# Jade Dragon School

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## Posts

- [Leaping Tiger Form - 7](https://jadedragonschool.com/leaping-tiger-7/): This section features the yin or earth figure of 8 movement. Most people find this easier than the yang (heaven) version. You should learn the following skills before tackling this section. Here is the video.
- [Leaping Tiger Form - 6](https://jadedragonschool.com/leaping-tiger-6/): This part of the form uses a signature move from xingyiquan which is one of the most highly respected of China’s martial arts. Taijiquan (tai chi), Baguazhang and Xingyiquan make up the three most important of the internal martial arts. To learn this part of the form the following skills are needed. Infinity circleTiger stanceFront kick Some of the moves in this part will be seen many times over in other forms particularly in the animal styles you’ll learn later.
- [Infinity Circle](https://jadedragonschool.com/infinity-circle/): The infinity circle is used in tai chi and many kung fu styles. The whole circle itself is rarely done but parts of it make up so many movements that it is worth practicing and becoming very familiar with. It’s like learning the scales when playing music. It makes you arm movements fluid and powerful, connected and coordinated. In this circle both arms are moving in the same direction but at opposite sides of the circle. They cross over in front of your chest. While one arm goes up the other one goes down. If both your arms are going […]
- [Leaping Tiger Form 5](https://jadedragonschool.com/leaping-tiger-5/): The first part of this form is designed to strengthen the body in certain positions and to teach you basic skills in kicking and punching. This section onwards is far more fluid. From here you are using circular, whole body power just like in tai chi but with a wider range of movements. This section uses the following skills so make sure you are very familiar with them before you start to put it together. In this part of the form we step back to the North with the left foot then drive both arms forward and up. This can […]
- [Your Three Wild Horses](https://jadedragonschool.com/your-three-wild-horses/): In the Jade Dragon tradition we say that every person possesses 3 wild horses. These 3 horses are largely out of control and pull us this way and that. They drain us of energy with their wildness and age us prematurely. What are our 3 horses? As any horseman knows before you can train a horse you have to tame it first. You have to break it to your will. So before we can properly train our wild horses we must tame them. Only when you have tamed your wild horses can you begin to train them further. There are […]
- [Leaping Tiger Form 4](https://jadedragonschool.com/leaping-tiger-4/): In this section we have opponents approaching from left and right. We deal with them both using our most powerful kick – the back kick. Make sure you are familiar with the kick and have trained it. It strengthens all the muscles in the back, the buttocks and back of the legs. You can also use the flying crane to help you develop the strength and balance for the kick. Basically from the previous dragon punch you have someone attacking from the left. Learning the movements and remembering them isn’t enough. They have to be trained, to be drilled so […]
- [Taoism - The Way of Nature](https://jadedragonschool.com/taoism-the-way-of-nature/): Taoism (Daoism) is an ancient Chinese philosophy – possibly the oldest surviving spiritual philosophy in the world. This article seeks to explain what it is but that is very difficult. So difficult in fact that the very first line of the main Taoist book the Tao Te Ching states that ‘the Tao that can be described is not the true Tao.’ I will do my best to introduce this fascinating philosophy here. Further posts will go into other aspects of Taoism in more detail. In a nutshell Taoism reflects man’s attempts to understand and align himself with the Tao which has […]
- [The Two Hand Circle - Power through the whole body](https://jadedragonschool.com/two-hand-circle/): Of the 4 main circular arm patterns I teach this is the most fundamental. All the others are variations of this one. This is also the most powerful as both arms are working as a team connected to a strong structure and the power flows through the whole body. Before you learn this circle make sure you are very familiar with transferring weight and raising and lowering your arms. This circle combines those movements. If you can’t do those you can’t get this fundamental skill
- [Slow Down](https://jadedragonschool.com/slow-down/): When was the last time you ever truly savoured anything? Most of us are permanently in too much of a rush to ever really enjoy anything we do, see or eat. It makes us more productive but is that a always a good thing? There is more to life than cramming in as much as possible. The more we do the less we enjoy. Life rushes by in a blur and we don’t really see or appreciate any of it. In China the traditional way of life was described as ‘man’ (pronounced mahn). This refers to a life lived slowly, […]
- [Essential Skill - Transferring Weight](https://jadedragonschool.com/transferring-weight-2/): The ultimate aim of all Chinese martial arts and particularly tai chi chuan is to attain the maximum power with the minimum effort. To achieve this end we align our body with gravity so that every part is supported by the legs and then we move by pushing the legs into the ground. If you can’t transfer weight properly you’re either pushing yourself up away from the ground or, worse still, never attached to the ground in the first place In most tai chi schools this skill is taught endlessly as it takes time to really master. The old tai […]
- [The Pathway to Learning Tai Chi](https://jadedragonschool.com/tai-chi-pathway/): So you’re interested in learning tai chi. Good decision as there are very few practices in the world that have such a wide range of benefits and will keep you engaged for so long. On this site you will find an increasingly deep and broad range of skills, movements, exercises, principles, philosophies etc all related to tai chi and it’s sister arts of qigong and baguazhang and parent philosophy of Taoism. This post is here to guide you through the main exercises, principles and movements. It will give you a solid grounding in the art. But also feel free to […]
- [The Real Reason Why You Can't Relax - The Tension Paradox](https://jadedragonschool.com/tension-paradox/): Why on earth is long lasting, genuine, deep relaxation so difficult to attain? The answer is the ‘tension paradox’ but before we look at what that is let’s take a quick look at your relaxation options. Here are some of the main things people do to relax and release some of their stress along with a quick word about why they don’t really work. 1. Alcohol. Alcohol is a muscle relaxant and a natural accompaniment to enjoying yourself socially. Unfortunately, like all substances that chemically change your physiology, more and more is required to gain the same effect. Also when […]
- [Smile your way to deep relaxation](https://jadedragonschool.com/whole-body-smile/): There is a wonderfully powerful exercise that has been practiced in China for centuries. It’s based on your smile. Putting on a smile, even if you don’t feel like it, can make the whole world seem brighter. Smiling actually makes you look more attractive and is great for reducing stress. When you smile at someone it makes them feel that you are pleased to see them and brightens up the day for both of you. Love it or hate it, you can’t ignore your body But let’s forget about other people for the moment and focus on your relationship with yourself. […]
- [The basics of punching – how to punch with balanced power](https://jadedragonschool.com/the-basics-of-punching/): Most combat sports and martial arts use punches but they don’t always fully understand how to get the best out of this useful weapon in their armoury. Read on to discover the biomechanics of the punch and find out how, with a few small changes you can dramatically and instantly increase the impact power of your punch. This is the lowdown on the basics of punching. There are many kinds of punches the most well known being the ones that come from the field of boxing: the jab, the hook and the uppercut are good examples. Different punches come from different directions […]
- [Developing the 'Kung Fu Body'](https://jadedragonschool.com/kung-fu-body/): There are many ways of training the body. Many ways to become ‘fit’ but what are you becoming fit for? A marathon runner, a weight-lifter and a gymnast are all fit but if they tried to swap disciplines they wouldn’t really be any better at each others sports than the average person. Specific kung fu conditioning exercises give you a body that is strong, flexible, able to cope with high levels of pressure and will last you well into your old age. In kung fu we train the body to be able to cope with both the physical and emotional […]
- [The 3 Types of Martial Arts](https://jadedragonschool.com/3-types-of-martial-arts/): There are hundreds of martial arts in the world and each of them uses specific tactics to cope with the rigours of combat. All martial arts focus on different things, no single martial style can hope to be able to deal with every type of situation, every type of attack, every weapon, every set of circumstances and so on. In particular each of them has to come to terms with the stability-mobility continuum. This means that the more stable you are the less mobile you are and vice versa. Both are needed in combat – stability to give efficient power to your […]
- [Kung Fu Forms – The 7 things they should be teaching you (but often aren’t)](https://jadedragonschool.com/kung-fu-forms/): The loss of function in kung fu forms Forms training is a backbone of most traditional kung fu and tai chi schools but why is this so and what is actually being taught? This article puts forms under the microscope to look at the 3 main types of forms training and how forms training is gradually degenerating from being the most efficient way to learn and develop real, adaptable fighting skills into competitive, stylised dance movements. . A stylised form being practised in China A kung fu form is a series of movements that is designed to exercise the body in a […]
- [Learn Kung Fu in less time with a MAP](https://jadedragonschool.com/kung-fu-map/): Within the vast realm of kung fu there are thousands of skills to learn and perfect. So much so that it would be impossible to learn them all even if you had several lifetimes to try. The task of learning any new skill is made even harder if you don’t have plan, a structure you can follow to enable you to learn the skill and be able to use it effectively. The structure that I teach on how to learn kung fu effectively is called MAP. M is for Movement The first step, of course, is to learn the basic movement. […]
- [Hand Conditioning in the Martial Arts](https://jadedragonschool.com/hand-conditioning/): Ever since we first learned to stand and walk on two legs humans have used their hands to reach out and connect with the world. Our hands are highly sensitive and very dexterous and it’s important that we look after them. Too many people end up in their old age with hands that can hardly move and lack the power and dexterity of their youth. They do this through unbalanced and reckless hand conditioning training. ‘Boards don’t fight back’ The above is a classic line from Bruce Lee’s film ‘Enter The Dragon’ but it’s as true today as it was […]
- [Empty Your Mind The Easy Way - Guided Meditation](https://jadedragonschool.com/white-light/): I think pretty much everybody is aware of the huge benefits of meditation. It can leave you feeling so calm, relaxed and focused and has been shown to be as effective as taking a nap but takes just a fraction of the time. However, it’s also something that although most people have tried most of them have quickly given up on. It’s too hard they say. I just can’t empty my mind and relax. The problem often is that your expectations are too high. People expect to close their eyes and instantly all their thoughts become silent. When that doesn’t […]
- [The key to vibrant health - The Rising Sun](https://jadedragonschool.com/the-key-to-vibrant-health-the-rising-sun/): The Rising Sun is the first of the true breathing exercises I teach to students. It is the first and most important of the ancient ‘5 Breaths of Tao’ Qigong set. The Rising Sun exercise can be done in many different ways. Each method trains something different inside you. The physical movement of each is almost identical. What changes is the way the breath is performed and most important of all, the mental focus. Any of the following and more can be trained and achieved with the Rising Sun: I have made this post free because the Rising Sun breath […]
- [Bagua 5 - Single Palm Change](https://jadedragonschool.com/bagua-5-single-palm-change/): The single palm change is the most famous movement in baguazhang. It is the signature move of the system. The way you do the single palm change defines you as a bagua stylist. Over time the way you do it will change as your understanding of it deepens. This is true for all the movements you learn but perhaps none more so than with the single palm change. As a general rule when learning any of the true Chinese martial arts you begin by learning large movements. This use of larger movements stretches and loosens the muscles, joints, tendons and […]
- [Bagua 4 - Gaining Power](https://jadedragonschool.com/bagua-4-gaining-power/): Bagua is an internal martial art and a form of moving meditation. It teaches you how to generate and store power in your body and how to express it in different ways. This post and video teach you four new ways of developing power through the bagua circle walking practice.
