Tai Chi Chuan is a low impact aerobic exercise suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness.  The practice of the art involves the movement through a sequence of postures and stances, known as the 'Form', in a manner that is deliberate, controlled, balanced, relaxed and graceful.  Regular practice will help develop body awareness, postural strength and an improved sense of well-being.

At the beginning, you will learn the Simplified 30 Step Form, which will become the foundation of your Tai Chi experience.  As your skills, knowledge and understanding develop, you will be taught the other forms which make up the Wu Style System.  These other forms include weapon forms, such as the sword and sabre.

With regular practice of the forms, it will be possible for you to control the chatter that constantly goes on in your mind.  In such a manner, the practice of Tai Chi Chuan can become a moving meditation.

Pushing hands is a complementary practice to the form.  It is a two person practice, where you attempt to affect your partners balance.  Michael, your class instructor,  feels that the practice of Tai Chi Chuan is incomplete without the practice of Pushing Hands.  Pushing Hands is the embodiment of the Tai Chi principle in a physical practice... the lessons from which, can be taken to help you live your daily life.

Pushing Hands allows you to physically experience the martial arts side of Tai Chi Chuan.  It helps you to understand the form and provides insight as to how you can improve.  Most importantly, it is a fun and respectful exercise that can become like playing chess.

Pushing hands is relevant no matter what style of Tai Chi you have already learnt.  It is a complementary practice, and as such, it will help your Tai Chi no matter what style you prefer to practice.  No prior experience is needed.

The practice of Tai Chi Chuan requires:

• You learn a specific sequence of movements and postures

This requirement helps develop body awareness as well as memory

• You maintain the alignment of your spine throughout the form

This requirement develops body awareness and postural muscle strength

• That the movements from posture to posture be done in a specific manner which is slow, fluid and graceful

This requirement helps develop strength and stamina in the legs, balance as some of the postures require balancing on one leg, and upper body relaxation.  This requirement illustrates the low impact nature of the exercise, and how it helps to develop a more fluid and relaxed mental disposition

• That your breathing is natural and relaxed

This requirement helps develop a relaxed mental state despite the physical exertion that is needed to maintain the form

It is important to note that what you get out of Tai Chi Chuan is highly dependent on how much you put in.  From this perspective, your efforts, consistency and determination are the primary determinants of whatever health benefits come to you.

Fridays 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Fridays 8.00pm - 9.00pm

For cost information please contact Michael Chan on 07773 159 317, or visit his website - http://michaelchan.webplus.net.  A concession rate is applicable to full-time students, unemployed and over-60s.  Aside from the first class, classes are payable in six week blocks.  Prior booking is essential.

You are more than welcome to try any of Michael's classes.  Contact him to book your first class, and pay the concession rate regardless of your personal circumstances.

Mobile: 07773 159 317

Email: czjmchan@gmail.com

Website: http://michaelchan.webplus.net

Leaflet: PDF Information Leaflet