Tai Chi and qigong originated in ancient China. Nowadays, they are practiced throughout the world primarily as exercises for better health. Many scientific studies have proven that they are amazingly effective for health.
In these classes we will start with some fairly static standing qigong exercises (think Chinese Yoga) to get us relaxed and ready for the tai chi section.
For those that only want the relaxation element it is OK to attend the qigong session only.
In the second section we will slowly build up to learn the full tai chi “Reduced Space” form. This is a set of movements that once learnt takes about 10 minutes to perform and would be a perfect start to anyone’s day! (Think slow motion kung fu.)
The reduced space form has been specially adapted for online learning; it requires less space ( approx. 1.5m x 1.5m of floor space and a little bit more space for the arms). The classes are live so that you can ask questions, and whilst it is always nice to see you, it is ok to leave your video off if you are feeling shy.
Tai Chi and qigong:
- are suitable for almost anyone
- are fun
- don’t need any special equipment or any special clothing.
- relieves stress and improves concentration
- integrates body and mind
- improve muscular strength
- improve flexibility
- improve stamina and fitness
- reduce loss of bone mineral density
How Does Tai Chi Work?
Because Tai Chi is performed slowly and accurately, your attention must always be on your movement – it is like moving meditation – improving relaxation, balance, strength and posture.
Despite the slow moves, the BBC series “Trust me I’m a Doctor” found tai chi raised the heart rate as much as zumba!
There are many styles of Tai Chi, the principles of control, balance and inner strength is the same in them all. The original styles were named after the families which created them. I have learnt and teach the Wu Style, and this form is heavily based upon the Wu Style short form but adapted so that it is more suitable for on-line learning.
The Wu Style short form was coincidentally created by Ma Yueliang and Wu Yinghua in the 50’s as a direct result of the health crisis in China at that time. The Chinese government at the time requested the tai chi families create more accessible forms to make tai chi easier for the general public to access.