- [Anxiety Pathway](https://jadedragonschool.com/anxiety-pathway/): The Chinese have a very different approach to dealing with anxiety issues than we do in the West. Here the main approaches are through drugs or some form of psychotherapy. The Chinese work to change the ways you habitually react to stress. In particular they work on breath, posture and movement. When you are under pressure your body reacts in certain ways. If you can change those habits then you can deal with more stress without being overly affected by it. If your body is constantly kept in a state of high tension and imbalance then it takes very little […]
- [The Leaping Tiger Kung Fu Form 1](https://jadedragonschool.com/leaping-tiger-1/): The ‘leaping tiger’ is the first form that students of yu lung chuan (Jade Dragon kung Fu) learn. The Jade Dragon School derives its name from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in South West China where its monastery was located. To the West of the mountain flows the Jinsha river, a tributary of the Yangtse. At the foot of the mountain is a very deep canyon where the Jinsha flows through known as ‘Tiger Leaping Gorge’. The leaping tiger form celebrates the powerful flow of water through the gorge and also the fact that it is at the foot of […]
- [Elbow Lock](https://jadedragonschool.com/elbow-lock/): Here are a few videos showing a class I ran several years ago on elbow locks. You can see some of the variations and how quickly and effectively you can take someone down when you get the technique right. The technique is simple The student in this video was struggling to take her partner down so she used her head and added a chin lock too. Here is a longer video with various students trying the move and me adding some extra tuition. Apologies for the sound. It’s a very echoey hall.
- [Bagua 3 - Changing Direction](https://jadedragonschool.com/bagua-3-changing-direction/): Although bagua is famous for its circle walking practices it is during the changes of direction that the magic really happens. There are many methods of changing direction. Each develops different skills. Some of them are very simple, others very complicated and challenging. The video below will show several key ones. Practice diligently until the movements are smooth, balanced and effortless and require no thought on your part.
- [Leaping Tiger Form 2](https://jadedragonschool.com/leaping-tiger-2/): In kung fu every part of every movement should be powerful yet effortless. To do this we invoke all the principles of tai chi plus a few others. The two moves shown in this video look simple but to achieve that level of fluid, whole body power means understanding where every part of the body is and how it relates to all other parts. When you start to connect your body together and connect it to the earth beneath your feet and the heavens above you then you will start to feel and understand true power. Before you attempt the […]
- [Reeling Silk](https://jadedragonschool.com/reeling-silk/): For thousands of years the Chinese have cultivated silk. Silk is a very delicate material to work with. To draw a silken thread out of a cocoon the action must be very smooth and even with no jerkiness or changes of direction. Otherwise the thread will snap. Too fast and the silk breaks, too slow and it sticks to itself and becomes tangled. The concept of reeling silk has been used in the Chinese martial arts for centuries, particularly in the art of tai chi. Different schools describe and teach it in different ways. The way I was taught it […]
- [Leaping Tiger Form 3](https://jadedragonschool.com/leaping-tiger-3/): This section contains a powerful punch and kick combination that is trained on both sides. It improves your balance and connected power. Before you work on the video below make sure you know your dragon punch and your front kick. Previous: Leaping Tiger part 2 Next: Leaping Tiger part 4
- [Bagua 2 - Fan Chang](https://jadedragonschool.com/bagua-2-fan-chang/): Fan Chang is an arm movement that takes power from a rotation of the legs and waist and projects it out through the palms. With practice you open up the energy channels and can feel a strong connection of energy all the way up from feet to palms. Rotation is extremely important in baguazhang. Being able to rotate in a way that is balanced, coordinated and integrated is essential for developing bagua power. Most bagua moves involve both circling and twisting movements throughout the body. Fan Chang is developed in different ways starting with straight line then involving a full […]
- [Bagua 1 - Walking the Circle](https://jadedragonschool.com/bagua-1/): Baguazhang (pronounced bag-wa-jang), or bagua (pakua) for short, is a fascinating practice of moving meditation and self development that became the most sought after martial art in China. This post, and the video at the end of it describes the basic practice of walking the circle. Don’t neglect this as it will add a whole new dimension to all other training you do. Circle walking is the essence of baguazhang. It develops balance and stability and a moving root so that you don’t lose your power even while moving. You gain all round awareness, absolute sure-footedness and you can go […]
- [Pathway through the 37 posture Tai Chi form. Full videos included](https://jadedragonschool.com/pathway-tai-chi-form/): This post takes you step-by-step through the form with links to all the movements. It also includes videos of the whole form. As always note that these videos don’t show you the way to do it – they show you a way to do it. Many variations are possible, and indeed you should feel free to experiment. You will gain so much and learn so much more from them by doing so. The list of movements is as follows. Many of them are repeated so I’ll only link to them the first time they are mentioned. Practice each movement on […]
- [Descending Single Whip to Bend the Bow, Shoot the Tiger](https://jadedragonschool.com/descending-single-whip-to-bend-the-bow-shoot-the-tiger/): These are the as yet undescribed movements of the final section of the form. Some of the pics below also feature the great master Professor Cheng Man Ching who developed this form and is widely recognised as one of the greatest tai chi masters of the twentieth century From single whip go down into descending single whip aka snake creeps down. From here bring your weight forward onto your left leg and place your right foot in front in a cat stance. At the same time bring your right arm down and forward and cross both hands in front of […]
- [Wave movements in Push](https://jadedragonschool.com/wave-movements-in-push/): Learning to move in fluid wave-like patterns is good for your health, open your joints and allows power to flow through you in the most efficient way. The tai chi move ‘push’ is an ideal move to incorporate this wave movement. Do practice the basic move first. Then check out the video below.
- [Heaven Figure 8 stepping pattern](https://jadedragonschool.com/heaven-figure-8-stepping-pattern/): The heaven figure 8 stepping pattern is very useful for tai chi practitioners to learn and essential for students of Jade Dragon Kung Fu. It forms a part of many of our styles and movements. You will find it in our leaping tiger form and discover many ways to use it. Practice the static heaven figure 8 until you have mastered it first before you even attempt to do it on the move. Also make sure you are familiar with the cat step as well. The basics look simple but it’s the coordination between the arm movement and the basic […]
- [Fair Lady Weaves at the Shuttle - 4 diagonals](https://jadedragonschool.com/fair-lady/): This is the longest single movement in the tai chi form and takes up most of the fifth section. The practitioner steps out to all 4 diagonals, blocks up and pushes outwards then draws his energy back in. The arms The arms are fairly easy to understand. From a ‘holding the ball’ position you raise your lower hand turning it palm outwards as you do so that the fingers are pointing horizontally. At the same time you drop the elbow of the upper hand of the ball and push it forward under the other hand. The video below will show […]
- [Wave-like arm movements video](https://jadedragonschool.com/wave-arms/): In both tai chi and kung fu our aim is for power to flow through the body and out again. Energy usually travels in waves so by creating wave movements we can prevent ourselves tensing up and let the movement flow. The power this can generate is enormous yet effortless. It also teaches you to move your arms in ways that don’t hold tension in your chest, neck, back or shoulders. Check the video below to see hot to do it.
