Tai chi is a set of slow, flowing movements developed to release tension and restore your health and balance.
It is also a martial art and teaches you to become and remain calm and centred even under the most stressful of circumstances. The lessons of tai chi will benefit every area of your life.
I’m thoroughly enjoying a re-acquaintance with Tai Chi having tried it at University a few decades ago, before getting caught up in a busy life as an NHS GP! My previous classes focused on the Tai Chi form only, but Paul brings a huge additional dimension to the practice; he is clearly extremely knowledgeable regarding the wisdom and philosophy of Tai Chi, and of human anatomy, balance and the breath, bringing Tai Chi to life and making it so pertinent and relevant to coping with the challenges of modern life in our fraught western society!
Paul makes Tai Chi fun and accessible to all. If you’re at all interested in the practice and art of Tai Chi, I’d highly recommend Paul and his classes as a great way to start!
— Andrew B
The form we teach is the 37 step Yang style short form developed by Professor Cheng Man Ching. Each movement can be done in different ways allowing you to express yourself through the form.
It takes a while to learn but it is a journey that gradually leads to mastery overy your mind, body and breath.
Qigong refers to any exercise that develops your breathing and energy flow. Qigong is either slow, deliberate movements much like the form or is done standing in stillness.
As you start to feel your energy you can learn to guide it in different ways and gain the sensations of relaxed power that qigong grants you.
An integral part of tai chi training is push hands. This is a partner exercise where you gently push with your partner and aim to maintain all the principles of tai chi. You remain balanced, relaxed, sensitive and receptive to their movements.
With some practice any physical or emotional force acting on you doesn’t instantly trigger your fight or flight responses. You learn to stay relaxed and in control of your mind and body.
I really enjoy Paul’s classes. I have been going fairly regularly and have noticed changes in my body and how I move, and in particular, my balance has improved. Paul explains and demonstrates very clearly, and makes it fun.
— S Lawman
The combat applications of the movements are rarely taught these days but you can gain so much from learning them. You learn to flow with your partner and constantly adapt to their movements all the time keeping the principles of tai chi alive. It is perhaps the most fun part.
