Cherry picking

New students often have a wish list of things they want to learn. They will even ask the instructor to teach them specific skills i.e. sword.

Similarly, the student may decline to do certain things because it may not please or gratify them. The problem with this approach is that the student has no idea what the scope of the syllabus is.

They do not know what skills must be acquired, in what order, how and why.

By seeking to focus only upon what they think is important robs the student of the opportunity to learn from the only person who actually knows what they are doing: the instructor.

Preconceptions?

New starters often believe what they see in the movies or on TV. It looks so exciting, so relaxing, so graceful... They want this for themselves.

The student expects to walk away with awesome skills within a few weeks. After all, the man on YouTube can do it... why can't they? Unfortunately, the student is typically unrealistic.

They seldom consider:

1. Their own level of fitness

2. Their capacity to learn

3. The scope of their ambitions

4. How much work lies ahead of them

5. How long it will take to learn the desired skills

Give it a chance?

The first lesson will be hindered by your own personality. Even if you have trained tai chi before, you are unlikely to see past the veil of your own self-consciousness and fears. It is usually worth trying the second class. That way, you can settle-in a little and really observe what is taking place.

People are usually motivated by the quest for gratification. They seek out things that please them and avoid things that fail to measure up to their expectations.

New starters sometimes commence a tai chi class and imagine that they can 'cherry pick' the syllabus. Typically, they are quietly instructed to get on with the training.

A tai chi class is not about gratification. This is a very important thing to recognise. It is not the 'service industry'.

There are many different approaches to tai chi. Some classes are earnest and challenging. Some teachers adhere strictly to the The Tai Chi Classics. Some classes are popular, but sadly misguided.

Look for something suitable for you.

Your own agenda

Everyone has an agenda. The more honest and open you are about your own, the more likely you are to find a suitable class.

Do you have health problems? Have you bad knees? A bad back? Are you concerned about being thrown on the floor? Does the prospect of combat training frighten you?

Is your age an issue? What are your expectations? Are you willing to commit to a weekly class? Do have previous tai chi experience? (Are you hoping that the new class will be the same as the old?)

Are you attending class because you really want to, or because you think you should?

A teacher needs to cultivate an atmosphere of friendship, care and respect. The classes need to be akin to an extended family, with students feeling quite safe and comfortable with one another.

No matter what is happening in your life, the class remains a good place to be.

 

What is strength?

This is an interesting question. In tai chi, the idea of 'strength' encompasses a wide range of physical and mental abilities. Strength is the ability to cope, to endure, to sustain, to see alternatives, to move skilfully, to deliver power, to see harmonious options instead of conflictive ones.

In tai chi, having strength of character is as important as physical prowess.

Quality not quantity...

As you get older, the quality of your life needs to be the focus: flexibility, agility, strength, relaxed muscles, calm mind, settled emotions... You will benefit from the tai chi every single day.

Things take time to grow...

Modern life is impatient; people want instant results and immediate gratification. Yet, things take time: a meal takes time to prepare, time to cook and then time to eat.

All things in life are like this. Your body cannot perform tai chi skilfully when you begin lessons. Progress will be slow and gradual. Patience, perseverance and enthusiasm are required.
Give yourself time: allow time for your body to change, for your muscles to re-grow and your skeleton to re-align.

Moderation

A common theme in tai chi training is 'moderation'. Be cautious of extremes. Pushing your body can lead to injury, strain and physical tension.

In tai chi, the training is gentle and does not tax the body. We remain calm, focussed and patient.

Practice is ongoing...

People typically think of training in terms of a fixed outcome. They pass an exam. They get a certificate. Your aim in tai chi is not to pass a black belt, become an instructor or even a master.

Your goal is long life, youthfulness and ongoing good fitness.

Peak performance?

Tai chi trains the body to respond to the requirements of the mind. We want your body to be capable of spontaneous movement in any direction; comfortably, safely, with the necessary support and stability.

By sitting, standing and moving in a natural, healthy way you will feel energised, relaxed, comfortable and agile.

Gentle exercise...

Dr Michael Greger (author of How Not To Die) recommends 90 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day. It doesn't have to be in one go. Little and often is better...

The three doctors who wrote The Okinawa Program maintain that tai chi - with its ancient origins and incredible health benefits - is the ideal form of exercise for modern people.

A sanctuary

Ideally, a tai chi class should be a good place to be: a pure place. There is no meanness or petty behaviour, no malice or sarcasm. Good humour, camaraderie, polite manners, consideration, respect and fun result in a pleasant training environment.

 

Taking lessons

Students in a tai chi school are encouraged to interact with one another in a healthy, friendly manner, free from the competitive norms found in wider society.

There is a supportive atmosphere of trust and care. The training hall is a safe place to be.