- [Earth Figure of 8](https://jadedragonschool.com/earth-fig8/): This is the second of the two figure of eight arm movements. In a previous post we covered the heaven figure 8 movement. This one goes the opposite way round. Both movements have the following benefits The earth figure of 8 is also a great rooting exercise that teaches you to ‘sit’ on each leg more firmly. Stay upright throughout the movement. Don’t allow your arms to pull your body in any direction. Start in wuji position – upright, feet apart and facing forward with knees bent. Throughout the movement keep your arms fairly straight with just a slight bend […]
- [The Fourth Section video](https://jadedragonschool.com/4th-section-video/): The fourth section of the form is possibly the most physically demanding as part of it is done on one leg. The second half can be challenging regarding the footwork. Anyway, here is how it all fits together. Practice Practice Practice
- [Brush Knee Left and Right and Low Punch](https://jadedragonschool.com/brush-knee-left-right-low-punch/): We already looked at the brush knee in Module 4. In this section it comes up again but includes a step forward and doing it on the other side. It’s followed by a low punch and then we go straight into Ward Off East and carry on as we did in the first section to single whip. This next set of movements is quite hard to describe so study the video at the end of the post carefully. This move begins after you’ve done the 180 degree turn then either kicked and lowered your left leg or just lowered your […]
- [Heaven Figure 8 Arm Circle](https://jadedragonschool.com/heaven-fig8/): There are two figure of eight arm movements – heaven and earth. They have many uses: Today we are going to learn the heaven figure of eight. We will do a large movement that basically describes an anticlockwise circle to your left and a clockwise circle to your right. Stay upright throughout the movement. Don’t allow your arms to pull your body in any direction. Start in wuji position – upright, feet apart and facing forward with knees bent. Throughout the movement keep your arms fairly straight with just a slight bend at the elbow. Keep twisting to the left […]
- [The Invisible Stool](https://jadedragonschool.com/invisible-stool/): One of the main aims of tai chi and kung fu is for you to be able to hold and move your body in the most effortless and efficient way. This doesn’t come naturally as our habitual way of holding our body is from above by tensing up. This takes the weight off our weak legs but means we are constantly standing and moving as if we are always under threat. One way to help release that tension is for your mind to trick your body into think it is supported. The invisible stool A great way to take tension […]
- [Extended Guard](https://jadedragonschool.com/extended-guard/): Developing an effective guard is essential in any combat situation. I have lost counts of the number of fights I have seen – both in real life and on video where one protagonist has his hands down around his waist and then wonders why he gets hit so easily. In fact, I can often tell before the fight really gets going who’s going to win by simply seeing who has learned to keep their guard up. It is becoming more and more common these days to see the boxing type guard being used in many martial arts and combat sports. […]
- [The Dragon Punch](https://jadedragonschool.com/dragon-punch/): The dragon punch is the most powerful punch that is taught in the Jade Dragon kung fu system. It is a powerful forward strike, generally aimed at the chest area and the non-striking arm moves out at the same time to block or cover the striking arm. When you learn to punch with power you can take an assailant straight to the floor and wind him for seconds, even minutes. When developed fully it can break ribs easily yet takes almost no effort to perform. Read through the following notes and study the video. It may seem like a lot […]
- [The Tiger Punch](https://jadedragonschool.com/tiger-punch/): The tiger punch is a powerful punch considering that most of your weight stays on your back leg. It is ideal for delivering a fast and powerful strike to the chest or abdomen area with a closed fist or striking the chin with an open palm from a short to medium distance. It turns you almost side on to your opponent so limits their choice of target for a strike or kick. The power of your tiger strike relies entirely on the stability of your tiger stance. Practice your stance first but once you can move forward into a tiger […]
- [The Back Kick](https://jadedragonschool.com/back-kick/): The back kick and the front kick are the 2 main kicks taught to new students in the Jade Dragon School. The back kick is an important one to learn and practice as it can protect you against attacks from behind, it is very versatile in its use and is the strongest kick in our arsenal. Why is it so strong? The back kick is so powerful because it uses the big muscles of the hamstrings, gluts and back. These are some of the biggest and strongest muscles in the body. When it is trained regularly it strengthens these all-important […]
- [The Front Kick](https://jadedragonschool.com/front-kick/): The martial arts are perhaps best known for the fancy high kicks that are so often seen in the films and in the ring. However, although these look great many of them are of limited use in real life. New students to the Jade Dragon school learn just two kicks – the front kick and the back kick. These are the most useful kicks in the armoury and even if you fight regularly it’s highly unlikely you will ever need anything else. Why learn the front kick The front kick appears to be very simple. You raise your knee then […]
- [Be On Your Legs - A guide to stance training](https://jadedragonschool.com/be-on-your-legs/): Please read this post. Because almost nothing else I can teach you (apart from good breathing) is more important. The strength of your legs directly relates to almost every element of your physical and mental health and wellbeing. Your legs are the foundation of your structure. They are your connection to the earth which is the only thing in your life that will always be there to support you. Without strong legs you hold tension in your upper body constantly 24 hours a day. This tension keeps the weight off your weak legs but it creates mental anguish, back pain, […]
- [The Scissor Stance](https://jadedragonschool.com/scissor-stance/): The scissor stance (also known as the crossover stance) is one of the most useful stances in kung fu. It is often not the fastest or strongest fighter that wins the day but the one with the best footwork. Good footwork gets you quickly out of danger and puts you in a position where you can move from a position of strength into one where your opponent is weak. The scissor stance is a transitional stance, ie it isn’t one that you stand in to defend yourself but one that moves you quickly from one position to another. How to […]
- [The Tiger Stance](https://jadedragonschool.com/tiger-stance/): The tiger stance is another great stance to develop leg strength. Most of the weight is on the back leg so it enables you to move forward with power. It is also great practice to move from a tiger stance forward into a dragon stance and back to tiger. The tiger stance is one of the most challenging although it looks easy. It stretches some muscles while holding others in strong tension. It’s a great stance for rebalancing the body. How to do it It’s best to learn how to move into this stance from a horse stance Notes It […]
- [The Dragon Stance](https://jadedragonschool.com/dragon-stance/): The dragon stance (sometimes called the forward stance or bow and arrow stance) is one of the most fundamental stances in the Chinese arts. It is the main stance used when receiving power from the front or delivering power to the front. If someone tries to push you backwards you just place one leg behind you and root down and they won’t be able to move you. Below is a video of me receiving the force from six students who between them struggled to get me to move. The dragon stance is the position we mostly end up in after […]
- [Extend Leg, Turn and Kick](https://jadedragonschool.com/extend-leg-turn-and-kick/): This move requires you to stay rooted and balanced on one leg while extending the other out in front of you. It also involves a twisting, circular movement that’s great for opening your hips and spine. This move also contains the most physically challenging move in the whole form but I will show you an easier version. How to do it Now for the really tricky part. You take both arms across to the right then take them sharply to the left and use their momentum to pirouette 180 degrees all while standing on one leg. You should then kick […]
- [Golden Phoenix Stands On One Leg](https://jadedragonschool.com/golden-phoenix/): Golden phoenix is a seemingly simple move that just requires you to stand on one leg with the fingers of one hand pointing up and the fingers of the other pointing down. Practice your crane stance first and the heaven and earth breathing practice as this combines both of those exercises. Standing on one leg requires some practice. It’s just a question of strengthening your legs and relaxing. How to do it It’s often the arm movement that people find harder than standing on one leg. As the arm raises and lowers it creates a wave that draws the arm […]
- [Snake Creeps Down](https://jadedragonschool.com/snake-creeps-down/): Snake creeps down (also known as descending single whip) is a move that develops leg strength, co-ordination, relaxation and awareness of your body weight. Your leading hand is the snake that retracts then slivers down the leg before turning upside down and extending forward. In the meantime your body moves back into a low stance then comes back forward. Don’t be put off by the low stance. Just keep within your limits and gradually you can get lower in your stance. How to do it Notes As you get older practicing this movement keeps you young and strong Previous Single […]
- [Heaven and Earth Breathing - The 5 Breaths of Tao](https://jadedragonschool.com/heaven-and-earth-breathing/): This is an ancient qigong breathing exercise and part of the Jade Path Taoist School. It forms part of the 5 breaths of Tao which are a series of internal breathing exercises to develop the mind, body and energy of the practitioner. The main aim of Heaven and Earth breathing is to learn to create a feeling of yin or yang anywhere in the body. Internal power is expressed through a transition of a yin state to a yang state or vice versa not through muscular effort. This transition of yin to yang flows through the body and is expressed […]
- [The Flying Crane](https://jadedragonschool.com/flying-crane/): Back strength is a crucial component of tai chi and kung fu as it is of life. Most people have weak backs as we don’t use them for most of the day as we are resting them on the back of chairs. Even while standing the back muscles are only weakly engaged and cannot compete with the gradual shortening of the front of the body. The flying crane exercise strengthens all the muscles of the back and aids with balance at the same time. It is a traditional exercise in many kung fu styles. Teaching Points Notes
- [The Horse Stance](https://jadedragonschool.com/horse-stance/): Whoever you are don’t neglect horse stance training. The horse stance is the most important skill new beginners should focus on. In some traditional schools in China new beginners would do nothing else but the horse stance for months on end until they could stand in a deep stance for half an hour without moving! We don’t need to go that far but never forget your horse stance is the basis for everything else. Without a strong stance you can’t deliver power from your legs out through the rest of your body. The more time you spend standing in the […]
- [The Crane Stance - be confident on one leg](https://jadedragonschool.com/crane-stance/): The crane stance is common in tai chi and kung fu so is important to master. It the easiest stance to understand but, perhaps the most demanding to perform. It simply requires you to stand on one leg with your raised foot pointing to the ground. Note: when we talk about a stance we are talking about the position of the entire body from head to feet but not including the arms. The arm position shown above is just one of many positions you could hold while training the stance. Two types of leg exercise There are two distinct types […]
- [Form 3rd section video](https://jadedragonschool.com/form-3rd-section-video/): Below is a video of the 3rd section of the form. This is one of the easiest sections to remember the order of movements. I just create a story – you see some monkeys, guard yourself against them, fight them off then fly away! The moves are:Fist under elbow (guard position)Repulse MonkeyDiagonal flyingCloud hands. Here’s the video Again it starts from single whip position.
- [Cloud Hands](https://jadedragonschool.com/cloud-hands/): Cloud hands is a beautiful movement that mimics the soft movement of clouds floating through the sky. It is a lovely movement to practice over and over again. Partly because it feels good to do and partly because there is so much it can teach you when it comes to relaxing down and connecting different parts of your body together. How to do it Start with just the arm movements beginning with your right arm. Both hands together When you are confident with moving one hand at a time try them both together At home practice this move standing on […]
- [Diagonal Flying](https://jadedragonschool.com/diagonal-flying/): Diagonal flying is a short move that involves a circling, stepping out and opening movement. It ends with probably the only position where your yin arm is higher than your yang arm. How to do it This gives a lovely stretch to the front of your body and the slightly larger step opens the hips and strengthens the legs and balance. Previous Repulse Monkey Next Cloud Hands
- [Side to Sides](https://jadedragonschool.com/side-to-sides/): This is a my favourite exercise for dropping tension out of your shoulders and neck. It’s simple to do. Just remember to do it slowly and smoothly and let gravity do the work. Side to Sides Find out more about traditional Chinese conditioning exercises through the tai chi and kung fu classes I run or sign up to our site to learn the wealth of material we have here.
