Tai Chi for the Brain
One of the most common comments that students who are new to my class make at some point during their first class with me are along the lines of, “I didn’t realise it would be so good for my brain!”. Learning to move our bodies slowly and methodically is …
Read More
The Lack of Tai Chi Crisis
Everything is a crisis nowadays. We’ve currently dealing with the cost of living crisis, Ukraine crisis, fuel crisis, energy crisis, food crisis. There are probably more, I’ve most likely lost count. Whilst I would never demean the severity of the situations listed, it does strike me that it is manna …
Read More
Warming Up for Tai Chi
I remember being at school in the 80’s and for the first minute or so of our PE lesson we’d do the warm up. It was a case of the teacher shouting something along the lines of, “Okay boys, touch your toes… now you’re good to go!” I would hope …
Read More
5 Animals Qigong
Tiger, Deer, Bear, Monkey, and Crane are the five animals which together make up this qigong routine. Known in Mandarin as Wi Qin Xi and also translated as 5 Animal Frolics, it was created by a Chinese doctor called Hua Tuo in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 CE). 5 Animals …
Read More
The Important Hidden Benefit of Tai Chi
It’s great to see new members flooding in this week, January always sees many new people join and start their tai chi journey with us. Remember that you can subscribe with 25% off annual subscriptions all the way through January. Just use the coupon code newyear2022 to claim your discount. …
Read More
Take Back Control in 2022
Over the past couple of years I would imagine that you have felt important parts of your life have been at best inconvenienced, at worst been practically impossible. Many have felt the heartbreaking loss of loved ones; separation from family and friends; freedom to visit other countries – or …
Read More
Winter in Chinese Medicine
Winter is the most Yin time of year in Chinese medicine. The darker months are a time of looking inward, slowing down, resting, wrapping up, keeping warm, and eating nourishing foods. It is a time when looking after our kidneys is important. In Chinese medicine each season is associated …
Read More
Everyone Should Practice Qigong
I believe that everyone should do qigong. Young, old, and everyone in between. It’s the perfect activity and here I offer three all encompassing reasons why: Mind “You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realise this and you will find strength” Marcus Aurelius, Meditations. Whilst social …
Read More
More thoughts on balance
A central concept in Buddhism is that of the middle way, which leads you on the Noble Eightfold Path to enlightenment. In Taoism we find that harmony between the two polarities of yin and yang will see the equilibrium of life restored. The Bible tells us that, “For everything there …
Read More
4 Tips for Better Balance
I have many students who have sought out tai chi training specifically to improve their balance. A decline in the body’s stability can be incredibly unsettling, whether it’s from an injury, a health condition, or the ageing process, it can really knock your confidence. However, with practice and determination, it’s …
Read More