Interaction with the instructor is of particular importance, as this commonly entails the passing-on of knowledge, bespoke physical corrections and the exploration of deeper philosophical issues pertinent to the training.

Tai chi makes people feel happy. This is important in our stressed out society. The philosophical background and attitudes employed in tai chi practice are good for mental health.

They develop resilience, patience, friendliness and fun.

Mind, body, spirit

Tai chi practice possesses a spiritual component. This may be enhanced through Taoism and Zen, along with meditating, qigong, form and application.

An earnest student of tai chi becomes calmer, more harmonious. They have a sense of deep connection with all things. People seek to move in accord with events, rather than against.

Mobile

Being strong is fine, but mobility and coordination are way more important. How often do you really need to use your strength? You coordinate your body from the moment you get out of bed.

Tai chi teaches: healthy skeletal alignment, balance, agility, ambidextrous use of the limbs, gait (manner of walking), leverage and ergonomic body use.

You learn how to move freely, spontaneously and comfortably.

 Metabolism slows down 90 percent after 30 minutes of sitting. The enzymes that move the bad fat from your arteries to your muscles, where it can get burned off, slow down. The muscles in your lower body are turned off. And after two hours, good cholesterol drops 20 percent. Just getting up for five minutes is going to get things going again. These things are so simple they’re almost stupid.

(Gavin Bradley)

Energised

Modern life saps energy. People are often exhausted, unhappy, frustrated... They are frequently emotionally, physically and psychologically unbalanced. Feeling drained is commonplace.

Getting angry is normal. This is not a healthy way to live... Tai chi teaches people how to find balance in their lives and use their mind/body in a manner that is conducive to being energised.

Prevention

Although many modern people seek to use tai chi as a means of curing illness, this is not where its strength lies. Tai chi is best employed whilst healthy, not sick.

When a healthy person does tai chi they are more apt to remain healthy. It takes far less effort to prevent something than to cure it...

Intelligent exercise?

Tai chi is different. It works the body without exertion, physical stress or taxing the joints. There is very little risk of injury. You will not get out of breath.

In tai chi, much of the work will be performed by the mind. Students must improve their memory, perception, awareness, insights, mindfulness, presence, nervous system, acuity and intelligence.

To perform the art correctly, you must engage your whole being. Tai chi is a fun, balanced way to exercise.

If we didn't tense our muscles, we're in good balance, not interfering with our breathing, and if we're free, tall and expansive in stature, and used a minimum of effort, then we could say we had done the job really well.

(Noel Kingsley)

 The Chinese public first became aware of taijiquan in about 1750. Until then it had been practiced in secret for hundreds (if not thousands) of years.

Taijiquan offered many of the same skills as other styles of Chinese martial art, but with a twist. It contained none of the strenuous training methods and proved to be exceptionally good for your health.

 Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health.

Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi addresses the key components of fitness — muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and, to a lesser degree, aerobic conditioning.

(Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publication, May 2009)

 Tai chi is the one exercise that can universally help solve our growing health crisis. It has stood the test of thousands of years. We have a generation of baby boomers with increasing health problems; old people who are sick, in pain, fearful, and cranky; a middle class that is increasingly incapable of affording most of the drugs that are prescribed for their ailments; children that are flaccid, diabetic and asthmatic. People of all ages are addicted to drugs, alcohol, sugar, cigarettes, and caffeine. Stress follows almost everyone like a shadow.

(Bruce Frantzis)

 The Chinese exercise practice of tai chi can significantly boost the body's immune system response to virus infection.

(ABC Science, regarding a University of California study)

Social support

Students in a tai chi school are encouraged to interact with one another in a healthy, friendly manner, free from the competitive norms found in wider society.

There is a supportive atmosphere of trust and care. The training hall is safe place to be. People come to relax, to learn, to have a good night.

Long-term exercise

According to the book The Blue Zones it is important to think of exercise in terms of what you can reasonably do long-term.

The ideal form of exercise is moderate enough that you can do it for the rest of your life. It needs to be joint-friendly, provide a gentle workout and be sustainable.

This sounds rather like tai chi, doesn't it?

1950's China

Faced with a major health crisis, the People's Republic of China turned to the old/classical Yang style tai chi for a solution. Just think about what that means...

Yang style tai chi's reputation for health was so well founded that the government of China thought to employ the art officially as a means of improving wellbeing.

Tai chi proved to be a very effective form of preventative healthcare and the art was introduced to schools nationwide.

Ideal exercise

The Okinawa Program was a 25 year study into longevity and healthy living. It led to other studies such as The Blue Zones, 50 Secrets of the World's Longest Living People and How Not To Die.

The three doctors who wrote The Okinawa Program maintain that tai chi - with its ancient origins and incredible health benefits - is the ideal form of exercise for modern people of all ages.