- [Unbendable Arm](https://jadedragonschool.com/unbendable-arm/): Relax and extend The unbendable arm is a concept that is talked about a lot in tai chi and aikido. However, it is a part of most traditional Chinese martial arts. It is a way of holding your arm so that it cannot be bent at the elbow no matter how hard somebody tries. Eventually the same principles can be applied to any joint in the body. The point of the unbendable arm is to ensure that your physical structure doesn’t collapse when pressure is applied to it. The best way to test it is to rest the back of […]
- [The Dragon's Back](https://jadedragonschool.com/the-dragons-back/): Develop a more flexible spine. Back problems are one of the major ‘diseases’ of the modern world. They account for a large percentage of visits to the Doctor and almost everybody, as they age, suffers with their back The sheer amount of time we spend sitting down with our backs ill supported leads to the muscles in the front of our body gradually shortening. The back muscles lose tone and stop being strong enough to counter the increasing tension in the front. This imbalance means that your back muscles freeze to protect your spine and your back becomes vulnerable to […]
- [Repulse Monkey](https://jadedragonschool.com/repulse-monkey/): This move involves both your arms doing a yin circle, one going forward while the other pulls backward, and at the same time you’re stepping backwards in the cat step. It’s best to learn the arm movements and footwork separately then you can combine them later. The footwork The arms Each arm is doing the yin circle. Make sure you know this before you start. You should do as it’s an integral part of ward off, roll back, brush knee etc. But on this occasion both arms are doing the same thing but at different parts of the movement. Putting […]
- [Fist Under Elbow](https://jadedragonschool.com/fist-under-elbow/): This is the first move in the third section. it moves you from the single whip posture into a guard position via a strong twist to the left. There is an ancient Taoist symbol for peace and balance which has one hand with the fingers pointing up and the other hand beneath it. The lower hand signifies yin or the earth. The upper hand signifies yang or a plant growing out of the earth. There are many variations of this. This is the basic posture below. Fist under elbow is a variation of this but as the lower hand is […]
- [Forwards Clock](https://jadedragonschool.com/forwards-clock/): This is another good exercise for restoring mobility. I often do this after doing the sideways clock. This exercise focuses on opening the front and back of the body. Here are the teaching points for this sideways clock exercise. Notes Find out more about traditional Chinese conditioning exercises through the tai chi and kung fu classes I run or sign up to our site to learn the wealth of material we have here.
- [All Parts Move](https://jadedragonschool.com/all-parts-move/): In tai chi no part of your body moves on it’s own. Every part is supported by the whole. Most of the movements you do in life only involve a small part of your body. It’s very rare that any movement involves all of your body unless you’re trying to lift or move a heavy object. Even then the body is uncoordinated and the parts don’t work together very well. One of the things tai chi teaches us is to coordinate every part of the body together. In this way maximise the efficiency of every movement and minimise the risk […]
- [Expand Outwards](https://jadedragonschool.com/expand-outwards/): Whenever you feel any kind of fear, stress, anxiety or anything of the kind your body instinctively contracts inwards. This is a natural reaction that tenses your muscles ready for fight or flight. It’s like a tortoise withdrawing into its shell at the first hint of danger. The trouble is that, unlike the tortoise, you rarely get a chance to come back out of your shell and relax again afterwards. So the tension builds up and becomes chronic. Tension relates to the way your muscles shorten under stress. This tension builds up gradually over your lifetime. Those who have read […]
- [Form Second Section Video](https://jadedragonschool.com/form-second-section-video/): As with the first section work on each movement individually first. Then put them together. You’ll notice that the moves after embrace tiger, return to mountain are the same as for the first section – rollback and press, push and single whip. You should already be becoming familiar with these important moves. Both the videos below begin with single whip which was the last move of the first section.
- [Form First Section Video](https://jadedragonschool.com/form-first-section-video/): This video shows you the first section of the form up to the first single whip from two different angles. Once you’ve learned each of the movements separately use this video to see how to join them together. Then work on incorporating the 4 key qualities of movement and breathing.
- [Withdraw to Embrace Tiger Return to Mountain](https://jadedragonschool.com/withdraw-to-embrace-tiger/): Some of the movements in tai chi have very poetic names. This one is called embrace tiger, return to mountain. Like all the other movements I teach it can be expressed in many different ways. The way shown in the video below is, perhaps, the most popular with the two arms circling out and down as if around an imaginary large ball. However, you could also use the 2 arm circle, the yin circle, yang circle or infinity circle to get you into the same position. This move follows on from push and turns you back to face North. Before […]
- [Parry and Punch](https://jadedragonschool.com/parry-and-punch/): Tai chi developed as a martial art and most of the moves still have the potential to be used in combat if you know how to use them. Most teachers don’t but I’ve trained in the Chinese martial arts for 40 years so I know them well. None of the moves of tai chi are more obviously martial than parry and punch Parry and punch does exactly what it says on the tin. It parries an incoming attack, leads it to the right and down then follows up with a punch with all your relaxed weight behind it. It does […]
- [Brush Knee Step](https://jadedragonschool.com/brush-knee-step/): It has been said many times that the best way to practice tai chi is to select one movement and repeat it over and over again. Don’t do this mindlessly but focus on relaxing down, finding the connections between the parts of your body, focus on your balance, breathing and the movement of energy. Any movement will do but ideally it should involve a transfer of weight, a turn of the waist and both arms expressing themselves in a circular way. The two best moves for this are cloud hands and brush knee. Note: This is usually called brush knee […]
- [Standing Practice 2 - Grow Yourself Younger](https://jadedragonschool.com/standing-practice-2/): You are born full of life and energy but it is blocked inside you. So you grow old depleted of your vitality In the early morning and parks and woodland across China you will see people of all ages exercising. Many of them are doing the slow, rhythmic movements of tai chi but others don’t seem to be moving at all. They are as still as the trees around them. Although there is no obvious movement they are engaged in one of the most powerful and demanding exercises ever developed. It is an exercise the Chinese call Zhan Zhuang (pronounced […]
- [The 5 Points of Awareness](https://jadedragonschool.com/the-5-points-of-awareness/): Many people turn up to my classes worrying that they won’t be fit enough or flexible enough. Within a very short space of time they realise those things don’t really matter. The biggest problem they have, that everyone has, is with coordination. Coordination means getting your arms and legs to do what you want them to do. Almost every movement I teach is a whole body movement. That means you have to move different parts of your body in different directions and in different ways at exactly the same time. This is a real challenge for your brain as it […]
- [First section of form video](https://jadedragonschool.com/first-section-of-form-video/): While performing the form there are many elements you can focus on. Each one will bring new insights into how to perform it in the most effective ways. There are many other elements you could focus on which you’ll learn as you progress. Just focus on one or two at a time.
