What don't we teach?

Even though our syllabus is comprehensive, we cannot conceivably teach everything e.g. we don't teach other martial arts.

Occasionally, people ask Newcastle Tai Chi to tailor the syllabus to suit their own area of interest/needs, such as tai chi for the elderly, tai chi in a chair, tai chi for children, tai chi for people with mental health issues or tai chi as performance art. We cannot teach kung fu to children or to new starters above the age of 60. 

These are not areas that we specialise in. We are not trained or qualified to teach these approaches, nor is our syllabus or insurance geared with these in mind.

Research could save you time & money

A would-be student should take the time to learn a little more about what the class is offering before attending any sessions. Do a little research. See what is on offer and if suits your requirements.

In the case of Newcastle Tai Chi, why not read our website a little? The time spent could be worthwhile.

Is tai chi appropriate for my medical condition?

If you have any medical questions, your doctor is the person to speak to. A tai chi teacher is not qualified (or permitted) to give advice on your unique medical condition. Go see your doctor.

Pliable strength

Using gravity and connection, we build a substantial structure. That structure must also be fluid and adaptive like water. Nothing is softer than water.

Soft means relaxed

'Soft' refers to the condition of pliability and the necessity of using the least amount of muscular strength at all times.

Only by being extremely gentle in our physical contact with others can we sense their movements fully and flow like water.

Hardness in our own bodies will prevent sensitivity and impede smooth movement.

 You need a good tai chi teacher to adjust your posture physically, to help calibrate your alignment, to point out where you are holding tensions, and to note any musculoskeletal imbalances. The nonverbal physical adjustments you get from your teacher help you develop a level of self-awareness not accessible through solo practice alone.

(Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publication, May 2009)

Soft does not mean floppy

A taijiquan exponent seeks to have the supple, soft body they once had as a child. The joints are mobile and flexible, and the muscles move smoothly and easily.

Poise is good and the body is used naturally and comfortably. The mind is quiet and we listen to what the body is telling us.

 The Chen form derived from battlefield military movements, where people wore medieval body armour that had to be compensated for. The Chen-style stances were specifically designed to achieve these compensations and obtain a workable position from which to realistically throw an armoured opponent.

By the time Yang had reached Beijing, times had changed. With the advent of firearms, battlefield armour became obsolete; hence, the need for techniques to deal with armoured foes had passed.

Yang and his students had to deal with situations encountered by bodyguards, not armies opposing each other.

(Bruce Frantzis)

Patience

How well you do is entirely down to you. Your capacity to coordinate the body, memorise, observe, comprehend and adapt will all be put to the test.

Yet, this is no competition. You do what you can, as you can. The class is for you. We are here to assist you. The process of learning takes as long as it needs to.

Pay-as-you-go?

We do not offer drop-in classes/pay-as-you-go

I think Sifu Waller knows more about functional biomechanics than all the orthopaedic surgeons I have met put together. 

(Dr David Cousins) 

 Our next induction course is Monday 6th July.

New starters are welcome! 

Professional

A professional syllabus is not the norm in tai chi; most schools do not have a formal syllabus. At best they have qigong, forms and drills - and these are taught in a habitual manner.

A curriculum needs to be very carefully thought through in order to build layer upon layer of understanding, body growth and internal development.

Interlocking

Every exercise has been systematically broken-down, explained and re-built. This is a very thorough process. All aspects of the syllabus interlock.

The material is self-reinforcing and challenges each student to understand tai chi for themselves.

Access for all?

The aim with differentiation is for all students to access the curriculum relative to each individual's ability. This means that those who struggle are assisted, those who do fine are developed and those who do well are challenged further.

Harm

Nobody actually wants to be hurt. Broken bones, concussion, bleeding and damage are not going to be found when training with Sifu Waller.

Aggressive martial arts classes can cause their students more harm than a real life attacker would - instead of learning to defend yourself, you are beaten up every week.

Be honest with yourself: what do you really want from your lessons?

No blocks in taijiquan

There are no blocks in our taijiquan. Rather than block, we affect the incoming force in other ways.

Cotton-covered iron

Whole-body strength is commonly referred to as being "cotton-covered iron". The metaphor suggests a firm centre, surrounded by something softer.

This is the essence of what we are developing in taijiquan.

Focus

Being the martial arts equivalent of a bargain hunter will not get you internal skill. Focus on the one art, the one approach, the one system. This is the Way to skill. We teach the Yang system.

It involves learning qigong, form, and a whole range of ancillary drills and training methods. The material is extensive and thorough, relevant and related.

Holding fast/enduring

Progress in our taijiquan class is simply a question of tenacity. If you have the wherewithal to stick the syllabus, attend regularly and train at home, you will gain the skills.

Learning is not a haphazard process. Each student has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. We have designed a sophisticated syllabus. It is fully differentiated. All you need to do is practice.