Joining Classes:- Frequently Asked Questions updated November 2020
Everything is postponed/suspended indefinitely due to COVID-19
What should I wear?
Loose comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Bring a blanket, mat or towel for floor work in Foundation classes and Workshops.
Am I well enough to do Classes?
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 contact us to discuss it before attending.
Will doing Classes make me better?
Like all exercise, it only works if you do 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. For many people regular study changes and substantially enhances their lives in many and various respects. Numerous modern medical research projects into Tai Chi are now attesting to this.
Tai Chi or Qigong; what's the difference ?
We teach both Tai Chi and QiGong as appropriate. Both are efficient exercise systems containing detailed and specific physical and mental exercises based on the principles of Yin and Yang, functioning to activate the DanTian, open the Meridians and expel negative, stale and stagnant Qi. Meditation techniques, Spontaneous Movement and philosophical teachings which can bring life enhancing benefits for participants feature in both.
The major difference is that Tai Chi concentrates (initially) on learning individually detailed postures and the slow continuous sequence of movements commonly known as “Form”. Tai Chi study also includes martial applications of the postures and partner practice for sensitivity (but no sparring or fighting in regular classes). Qigong trains exactly the same body mechanics and systems, but focuses primarily on exercises for self-healing and internal development. For these and other reasons we include some Qigong study as part of the drop-in Foundation Classes. If you want to learn the Tai Chi “Form” sequence you must join a course
What if I can't come every week?
Foundation Classes can be taken individually on a drop-in basis. For more advanced Tai Chi, which is taught in 10 week term courses, you must attend some foundation classes first and be able to attend at least 6 out of every 10 lessons in order to make your studies worthwhile.
What if I've done some Tai Chi/TaijiQuan or Qigong/Chi Kung before?
If you have previous experience you can come for a trial class at a mutually convenient time. The quality and content of Tai Chi and Qigong tuition is highly variable, so assessing the relevance of previous experience is only possible by attendance at class.
What should I do now if I want to join?
You can just turn up for a Foundation Class, although it would be preferable to know in advance when you are coming ( if possible by email please ).
Tai Chi and Qigong both work by activating the dantian, the central component of the energy system and causing an increased energy level throughout the body. This increased "energy pressure’ assists in clearing the meridians and channels of obstructions by expelling stagnant and stale factors (which we refer to as negative Qi or BinQi) from the body. This can lead to rapid physical and emotional changes.
We can become more flexible, mobile, aware, alive and vital in all senses. Primary consideration is given to the physical practice of stretching the spine and joints and correcting the posture, thereby increasing the flow of blood, hormonal and nervous information and Qi, thus nourishing the organs.
Through Meditation, (part of the mental aspect of practice) we develop more acute sensory abilities while learning to calm the emotions and quieten the mind, thus expanding both our Concentration and our Relaxation as according to the Taiji principles of Yin & Yang.
It is enjoyable to learn and no special equipment is required (we don’t ask you to wear uniforms or make any purchases).
SO, if you would like to:- Be more supple and mobile: Breathe easier: Be Calmer: Feel more relaxed and less affected by stress: Manage Change more easily: Sleep better: Get taller: Reduce the ageing process so your body feels younger and stronger: Feel happier with your life: Reduce or get rid of nagging back pains, joint pains and chronic conditions which doctors offer little help for: Have more Vitality and Energy to do things:
AND you are prepared to: Open your mind to listen and learn: Do a little practice each day: Change some old habits: Pay a modest fee: then come and join us at any of the classes listed above!