- [Sink Weight and Crane Spreads Wings](https://jadedragonschool.com/sink-weight-and-crane-spreads-wings/): There is no fixed way of doing any movement in tai chi. Different schools teach different variations of them and this move is a good example. In many schools that teach this form the move we call sink weight is known as shoulder barge or shoulder strike. The body is twisted to the left and there is a strike with the right shoulder. This is equally valid but I find this version more beneficial and it has a wider range of defensive applications. This move is really good at alternately opening and closing the front and back of your torso. […]
- [Squeeze and Pull Down](https://jadedragonschool.com/squeeze-and-pull-down/): Squeeze and pull down is a surprisingly challenging move. This is because all your weight needs to be on your back leg throughout. From a defensive perspective it is most commonly used to seize your opponent’s arms and pull them down onto your unweighted right knee. .From an energy perspective you are compressing energy in and sinking it down your weighted leg into the earth. How to do it Throughout this movement your weight stays on your bent left leg. Stay upright, balanced and relax down. Keep your body stable and your right leg under your right arm as you […]
- [Yin and Yang Arms](https://jadedragonschool.com/yin-and-yang-arms/): Now you understand the concept of yin and yang better you’ll realise that in tai chi we aim to create movement and energy by making different parts of the body yin or yang. Yin and yang arms mostly refers to the position of your elbow. A yin elbow is sunk down, It feels heavy and this pulls your shoulder down and helps root you more firmly onto the earth. It directs energy down into the ground. A yang elbow is floating up. Note that the elbow is raised but the shoulder stays down. Get used to raising your elbow to […]
- [The 4 key qualities of breath and movement](https://jadedragonschool.com/4-qualities/): Sting once sung ‘Every breath you take, every move you make’. I love that song and it reminds me of 4 qualities that will make our breathing and movement effortless and powerful in so many ways. Soft, Slow, Smooth, Sink These are the four golden rules of breathing and movement. Make each breath and every move soft, slow, and smooth and sink it down. This requires focus. This turns the act of breathing and movement into a mindfulness exercise. In fact many forms of meditation start by focusing on the breath as it enters and leaves the body. The four […]
- [Nose Breathing](https://jadedragonschool.com/nose-breathing/): Although it is possible to use either your nose or your mouth for breathing the nose should always be your first choice. The air that we breathe is full of pollutants which can be very damaging. Your nose has small hairs which filter the air before it reaches your lungs. When you breathe through your mouth the polluted air goes directly into your soft and vulnerable lungs and the pollutants can be transmitted to your bloodstream and carried around your body. It is far more effective than any mask you wear. The usual masks people use are useless against airborne […]
- [Sideways Clock](https://jadedragonschool.com/sideways-clock/): This is a lovely exercise for gently restoring mobility to most of your joints. I do this several times a day. Particularly if I’ve been sitting down for a while or am feeling tired and stressed this exercise can restore balance and vitality in under a minute. Exhaustion is almost always accompanied by greatly increase muscle tension. You’re tired because every muscle in your body is tight and are fighting each other. This will quickly open them up and let you move freely and with energy again. Here are the teaching points for this sideways clock exercise. Notes
- [Hip Circles](https://jadedragonschool.com/hip-circles/): In kung fu and tai chi you learn to direct the force of your body through the centre. This is your waist and hip area. Yet it is often full of tension. Most people spend a lot of the lives sitting down and when they walk their walking habits are unbalanced and lack grace and aliveness. All of this creates tension in the muscles surrounding the hips. This exercise is another common exercise I do in class to begin loosening and warming students up. This is an all round stretching and strengthening exercise. Virtually all muscles are involved. How many […]
- [Arm Swing One](https://jadedragonschool.com/arm-swing-1/): This is a classic and popular qigong exercise to loosen the shoulders, realign the spine and teach you to twist upwards through the whole body. It connects every part of you to the centre of your body and teaches you to direct power from there. This exercise is the most common first exercise I do in class to begin loosening and warming students up. This arm swing looks simple but there’s a lot going on. Over time your body will start to respond and generate the force and send it up you body and down your arms more efficiently. This […]
- [Stretch Daily](https://jadedragonschool.com/stretch-daily/): Stretching is an important part of conditioning to be fitter and healthier. Do you really need more reasons than that to stretch regularly? If the answer is yes, consider this. Imagine if you could have a bath in WD40. It would seep into all your joints, restoring them to their full range of motion, lubricating every part until it was as new and dissolving away all your tension. What would that feel like? It loosens the tension around your joints Tighness in your joints affects every move you make. All day long you are fighting against the unfelt tension in […]
- [Single Whip](https://jadedragonschool.com/single-whip/): Single whip is one of the best known moves in tai chi I have seen single whip performed in many different ways. I use a variety of ways myself. Any of the four main arm circles can be used in single whip. The way I teach it here uses your full weight into your supporting leg, a turning of the waist and a wave like movement through your arm to create a wave of power and energy through your body and out to your front palm. This is more akin to the movement of the whip than many other variations […]
- [Push](https://jadedragonschool.com/push/): Push is a movement that looks easy but can take years to get right. It is used several times in the tai chi form but is also essential study for kung fu practitioners. The principles of push can be applied to a wide range of other techniques. Push is actually two movements. There is a drawing back move where you take all your weight plus your opponent’s energy and root it all down your back leg. Then you push it forwards again. Again it’s useful to use imagery. My favourite is to imagine a wave building up in the sea, […]
- [Roll Back and Press](https://jadedragonschool.com/roll-back-and-press/): In tai chi we use all kinds of imagery to help us understand the movements and concepts and change the way a movement feels. To understand roll back imagine trying to push a ball under water. Unless your hand is directly on top of the ball’s centre it will sink and turn away and your hand will get wet. This is exactly what roll back does. The previous movement led you to a position of expanding outwards. In roll back we maintain that expanded feeling like a ball. But now we roll it back and rotate it so that any […]
- [Ward Off](https://jadedragonschool.com/ward-off/): After the initial opening movements of raising and lowering the arms ward off is the next move. We ward off to the North then to the East. Ward off is a fascinating movement and an excellent demonstration of how yin and yang work to create power. Essentially one half of the body is yin, heavy with latent power. Then in ward off that power flows to the other side of the body and is released outwards. No power is left inside to create tension. To allow the power to flow out the other side of the body remains yang and […]
- [Holding the ball](https://jadedragonschool.com/holding-the-ball/): Holding the ball refers to any hand position where the palms are facing each other. This is very common throughout the tai chi form. Holding the ball is about creating an energy connection between your hands – a circuit that energy can travel through. It helps sensitise your hands to energy fields. Don’t worry if you don’t feel anything at first. There are many reasons why people can’t feel energy to start with. Read the article on qi energy to find out more. Holding the ball crops up many times within the form. Often the hands are held to the […]
- [The Yin Arm Circle](https://jadedragonschool.com/yin-arm-circle/): In the Jade Dragon tradition arm circles are taken very seriously. They teach us to move our arms fluidly, without tension, without hesitation at any angle and at any speed. There are 8 circles to learn but only 4 of those are used in tai chi. This version of the yin circle is one of the most common arm movements in our tai chi form so it’s important to get it right. Also watch the accompanying video below to see how to do it. This arm movement has many benefits: The Movement Connect the Movement All movements in tai chi […]
- [Cat Step](https://jadedragonschool.com/cat-step/): In tai chi we learn to walk in a certain way. We never just put a foot forward then drop our weight onto it. We place the foot down first then transfer our weight forward. The best way to practice this kind of walking is through the cat step When cats stalk their prey they move in a silent fluid motion. They have a distinct advantage over is in having four legs plus a tail so they can one foot in the air and still remain perfectly stable and balanced. We have to work harder than them to achieve the […]
- [Transferring weight - one of the most crucial skills](https://jadedragonschool.com/transferring-weight/): In kung fu and tai chi there are only two movements we can do that have any real power. One is transferring your weight from one leg to the other. The other one is twisting your body at the waist and hips. Transferring weight simply involves moving your weight from one leg to the other. But as with everything we teach how you do it can make a massive difference to the effects it has. Tai chi has become famous around the world because it teaches you to use your body in specific ways. Ways that enable you to use […]
- [The Cat Stance](https://jadedragonschool.com/cat-stance/): The cat stance is one of the most used stances in both tai chi and kung fu. Yet when you first start to use it you may find it unstable and unbalanced – unlike a cat! Simply put the cat stance involves having all your body weight on one foot while the other foot rests under its own weight on the ground in front of you. The supporting foot is usually turned out around 45 degrees from the front foot to improve your balance. The supporting knee is always bent. How to do it Notes It will take some time […]
- [Wuji - The basic stance](https://jadedragonschool.com/wuji-the-basic-stance/): The basic stance is a way of standing that keeps your body aligned with gravity, improves your posture and promotes relaxation. For most people, the way they stand is unbalanced. Tension in the muscles pulls their body in different directions 24 hours a day. Relearning how to stand has so many benefits considering what a simple change it can be. This is the stance we take before we begin any series of movements or exercises. It means you always start from a position of relaxed balance. Usually when people begin exercising they are starting from a stressed and unbalanced position. […]
- [Twisting power in tai chi and kung fu](https://jadedragonschool.com/twisting-power/): There are only two main movements you can make that involve the entire body. These movements are the only ones that generate any real power. So every move in tai chi and kung fu that requires power uses one of these. The first is transferring your weight from one leg to the other. The second is turning at the waist and hips. This post covers the twisting movement. In a similar way to wave movements that flow through the body these twisting movements spiral up through it. The power they can generate is extraordinary yet effortless. To be able to […]
- [Defences Against Grabs](https://jadedragonschool.com/defences-against-grabs/): Invalid rule and here are a few more. Remember the success of any move depends on maintaining the right principles. Don’t panic or tense upStay ‘on your legs’Don’t hold your breath If the person comes back to attack you again you’ll have to resort to joint locks or, if they fail, strikes.
