Joining a Class:- Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Loose comfortable clothing so you can move freely: Flat shoes are advisable: bring a blanket or mat for Meditation and Floor work.
Am I well enough to do TaijiQuan and/or TaijiWuxiGong?
If you can tie your own shoelaces and carry a small bag of shopping home from your local shops then you are probably well enough to do the classes. If you have a serious or long-term medical condition then you should phone to discuss it before attending.
Will doing TaijiQuan/TaijiWuxiGong make me better?
Like anything else, it only works if you practice it. One class a week can make a significant difference to your health, but a little practice each day, coupled with some modest changes to your posture and habits can make a very substantial difference, often in a surprisingly short time.
How do the TaijiQuan and Taijiwuxigong classes differ?
Both Taijiquan and TaijiWuxiGong classes contain detailed and specific physical and mental exercises based on the principles of Yin and Yang, with the function of activating the DanTian, opening the Meridians and expelling negative, stale and stagnant Qi. Both also contain various Meditation techniques, Spontaneous Movement techniques and philosophical teaching.
However, Taijiquan classes include Form (continuous sequential movement), partner work and some Martial applications (but no sparring or fighting) wheras TaijiWuxiGong concentrates primarily on exercises for the individual health circumstances of the practitioner. Taijiquan classes are course based and the course fee is £110 per 10 week Term: TaijiWuxiGong classes can be taken individually and cost £12 per class
What if I can't come every week?
You have to start somewhere and should choose a class to register at and attend first. If you miss a class that week, then you may be able to attend one of the other venues. Generally, on the Taijiquan courses, you should be able to attend at least 6 out of every 10 lessons in order to make your studies worthwhile. This does not apply to the TaijiWuxiGong classes which can be taken individually on a drop-in basis.
What if I've done some Tai Chi or TaijiQuan or Qigong or Chi Kung before?
If you have some previous experience you can phone to discuss it and/or make an appointment for a trial class at a mutually convenient time. Since Tai Chi and Qigong tuition are highly variable in both content and quality previous experience may or may not be useful or relevant. It is only possible to assess this by attendance at class.
Why do you ask for a deposit on the Courses?
The £10 deposit guarantees you a place on your chosen class, provided you attend during the first two weeks of the term. It allows us to manage class numbers more efficiently and demonstrates a degree of commitment to study on behalf of the student. Deposits are non-returnable if you fail to show up.
What if I don't want to pay a deposit?
If you just come along in the first two weeks then you will almost certainly get a free introductory class. It is unusual for the first night to be so crowded that we have to refuse further entrants, but has sometimes happened.
What if I can't afford the fees all at once?
Standard fee for a 10 week term is £110, payable in full at the end of the first evening. If, after taking the first trial class, you do not wish to join then there is no charge. We are prepared to negotiate split payments or discounts for students experiencing difficult financial circumstances , but only after completion of a trial class.
What should I do now if I want to join?
For Taijwuxigong classes you can just turn up, although it would be nice to know in advance when you are coming. For the Taiji courses, you need to attend on the start date: numbers are limited and in order to guarantee a place on a particular course a non-returnable deposit of £10 per person is required. Please make the deposit cheque payable to Paul Brewer and send it to this address:-