Want to try an entertaining, low impact form of exercise? Great teaching and friendly atmosphere. 5/5 would come again

(Dan)

 

 Fantastic class, friendly, engaging and fun.

(Pete)

 A friendly and welcoming class to join, with clear and professional teaching. There is no pressure to advance in skills any faster than works for you. At the same time positive encouragement is given along with constructive feedback.

(Stephen)

 Friendly class, great teaching with an in-depth syllabus. Very accessible for beginners, and lots to explore for keener students. Would highly recommend.

(Eddie)

 I've been attending for a few months and really love the class, I highly encourage anyone interested to give Rachel's intro class a try. 

Sifu Waller has a way of teaching that uses one's own senses as means to learn and self-correct, which has really clicked with me. Tai Chi has actually made a big impact in how I use my body for chores and daily life, on top of just being enjoyable to learn.

(Jules)

 https://www.facebook.com/newcastletaichischool/

Really appreciate the fact that I am learning a lot of things in the class. I am very happy as I am learning. It is not so usual in our society to find people willing to give.

(Vicky)

Can I just thank Sifu Waller and yourself for continuing to make the sessions so enjoyable on so many levels....

(Tracy)

I have been interested in the internal arts, specifically Taiji and Bagua for many years but realised how hard it is to find someone teaching the authentic art. With Sifu Waller I finally found what I was looking for! An amazing functional system taught by the best instructor I've ever encountered. Sifu Waller's understanding and knowledge is outstanding. The syllabus is both deep and broad allowing a structured development of each student as they progress. This is a martial art that is subtle and effective, using body structure and biodynamics to achieve success. Anyone that thinks Taiji is for old people has clearly no idea what the total art is about. I can highly recommend this class for anyone with the passion and dedication to learn a true martial art.

(Christine)

Everything about Newcastle Tai Chi is spot on. The teaching is brilliant. Sifu Waller not only shows and teaches the form and different techniques but shows and tells why they are done in a certain way. Sifu Waller teaches in a way that is clear and is explained so all understand. I would highly recommend Newcastle Tai Chi to everyone. I finish one class and can't wait for the next one. One more thing I would say to anyone thinking of starting is try out the classes. Find out for yourselves. You won't be disappointed.

(Emma)

Honestly the most informative, realistic and enjoyable classes I've ever been to. Most self-defence or martial-arts classes focus on patterns & sequences. In teaching Tai Chi, Sifu Waller understands and acknowledges that real life isn't like that - you don't patiently wait to get hit in the face before returning fire! Nor are fights purely about strength; with aspects of the syllabus requiring reading and completing (short) written assignments you get both a full body, and mind workout in one. Sifu himself is an absolute goldmine of information.

(Alexandra)

I’ve found the class a very positive experience and one which I want to commit to. I have felt welcome from the outset and the class is remarkably collaborative. The class seems really fresh and perpetually interesting! It’s refreshing to find people who practice and embody the Art they are studying, and none more so than Sifu Waller. With Sifu Waller there is a sense of ‘deep time’ - some teachers spend hours labouring points superficially but Sifu Waller gets right to the heart of the matter and can convey meaningful and stimulating guidance in a brief interaction. The syllabus is excellent and I’m starting to work my way through the classic texts. All told, excellent!

(Louise)

Sifu Waller is a teacher of unquestionable knowledge and experience. His classes and workshops are friendly, safe, inclusive and fun. The syllabus that he has created is structured, balanced and inter-connected. His teaching is clear, in-depth and incredibly practical. The exercises and the form do not consist of meaningless or empty movements - everything is done and practiced for a very practical reason (or, usually, multiple possible reasons). The more I learn, the more I'm amazed at both the depth and simplicity of what we're being taught, and also Sifu Waller's depth of knowledge and understanding - there seems to be no end to it. In the west, tai chi is often seen as only being a relaxed and gentle exercise. Sifu Waller teaches the importance of relaxation and gentleness within a devastatingly effective martial art (taijiquan).

(Nicola)

What I like most about the class is that true learning is possible; having tried other classes, I can attest that Sifu Waller's teaching is at a far higher level. He teaches whole-body unity in every aspect of the syllabus. The longer I'm with the class the more impressed I am with Sifu Waller's teachings and support. A great environment for us to learn in.

(Tishy, Headteacher)

One of the good things about the class is the atmosphere of respect and camaraderie. It is good to feel safe when practicing a martial art. It has affected my day to day life in the fact that I'm more aware of how I use and misuse my body on a daily basis which is particularly relevant to me because I have a physical job. It has also helped me to remain calmer in certain stressful situations.

(Marc)

From the very first lesson I have always felt comfortable there, the other students are all friendly and accommodating. Sifu Waller is always very patient when teaching, even when having to go over and over small details! His teaching style strikes a good balance between more traditional and formal whilst also maintaining a friendly humour.