- [Relax your tight shoulders](https://jadedragonschool.com/relax-your-tight-shoulders/): One of the most common and debilitating places to hold onto pain and tension is in the neck and shoulders. Shoulder pain and tension is often associated with responsibility – literally carrying the world on your shoulders. It is so common that I can state with confidence that you too are carrying your shoulders too high. It is as if we need to suspend our arms from our shoulders instead of allowing them to drop down onto our rib cage. Your arms should be loose and be able to swing freely. Try twisting your body from side to side and […]

## Pages

- [Be A Tai Chi Teacher](https://jadedragonschool.com/be-a-teacher/): Learn More, Earn More, Pay Less Our classes are so popular because we go deeper into tai chi than most others. Becoming a teacher with the Jade Dragon School gives you access to a wealth of knowledge and understanding. Fortunately, we don’t expect you to master all this information before you can start teaching. We have broken it down into levels. As you progress your confidence, your experience and your income will grow. With the demand for tai chi ever increasing you’ll find much need for your services. The important aspects of being a good tai chi teacher are what […]
- [Hawkwood Retreat 2026](https://jadedragonschool.com/retreat-2026/): Tai Chi, Qigong and Walking in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside Friday 8th May to Sunday 10th May 2026 Come and join us at Hawkwood for our 2026 retreat. Enjoy great food, good company and learn some fascinating new skills. The retreat will include training in the following: You will learn skills on this retreat that are rarely taught elsewhere. The Summer Eagle and the Five Breaths of Tao are unique to the Jade Dragon School. A full itinerary will be sent out nearer the time. Details The retreat costs £650 (£550 if you share a room) and this includes all […]
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- [Learn Authentic Tai Chi, Qigong, Bagua and Kung Fu through our workshops](https://jadedragonschool.com/workshops/): Upcoming workshops – watch this space for details: Push hands workshop – work with a partner to test your tai chi skills. Learn to stay soft to yield and redirect force. See how to move with effortless power to move someone around easily. Learn some basic defence applications and how to do them easily and effectively. Previous workshops Tiger Style Kung Fu Workshop – November 2024 6ft Staff Workshop part 1 – Jan 20256ft Staff Workshop part 2 – Feb 2025 Baguazhang Workshop – March 2025 Short stick beginners – April 2025Short stick intermediate – May 2025 Contact Paul Chapman […]
- [Our Classes](https://jadedragonschool.com/classes/): YOUR FIRST CLASS IS NOW FREE.CHECK US OUT AND SEE IF THIS IS FOR YOU. TAI CHI CLASSES. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step Lao Tzu Are you feeling stiff, tense and lack energy and mobility?Then come for a free trial at one of our tai chi classes. Learn to release those tension, improve your balance and mobility and get your energy back. Our classes are fun, friendly and focused on your needs. New beginners are always made welcome. The classes are run in such a way that you won’t feel left behind. The cost […]
- [ada Tai Chi Home Course](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichicourse/): If you want to learn tai chi from home there’s no better place to come. Many people tell you to relax but few of them can tell you how to relax. That’s what I do. I’m Paul Chapman and I’ve been teaching tai chi for over 25 years and studying it for 40 years. I have taught 1000s of students through my classes and courses the secrets of tai chi. I teach the real knowledge of how to use your posture, breathing, mental focus and energy flow to fine tune your health and restore your vitality. Click Here to see […]
- [Thanks for your purchase](https://jadedragonschool.com/tccoursethanks/): Thank you for buying a module of our popular tai chi course. You will now receive an email containing the URL of the web page and the password to access it. On the webpage will be links to PDFs that you can read on screen or download or print out as you wish. There will also be links to unlisted YouTube videos to demonstrate everything on that module. I hope you enjoy the module and remember, the more you practice, the more benefit you’ll get from it. Paul Chapman
- [Free Articles](https://jadedragonschool.com/useful-articles-2/): Below is an ever-growing collection of free articles on a wide range of subjects. All of them have been written personally by Master Paul Chapman, none have involved AI. Many other articles are available to help you to learn from home. For a small monthly fee you can learn a huge range of knowledge that is growing on an almost daily basis into a database of treasured knowledge on all elements of tai chi, kung fu, stress relief practices, health, fitness training, philosophy and so on. So check back regularly to find more new content. You can use our powerful […]
- [Our Martial Arts Syllabus](https://jadedragonschool.com/martial-arts-syllabus/): We are rightly proud of our martial arts syllabus which is one of the most advanced and comprehensive you’ll find anywhere outside China. Our syllabus progresses from the first few weeks basic training on through the development of 8 distinct animal fighting styles. Each of these kung fu styles will develop you in different ways. Each one is an effective martial art in its own right. When combined together they give you a versatility that few other martial artists can match. On top of our animal styles we also teach strength, fluidity and coordination. Weapons training is an important element […]
- [How to choose a martial art in Reading](https://jadedragonschool.com/choose-a-martial-art/): So you want to learn a martial art in Reading. There is a quite a range to choose from so it’s a good idea to know what you are looking for before you choose a martial art in Reading. Combat Sport or Traditional Martial Art? Your first decision should be whether you want to learn a combat sport or a traditional martial art. Adaptability All good martial arts should be adaptable. Everyone is different, every body is different and so training should be able to benefit anyone of any age or ability. Also combat is a constantly changing scenario. If […]
- [FAQs](https://jadedragonschool.com/faqs/): Frequently Asked Questions about our tai chi and kung fu Tai Chi Questions Are your classes suitable for complete beginners?Yes our classes are great for beginners. Each class is set up in such a way that a new concept will be taught and certain exercises and moves given that use that concept. So this is suitable for beginners but also to more experienced students who may have seen those moves before but may not have done them in that way. There is so much to learn you can never get tired of the different ways there are of using your […]
- [Tai Chi Retreats](https://jadedragonschool.com/tai-chi-retreats/): WATCH THIS SPACE FOR 2025 RETREATS Following our two successful retreats at Charney Manor in 2024 I am now looking for different retreat venues for 2025. Watch this space. There are many special things I enjoyed – the group itself was friendly and welcoming, the location was beautiful and tranquil, the lessons were excellent. Fiona Smith (May 24) Our retreats use guided walks plus tai chi and qigong exercises and principles to improve your balance and fitness and to become more aware of how you hold onto tension.  You discover how to move and stand in a way that makes […]
- [Useful Articles on Tai Chi and Kung Fu](https://jadedragonschool.com/tai-chi-kung-fu-articles/): Below is a selection of articles written by Paul Chapman. Please note: No AI is used in either the writing of these articles or the images used.
- [About the Jade Dragon School](https://jadedragonschool.com/about-the-jade-dragon-school/): The Jade Dragon School teaches authentic tai chi chuan, qigong, baguazhang and yu lung chuan (Jade Dragon Kung Fu) from beginner to advanced levels. The school is run by Master Paul Chapman who started training in the Jade Dragon School in 1986. He underwent twelve years of training under two highly respected masters before he was deemed worthy to run his own classes. It was customary in the Jade Dragon tradition for a student to require a full cycle of the Chinese zodiac (12 years) to learn and develop before they were deemed ready to teach. He qualified in 1998 […]
- [Tai Chi and Kung Fu Products](https://jadedragonschool.com/tai-chi-and-kung-fu-products/): Find our online courses and books here. Online Tai Chi Course The course is split into modules which are priced at just £18 each. Every module contains at least a month’s worth of classes and usually a lot more. It’s the ideal way to learn the amazing art of tai chi from the comfort of your own home. Click Here to find out more Bagua Basics Video Course Gain strength, balance, coordination, energy and mobility through baguazhang (bagua for short)This set of five videos introduces you to the basics of this fascinating art that is both a moving meditation and […]
- [Tai Chi Online Training Course](https://jadedragonschool.com/tai-chi-and-kung-fu-products/tai-chi-online-training-course/): Tai chi is a rich and wondrous art. It combines the skills of deep relaxation with the skills of a martial art. You learn to hold your body in a totally relaxed way then move it with fluid power. Mind, body and breath work together to give you strength, stamina, mobility and slow down the aging process. If you want to learn the amazing art of tai chi but can’t come to one of our classes don’t despair. We have broken down the Yang style 37 step short form into manageable chunks. Plus you get all the knowledge from one […]
- [Kung Fu Classes For Adults in Reading](https://jadedragonschool.com/kung-fu-classes-reading/): Kung fu is an extraordinary art. It covers so many different practices, training methods, forms, weapons, philosophies and so on. But they all have one aim. To get you to move and fight with effortless, relaxed power. I’m Paul Chapman. I’ve been studying these arts for nearly 40 years and teaching them for 25 years. I’ve never even considered switching to another martial art, or even any other sport or activity. This gives me everything I could possibly want. It will for you too. Find out more with these articles: What is Kung FuHow to choose a martial art Our […]
- [What is Kung Fu - the magic and mystery of the Chinese martial arts.](https://jadedragonschool.com/kung-fu-classes-reading/what-is-kung-fu/): Most people will have seen Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan or the Kung Fu Panda films. But what they may not realise is that kung fu is a term that covers all the martial arts of China. And there are hundreds of them. So what is kung fu? The vast world of kung fu The vast majority of kung fu styles will be unknown to most people as only a handful have become popular in the Western world. Names like wing chun, hung gar and lao gar may be familiar to you. The names of animals are common in Chinese martial […]
- [Our Tai Chi class in Waltham St Lawrence is no longer running](https://jadedragonschool.com/is-tai-chi-good-for-you/tai-chi-classes-waltham/): Click here to see the details of our other classes.
- [Tai Chi Classes in Woodley](https://jadedragonschool.com/is-tai-chi-good-for-you/tai-chi-classes-woodley/): Woodley is one of our busiest classes. So do book in advance to avoid disappointment. CLASS DETAILSVenue: Chapel Hall, Loddon Bridge Rd, Woodley RG5 4BGThursdays 12.00 – 12.45There is parking in the front of the hall and if that’s full drive down the left side of the hall and there are a few more spaces there. Click Here to see a map of the venue New beginners are always welcome If you’re still not sure here are just a few of our lovely reviews. Click here to see many more reviews.Click Here to see a list of our other times […]
- [Tai Chi Classes in Wokingham](https://jadedragonschool.com/is-tai-chi-good-for-you/tai-chi-classes-wokingham/): Why learn from the Jade Dragon School? Wokingham is one of our busiest classes. So do book in advance to avoid disappointment. CLASS DETAILSVenue: The Bradbury Centre, Rose Street, Wokingham RG40 1XS Wednesdays 16.00 – 16.45There is plenty of parking either in the car park along Rose Street or you can get 90 minutes free parking in Waitrose then cross Rose St to the venue. To get into the hall there are doorbells on the right of the windows. Ring the bell marked ‘main hall’.First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for […]
