortunately, Newcastle Tai Chi is still in lockdown, and will not be teaching Monday night induction classes in December after all.

There's tremendous pressure to bring the region back into tier #2, but this won't happen in December. Fingers-crossed for January... I'll keep you updated.

Take care,

Rachel 

Tuesday

 This was written 2500 years ago:


Now when strange things begin to happen,
laws and regulations become stricter;
Then stricter laws and regulations
mean more criminals and fugitives.

Soon everyone
is either a criminal or a fugitive,
And no one can untangle the mess.

(Tao Te Ching - verse 57)

Sunday

 Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health. 

 
 Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi addresses the key components of fitness — muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and, to a lesser degree, aerobic conditioning.
 
 (Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publication, May 2009)

Friday

The perfect exercise?

University of California medical research discovered that tai chi can significantly boost the body's immune system response to virus infection.

Dr Bradley Willcox, Dr Craig Willcox and Dr Makoto Suzuki wrote a 25 year medical study (The Okinawa Program). They maintain that tai chi - with its ancient origins and incredible health benefits - is the ideal form of exercise for modern people. 

Tuesday

Feedback

Last night I was chatting with a young doctor who has been attending our tai chi school for a few years now.

He has been working in the intensive care unit throughout the pandemic.

The doctor was talking about how good PPE works and also about training with our school has improved his own health.

The doctor said that he used to get flu etc, basically whatever was doing the rounds that year.

However, since attending our classes and training at home, he's not taken 1 day off work sick.

He felt that the training has significantly affected his immune system.

Thursday

 The Chinese exercise practice of tai chi can significantly boost the body's immune system response to virus infection.

 
 (ABC Science, regarding a University of California study)

Monday

Induction course - Monday 12th October

The next induction course starts Monday 12th October. Places must be booked on-line in advance (Covid-19 guidelines).

There are a limited number of places available. If you want to book a place, please send us an e-mail.

sifuwaller@outlook.com 

Saturday

Covid-19 & induction course

Whilst social distancing measures remain in place, physical contact will not be permitted unless you bring somebody who is from your own household or in your 'social bubble'.

If you bring a permissible practice partner, you can undertake the standard induction course and (should you join the school) explore our complete syllabus with your partner.

Tuesday

Inducton course - Monday 12th October

The next induction course starts Monday 12th October. Places must be booked on-line in advance (Covid-19 guidelines).

There are a limited number of places available. If you want to book a place, please send us an e-mail.

sifuwaller@outlook.com

Induction course Monday 14th September

The next induction course starts Monday 14th September. Places must be booked on-line in advance (Covid-19 guidelines).

There are a limited number of places available. If you want to book a place, please send us an e-mail.

sifuwaller@outlook.com

TAI CHI - 3-week induction course - Monday 14th September

We have received the go-ahead to resume tai chi classes at St Andrew's Church hall in September. 

The induction course will start @ 6:45 PM on 14th September.

Under the new Covid-19 guidelines, registration must take place on-line prior to the induction course. 

If you are interested and want to attend, please let me know and I will send you a registration form.

sifuwaller@outlook.com