(Claire)

I looked for a tai chi class locally and tried a few but found they were not what I wanted. Basically the classes were too large and there seemed to be no development of skills or structure in the teaching, merely waving your arms about. I found a class run by Rachel Waller. This changed my whole outlook. There are people actively teaching the syllabus and practicing. There is a very comprehensive program of study to work through.

(Angela)

Sifu Waller, I just wanted to say how much I appreciated the qi gong workshop yesterday evening. I always enjoy the workshops but last nights was particularly excellent and noteworthy. It showed the degree to which I am never usually relaxed and this morning I feel completely different. I feel (without being cliched about it) that it could be a 'life-changing' moment. This morning I feel like a different person. I feel slow, calm, quiet - with no desire to go quicker.

(Sally)

 I wanted to join a school where I could learn and practice an original form of kung fu. I’ve been meaning to write a review for a while but since there are so many great facets to this class I struggle to do it real justice, you’ll have to come and try it for yourself! Newcastle Tai Chi is a hidden gem, not only as the class is unpretentious and friendly but because we have a true master teacher who teaches us to use our body in the most optimal way to achieve maximal results with great ease, with correct application. I can with confidence say every week Sifu Waller amazes even the most experienced of students, by the depth of his knowledge and insight plus the masterful execution of efficient applications with such ease that it is often humorous.

(Allyson)

I am extremely grateful to be part of the Newcastle Tai Chi school and being taught by Sifu all amazing benefits taijiquan entails for my well being, mental and body strength. I have been a member of the school for the last three years now and I have observed the benefits on my body (e.g. more toned muscles than before on my legs, better sensation of body tension) while practicing the Tai Chi syllabus on a consistent-basis without strenuous effort or exertive movements. Sifu and Rachel put a massive effort to run each lesson providing a great knowledge and insightful support to all members to help us increase our performance. I see Newcastle Tai Chi as a personal investment for my holistic well being.

(Maria)

For people interested in relaxing, I'd definitely recommend Newcastle Tai Chi class. I joined back in February 2019 and enjoy every class. I needed a way to leave stress behind me, and recover my muscle strength and tai chi has much improved things. I feel more aware of what my body can do, what strength there is, where I hold tension. I am calmer, less anxious, than I used to be, being able to do tai chi has helped keep me grounded. Members are friendly and we like to get out on social events for class meals. I would have loved to have found this tai chi class a lot earlier in life.

(Joanne)

I checked out the google reviews when I was looking for a Tai Chi School. The school has far exceeded my expectations. Sifu and Rachel have in depth knowledge of the art, excellent teaching skills and very supportive. The students at the school are friendly and encouraging. If you want to improve your health, enjoy a challenge and also have fun, then, I would recommend you give Newcastle Tai Chi School a try.

(Dawn)

The level of knowledge Sifu Waller has as a martial arts teacher is profound to say the least. Whether you are an absolute beginner to any martial arts (which I was) or more experienced, Sifu will teach you not only how to train physically but mentally also. His approach is by far the most authentic in the North East, but does not come without hard work. If you want to improve your health, gain insights into body/mind & eastern philosophy and throw someone across a room with little to no effort -- this is the school to go for. It may just change your life for the better. It certainly has for me.

(Brett)

I found Newcastle Tai Chi following an Internet search not long after reading an article on the health benefits of qigong about 3 years ago. I'd never previously done any martial art, so I had no idea what to expect. I found the school to be welcoming and friendly, with all students, whatever their level being taught in the same hall. Students can learn as little or as much as they want to from exceptional teachers who teach a vast syllabus. I'm in my 50's, but have never felt as healthy and strong as I do now. I can't recommend the school highly enough.

(Julia)

I think the shredding of pre-conceived ideas of what 'taijiquan' is was very important (and still is) in the early/beginner stages. My health has improved - not just physically - also an increase in general wellbeing. I have a lot of respect for the class and the instructor and the helpers/senior students. It's a joy training with people who have real passion (I don't use the word lightly) for the art and teach it with respect and integrity. 

(Rachel H) 

My strength has increased tremendously. I can now garden without getting backache.

(Sylvia)

Like a lot of people, I thought Tai Chi was just something that old folks did in the park, but the depth of information on the website grabbed my interest, so I gave it a try. So glad I did. This is real Tai Chi taught to an exceptional standard. At the health and fitness level it teaches you to move efficiently, minimise stress on your joints, and restores flexibility, strength and balance. But if you want to take it further it opens up the martial art of taijiquan, which teaches you to read your opponents and use their own strength against them. When you see this demonstrated by Sifu Waller you forget any preconceptions.

(Malcolm)

Website

 Newcastle Tai Chi

Year of the dragon meal

 

Partner work (taijiquan)