- [Tai Chi Classes in Bracknell](https://jadedragonschool.com/is-tai-chi-good-for-you/tai-chi-classes-bracknell/): Bracknell has been a popular venue so I’m now running two classes there back to back. Our classes are fun and sociable and always open to new beginners. CLASS DETAILS First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. Venue: Langley Hall, The Ring, Bracknell RG12 1HDWednesdays 11.00 – 11.45Wednesdays 12.00 – 12.45 Click Here to see a map of the venue New beginners are always welcome If you’re still not sure here are just a few of our lovely reviews. Click here to see many more reviews.Click Here to see a list of our other times and […]
- [Tai Chi Classes in Twyford](https://jadedragonschool.com/is-tai-chi-good-for-you/tai-chi-classes-twyford/): Although Twyford is our biggest venue our tai chi classes are quite popular so do book in advance to avoid disappointment. CLASS DETAILSVenue: Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Rd, Twyford RG10 9JATuesdays 12.00 – 12.45First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for 5 sessions thereafter. Click Here to see a map of the venue New beginners are always welcome If you’re still not sure here are just a few of our lovely reviews. Click here to see many more reviews.Click Here to see a list of our other times and venues.Click Here […]
- [Tai Chi Classes in Dunsden Green](https://jadedragonschool.com/is-tai-chi-good-for-you/tai-chi-classes-dunsden/): Our tai chi classes in Dunsden Green are quite popular so do book in to avoid disappointment. CLASS DETAILSVenue: Eye & Dunsden Village Hall, Dunsden Green, RG4 9QGTuesdays 10.30 – 11.15 First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for 5 sessions thereafter. Click Here to see a map of the venue New beginners are always welcome If you’re still not sure here are just a few of our lovely reviews. Click here to see many more reviews.Click Here to see a list of our other times and venues.Click Here to see […]
- [Tai Chi Classes in Reading](https://jadedragonschool.com/is-tai-chi-good-for-you/tai-chi-classes-reading/): Our tai chi classes in Reading are our most popular. Because of this we now run two classes in Caversham on a Monday evening – one at 7pm and the other at 8pm. CLASS DETAILSVenue: Caversham Hall, St Johns Rd, Caversham RG4 5ANMondays 7.00 – 7.45 – excluding Bank holidaysFirst Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for 5 sessions thereafter. Click Here to see a map of the venue New beginners are always welcome If you’re still not sure here are just a few of our lovely reviews. Click here to […]
- [Our Classes](https://jadedragonschool.com/is-tai-chi-good-for-you/): Tai Chi Classes in Maidenhead, Reading, Woodley, Wokingham, Twyford and Bracknell. We have had a huge influx of new members this year so most of our classes are now pretty full. There is some space in a few of the tai chi classes such as Maidenhead and Twyford. If you can’t get into a class I can put you on a waiting list. Alternatively you can learn a lot from home with our detailed posts and videos on all aspects of tai chi and qigong. Tai Chi is the exercise system that teaches you how to relax. And the more […]
- [The Jade Dragon School](https://jadedragonschool.com/): Authentic Tai Chi, Qigong and Kung Fu trainingLearn from home or in our popular classes Find out about our classesBrowse our contentSign up for full access The Jade Dragon School teaches authentic tai chi chuan, qigong, baguazhang and yu lung chuan (Jade Dragon Kung Fu) from beginner to advanced levels to invididuals and groups of all kinds. We also have an ever growing knowledge-base where you can learn any of our skills from home. Feel free to browse. Email the school if you’d like to come along to a class and I’ll put your name down for it. The school […]
- [Effective Stress and Resilience Coaching for Individuals and Organisations in Berkshire](https://jadedragonschool.com/stresscoaching/): Traditional Stress Coaching has its uses but it clearly doesn’t go deep enough. At least 80% of British workers still say they suffer moderate to extreme stress at work. It’s time for a new approach to workplace stress. A new approach to Stress and Resilience Coaching It isn’t what happens to you in life that counts. It is how you react to what happens to you that matters. The majority of Stress Coaching focuses on reducing the amount of stress an individual faces. It can help people become better at saying no, setting boundaries, understanding their circle of control and […]
- [Press Room](https://jadedragonschool.com/press/): About Us Relaxed in stillness, powerful in action My name is Paul Chapman. I’m a tai chi and kung fu teacher working with people’s posture, movement and breathing to restore healthy balance and help them move in an effortlessly powerful way. I have 40 years experience and training in these arts and through constant experimentation I have a unique perspective on my art. I believe there are very few people who know more about how to change your posture and breathing to help you let go of your tensions, calm your mind and move with a fluid, effortless power. I […]
- [Tai Chi in Reading](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichireading8/): Authentic Tai Chi in Caversham Learn the deeper secrets of tai chi Tai chi is an extraordinary art. It is far more than just a series of flowing movements. The principles you learn in tai chi will change the way you do any other activity. Learn how to move with balanced, effortless power Use your breathing to change your energy levels and emotional states Stay calm and relaxed even under pressure – this is perhaps the most important lesson of all. Control your mind and develop your energy First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 […]
- [Our Tai Chi class in Waltham St Lawrence is no longer running](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichiwaltham2/): Click here to see the details of our other classes.
- [Tai Chi at Dunsden Green](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichidunsden2/): Learn Tai chi Join our friendly Tuesday class in Dunsden Green.  Become fitter and more mobile Gain balance and coordination Have fun and make new friends Have more energy and sleep better at night Learn to let go of your physical and mental stresses Feel young again Learn from a master with 35 years experience Classes suitable for all ages and abilities Tai chi is a set of slow, flowing movements developed to release tension and restore your health and balance. Through regular tai chi training you get far greater control over your body, mind and breathing. Tai chi is […]
- [Tai Chi at Twyford](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichitwyford2/): Learn Tai chi Join our friendly Tuesday class in Twyford.  Become fitter and more mobile Gain balance and coordination Have fun and make new friends Have more energy and sleep better at night Learn to let go of your physical and mental stresses Feel young again Learn from a master with 35 years experience Classes suitable for all ages and abilities Tai chi is a set of slow, flowing movements developed to release tension and restore your health and balance. Through regular tai chi training you get far greater control over your body, mind and breathing. Tai chi is also […]
- [Tai Chi at Bracknell](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichibracknell2/): Learn Tai chi Join one of our friendly Wednesday classes in Bracknell.  Become fitter and more mobile Gain balance and coordination Have fun and make new friends Have more energy and sleep better at night Learn to let go of your physical and mental stresses Feel young again Learn from a master with 35 years experience Classes suitable for all ages and abilities Tai chi is a set of slow, flowing movements developed to release tension and restore your health and balance. Through regular tai chi training you get far greater control over your body, mind and breathing. Tai chi […]
- [Tai Chi at Reading](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichireading-2/): Learn Tai chi Join one of our friendly Monday evening classes in Caversham.  Become fitter and more mobile Gain balance and coordination Have fun and make new friends Have more energy and sleep better at night Learn to let go of your physical and mental stresses Feel young again Learn from a master with 35 years experience Classes suitable for all ages and abilities Tai chi is a set of slow, flowing movements developed to release tension and restore your health and balance. Through regular tai chi training you get far greater control over your body, mind and breathing. Tai […]
- [Our Reviews](https://jadedragonschool.com/reviews/): Come along to one of our classes. You first class is free and new beginners are always very welcome. Below is all the reviews that have been posted via our bookings site.
- [Retreats](https://jadedragonschool.com/retreats/): Retreats Now taking bookings for october 2024 Join us in Charney manor 11th – 13th October 2024 £480 with £100 deposit to guarantee your space It has long been a dream of mine to run retreats so I am now making that a reality. Our first retreat will be a long weekend in May 2024 (17th – 19th) at Charney Manor in Oxfordshire. This is now fully booked but our second retreat will run 11th – 18th October 2024.   Each retreat will use guided walks plus tai chi and qigong exercises and principles to improve your balance and fitness […]
- [White Light Meditation](https://jadedragonschool.com/whitelight/): Many people find it hard to meditate. They close their eyes and try to relax but thoughts keep intruding and they are unable to relax mind or body. It does take time for your mind to settle and your tensions to dissolve. Guided meditations can be very useful when you first start meditating. They talk you down into a relaxed state and guide you through specific meditative experiences. Below is an audio recording of the white light meditation with me guiding you through it. It helps energise and relax you from your centre outwards. Listen to it regularly and gradually […]
- [Tai Chi Course Module 11](https://jadedragonschool.com/tai-chi-course-module-11/): This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password:
- [Medical Articles regarding Tai Chi](https://jadedragonschool.com/tai-chi-kung-fu-articles/medical/): The articles below are medical articles regarding the many benefits of tai chi. These take you to external websites. I have tried to use the most highly regarded sources I can such as the British Medical Journal (BMJ) but this means some of them are quite technical reading. There will be simplified versions of their findings widely found on the internet. Effect of tai chi versus aerobic exercise for fibromyalgia – BMJFindings: ‘Tai chi mind-body treatment for fibromyalgia has similar or greater benefits than standard care treatment’. https://www.bmj.com/content/360/bmj.k851 The Effects of Twelve Weeks of Tai Chi Practice on Anxiety in […]
- [New Tai Chi Class Bracknell](https://jadedragonschool.com/newbracknell/): Tai Chi Bracknell   Come and learn Tai Chi in Bracknell. First session FREE. Our classes are fun and friendly and you’ll be amazed at some of the things you’ll learn. First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for 5 sessions thereafter. New beginners are always very welcome. Tai Chi is an amazing system of mind and body control. It’s suitable for anyone of any age and has similar benefits to yoga. Unlike yoga it’s all done standing up with additional benefits in teaching you how to hold and move your […]
- [Tai Chi in Bracknell](https://jadedragonschool.com/bracknelltaichi/): Tai Chi Bracknell Our classes are fun and friendly and you’ll be amazed at some of the things you’ll learn. First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for 5 sessions thereafter. Our other classes Class Details Venue: Langley Hall, The Ring, Bracknell RG12 1HD Wednesdays 11.00 – 11.45 or 12.00 – 12.45 There is plenty of parking in the hall car park. First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for 5 sessions thereafter. I am very much enjoying your Tai Chi classes. […]
- [Jade Dragon School Tai Chi Course Module 10](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichicourse10/): This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password:
- [Eight Animal Kung Fu training](https://jadedragonschool.com/kungfu/): Kung Fu Training Anyone of any age can learn kung fu. Real kung fu doesn’t rely on physical fitness but on proper structural alignments. Our classes are suitable for men or women, young or old. Learn from a highly experienced master in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Beginners are always made very welcome The hallmarks of good kung fu are fluidity of movement and relaxed, whole-body power. A good kung fu exponent can produce awesome power out of all proportion to his size or weight. The fancy acrobatics and high kicks seen in most kung fu movies are nothing like […]
- [Our Waltham St Lawrence class is not longer running.](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichiwaltham-2/): Click here to see the details of our other classes.
