An ancient art for today’s world.
I am an apprentice teacher with the Tai Chi Foundation. For information on our London classes and our summer holiday please refer to:
For information about Qi Gong please scroll to the bottom.
First and foremost T’ai Chi Chuan is a discipline for the accumulation, cultivation and refinement of Qi. This refinement can only be successfully conducted with a relaxed mind and body. The Qi is directed and accumulated in an energetic centre known as the Dan Tien located in the lower abdomen – we sense our body and it’s movements from this centre. In relaxing our mind and emotions to the Dan Tien, the internal chatter we always have can calm and subside.
The meditation of T’ai Chi is not one in which we shut out the outside world to go within. It is a balancing of internal and external awareness. It allows us to deal with the world from a more grounded, centred base. In this way, T’ai Chi meditation is a very practical tool, at work for us through our day.
The postures and movements help the body to release tension in the muscles and encourage flexibility in the joints. The slow shifting of weight from foot to foot strengthens the legs and helps the circulation of blood through the body. The rhythmical contraction and relaxation of the leg muscles helps to move the blood and reduces the workload of the heart. The feet are flat on the ground and the form is practised low, with the knees relaxed, developing our stability and balance. The spine is straight, improving our posture.
The practice of T’ai Chi also improves our health by encouraging the circulation of our internal Qi energy throughout the body. In Chinese medicine it is said “blood follows Qi”, so the circulation of Qi nourishes the health of the internal organs. Our joints and musculature are gently opened and stretched enhancing flexibility and relaxation. T’ai Chi is an excellent weight bearing exercise providing real benefits in the prevention and management of osteoporosis.
It is said that with diligent practice of T’ai Chi Chuan over time one will develop the “flexibility of a child, the strength of a lumberjack and the peace of mind of a sage”.
Roots & Branches and 5 Element Qi Gong
This section is currently under revision.