What is tai chi (or taiji, taichi chuan; taijiquan)?

Once of the principal branches of Chinese martial arts internal style, Tai chi chuan (tàijíquán; ) draws from martial arts, Taoist philosophy, and medicine. It is composed of slow and graceful (sometimes swift and powerful for Chen style tai chi)  fluid movements that keep the body in motion and the mind tranquil. For those who are not familiar with taichi, it can perhaps be thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined.


Tai chi is an expercise through which we connect with the essence of our energy, learn to harness it, and let it flow naturally - harmonising that energy. Tai Chi provides strength and flexibility to the body, tranquillity and serenity to the mind, and brings a sense of well-beijing to the practitioner. It rejuvenates and revitalises.

Tai Chi, as an internal Chinese martial art, often practiced for health reasons. Tai Chi is typically practiced for a variety of other personal reasons: its hard and soft martial art technique, demonstration competitions, health and longevity. Consequently, a multitude of training forms exist, both traditional and modern, which correspond to those aims. Some of tai chi chuan's training forms are well known to Westerners as the slow motion routines that groups of people practice together every morning in parks around the world, particularly in China. Today, tai chi has spread worldwide. Most modern styles of tai chi trace their development to at least one of the five traditional schools: Chen, Yang, Wu/Hao, Wu and Sun.

Our Tai Chi class characteristics

* We focuses on health cultivation (yangsheng in Chinese), flow of chi (energy) & meditative exercise for the body, aiming to foster a calm and tranquil mind.
* This class is instructed by an outstanding Tai Chi master who speaks excellent English and has rich experience in teaching Westerners. Students have plenty of time to practice and receive one-on-one instruction.

The course are divided into different levels:

1. Beginners' basic course (4 sessions /once per week) : Essential 7 forms - a collection of Daoism Taichi, Wu style Taichi and Chen style Taichi.
2. Beginners' Intermediate Course (6 sessions / once per week): Essential 10 forms - a collection of Wu style Taichi, Chen style Taichi and Shaolin forms.
3. Tai Chi Intermediate Level - traditional Chen style taichi 13 forms - abridged set of  the traditional Chen style taichi 83 forms.
4. Tai Chi Advanced Course - traditional Chen style taichi 83 forms

Timing

1.5 hours / per class / English narration
feel free to join in any time and pay by the class.

Cycle
The course runs year-round.

* Spring course: 
Every March: Beginners' basic course (4 sessions /once per week) ;
Every April - May: Beginners' Intermediate Course (6 sessions / once per week)

* Autumn (The same courses repeat) : September: Beginners' Basic Course; October-November: Beginner's Intermediate Course.
* Summer:  intensive training classes and Intermediate level classes are offered upon request.

Content

* Yangsheng (health) Taichi - essential 7 forms （a collection of Daoism Taichi, Wu style Taichi and Chen style Taichi）
* Meditation on relaxation
* Interactive exercise for relaxation (pushing hands, tapping arms)
* Method of breathing (Tu Na) and qi’s cultivation
* Rules and tips of Taichi movement
* Demonstration of relation between motion, qi and mind

Reservations:

Both tourists and expatriates are welcome to join. In order to properly accommodate everyone who wishes to attend this course we need to know each week exactly how many will be attending. If you haven't paid the whole course, we ask that you notify us at least 3 hours before that you plan to attend each week's session. Register online is preferred, or give us a ring, if internet reservation is not convenient. No walk-ins.