- [Tai Chi in Dunsden Green](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichidunsden-2/): Tai Chi Dunsden Green Our venue in Dunsden Green is a lovely venue where we can run sessions inside or out. Our classes are fun and friendly and you’ll be amazed at some of the things you’ll learn. First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for 5 sessions thereafter. Class Details Venue: Eye & Dunsden Village Hall, Dunsden Green, RG4 9QG Tuesdays 10.30 – 11.15am There is plenty of parking in the hall car park. First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for […]
- [Tai Chi in Wokingham](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichiwokingham/): Tai Chi Wokingham Our venue is in the centre of Wokingham. Our classes are fun and friendly and you’ll be amazed at some of the things you’ll learn. First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for 5 sessions thereafter. Class Details Venue: The Bradbury Centre, Rose Street, Wokingham RG40 1XS  Wednesdays 4.00 – 4.45pm  There is plenty of parking either in the car park along Rose Street or you can get 90 minutes free parking in Waitrose then cross Rose St to the venue. To get into the hall there are […]
- [Tai Chi in Twyford](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichitwyford/): Tai Chi Twyford Our venue in Twyford is our largest venue. Our classes are fun and friendly and you’ll be amazed at some of the things you’ll learn. First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for 5 sessions thereafter. Class Details .Venue: Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Rd, Twyford RG10 9JA Tuesdays 12.00 – 12.45pm There is plenty of parking in the hall car park. First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for 5 sessions thereafter. Really enjoying this class. Paul makes it easy […]
- [Tai Chi in Woodley](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichiwoodley/): Tai Chi Woodley Our venue in Woodley is our oldest tai chi venue. The group is fun and friendly and you’ll be amazed at some of the things you’ll learn. First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for 5 sessions thereafter. Class Details Venue: Chapel Hall, Loddon Bridge Rd, Woodley RG5 4BG Thursdays 12pm – 12.45pm   There is parking in the front of the hall and if that’s full drive down the left side of the hall and there are a few more spaces there. You can enter the hall from the rear […]
- [Tai Chi in Reading](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichireading/): Tai Chi Reading Our venue in Caversham is our most popular venue. Because of this we now run two classes there, one at 7pm and the other at 8pm. Our classes are fun and friendly and you’ll be amazed at some of the things you’ll learn. Gain strength, mindfulness, balance and mobility. Learn to relax your whole body and move it in a fluid and graceful way. First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for 5 sessions thereafter The classes are run in such a way that you won’t feel left […]
- [Tai Chi and Kung Fu classes in Berkshire](https://jadedragonschool.com/classesnew/): Our Classes We run regular classes in tai chi and kung fu. Our classes are fun and friendly and you’ll be amazed at some of the things you’ll learn. We still accept payment by cash or you can book and pay online. 45 minute tai chi class – £9 Save by buying a block of five classes. Click on the buttons below to see details on the different classes. Your first session is free. After that you can either pay by cash or card on the door. Buy a block of 5 sessions and get £5 off the price. Class […]
- [About Us](https://jadedragonschool.com/about/): Jade Dragon School the eight animal way Relaxed in stillness, powerful in action My name is Paul Chapman. I’m a tai chi and kung fu teacher working with people’s posture, movement and breathing to restore healthy balance and help them move in an effortlessly powerful way. I have 40 years experience and training in these arts and through constant experimentation I have a unique perspective on my art. I believe there are very few people who know more about how to change your posture and breathing to help you let go of your tensions, calm your mind and move with […]
- [Tai Chi and Qigong training](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichi/): Tai Chi classes in Reading and Wokingham Tai chi is a set of slow, flowing movements developed to release tension and restore your health and balance. Through regular tai chi training you get far greater control over your body, mind and breathing. Our school teaches the more advanced concepts of tai chi which are rarely found in most schools but ideal for beginners to learn. You get so much more benefit from each class when you understand the deeper principles and learn to use them from the beginning. Tai chi is also a martial art and teaches you to relax […]
- [Jade Dragon School Tai Chi / Qigong and kung fu](https://jadedragonschool.com/home/): Tai Chi and Qigong in Berkshire Join one of our popular classes and learn the fascinating arts of tai chi and qigong. We make tai chi easy and fun to learn and new beginners are always made welcome. Find a class near youContact Us The Jade Dragon School We have been teaching tai chi, qigong and kung fu in Berkshire since 2003. But our tradition goes way back before that originating in a temple on the slopes of the Jade Dragon mountain in South West China. The school is run by Paul Chapman who has nearly 40 years teaching and […]
- [Jade Dragon School Tai Chi Course Module 9](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichicourse9/): This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password:
- [Jade Dragon School Tai Chi Course Module 8](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichicourse8/): This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password:
- [Thank you for your interest in our Jade Dragon classes.](https://jadedragonschool.com/confirminterest/): Please check your inbox for the information you requested. I hope you enjoy your journey learning with us.
- [Tai Chi for Schools](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichischools/): Tai Chi for Schools Tai Chi is the ideal exercise for both staff and pupils. Read on to find out why. Tai Chi for teachers Tai chi helps teachers be more balanced, poised and in control of their reactions to stress. It helps them be more confident and assertive and to be able to deal with potential conflict in an appropriate manner. Did you know: We incorporate breathing exercises and teach a wide range of skills that help you to relax and gain more control over your mind, body and breathing. Your teacher So much of what you get out […]
- [Jade Dragon School Tai Chi Course Module 7](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichicourse7/): This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password:
- [Tai Chi Private Coaching](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichicoaching/): Personal training in Tai Chi and Qigong Gain all the benefits of tai chi at your own pace from an experienced master Learn real tai chi, qigong, meditation and more from complete beginner to advanced skills Learn the skills you want from the comfort of your own home. Other family members can join in too. So if classes aren’t for you then let me help you get the amazing benefits of the Chinese martial, healing and spiritual arts. Why learn tai chi? Improve balance, flexibility, strength, coordination and more Greatly improve posture and breathing Relieve long term aches and pains […]
- [Tai Chi Twyford B](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichitwyfordb/): Is Tai Chi for you? Are you full of tension? Do you lack energy and vitality? Do you have limited mobility? Are you looking for an exercise that doesn’t overly strain your body? Would you like to be more balanced, stronger and more mobile? If you answered yes to any of the above then tai chi could be just what you need. Tai chi is the ideal exercise as we age. It improves your balance, flexibility and strength in a gentle way that doesn’t strain your body. You learn the most efficient ways to stand, breathe, move and walk.You gain […]
- [Tai Chi Twyford A](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichitwyforda/): Tai Chi classes in Twyford Are you full of tension? Do you lack energy and vitality? Do you have limited mobility? Are you looking for an exercise that doesn’t overly strain your body? Would you like to be more balanced, stronger and more mobile? If you answered yes to any of the above then tai chi could be just what you need. Tai chi is an amazing exercise system. The principles show you how to move, breathe and stand in the most powerful and efficient ways. You learn to open your joints so you can move with fluid, graceful power. […]
- [Jade Dragon School Tai Chi Course Module 6](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichicourse6/): This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password:
- [Products](https://jadedragonschool.com/products/): 14 Day Money Back Guarantee on all online products If you don’t think you’ll genuinely benefit from any of our products within the first 14 days just contact me and I’ll give you a full refund. No questions asked. Balanced Breathing Course Tai Chi Course Find Out More Due to old age and various medical problems I gave Tai Chi a go not expecting much from it and wish I’d discovered it years ago. It has improved my breathing and mobility problems and exercises at home have helped with relaxation and tension. — B Winson My Books Stress Proof Your Body  […]
- [Tai Chi at Wokingham](https://jadedragonschool.com/taichi-wokingham/): Learn Tai chi Join our friendly Wednesday afternoon class in Wokingham. Register below to find out more. First session FREE Become fitter and more mobile Gain balance and coordination Have fun and make new friends Have more energy and sleep better at night Learn to let go of your physical and mental stresses Feel young again Learn from a master with 35 years experience Classes suitable for all ages and abilities First Session FREE. Email Us to let us know you’re coming. £9 per session or £40 for 5 sessions thereafter. Class details: Wednesdays 4.00 – 4.45pm at the Bradbury […]
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- [Personal Training](https://jadedragonschool.com/training/): Personal Training Master Chapman offers specialist personal training in a wide range of skills.  These include tai chi, kung fu and much more. These can be found on his personal website along with his therapy services. CLICK HERE to find out more.
- [Syllabus](https://jadedragonschool.com/syllabus/): Our Syllabus We are rightly proud of our syllabus which is one of the most advanced and comprehensive you’ll find anywhere outside China. Our syllabus progresses from the first few weeks basic training on through the development of 8 distinct animal fighting styles. Each one will develop you in different ways. Each one is an effective martial art in its own right. When combined together they give you a versatility that few other martial artists can match. Basic Training Everyone starts with basic training. No matter what other martial arts you may have studied before you need to start here. […]
- [Home](https://jadedragonschool.com/homeold/): Jade Dragon School The home of authentic Tai Chi and 8 Animal Kung Fu Traditional skillsFun, friendly classesExpert tuition Learn Tai Chi Learn 8 animal kung fu What Makes Us Different? we go deeper We go deeper than most schools do. We teach the real biomechanics of effortless power, how to incorporate your mind and breathing to maximise your health and effectiveness and the real philosophies that tie it all together fun, friendly classes In our classes there are no cliques or egos. Everyone is friendly and helps each other to understand the skills.The knowledge may be serious but we […]
- [About Us](https://jadedragonschool.com/aboutold/): About Us The Jade Dragon School has been run since 2003 by Master Paul Chapman.  The school is named after it’s birth place – the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in South West China. The mountain used to be the home of a monastery where traditional martial and healing skills were developed over many hundreds of years.  The monastery is no longer there but the skills live on as they have been passed down from Master to student over over the years.  Master Chapman has been studying these arts since 1985. He has constantly been refining his skills so that he […]
- [Contact Us today](https://jadedragonschool.com/contact22/): Contact Us We’re always happy to help and to answer any questions you may have So for more information on our classes, products and personal training, feel free to contact us Contact Us Tel: 07788 588815 Click to Email the school Sign up to book classes Tai Chi and Kung Fu classes in Reading and Wokingham area. Facebook-f Quick Links Home About Us Tai Chi Kung Fu Personal Training Contact Us Opening Hours Tai Chi classes throughout the week Kung Fu classes Thursdays Personal training at times to suit you Get In Touch Email: info@jadedragonschool.com Phone: 07788 588815


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