Strengthening & flexibility

The effectiveness of tai chi as a physical exercise can be overlooked.
It is easy to dismiss the seemingly mild training as being ineffectual.
However, tai chi provides a very effective workout.

It moves the body in a safe, therapeutic, healthy manner and has no known side-effects.
There is a substantial amount of evidence to support tai chi's medical and health claims.

Do less as standard

Tai chi seeks moderation. 
Not too much and not too little. Neither passive nor overly-active. 
'Doing less' and 'letting-go' are big themes in the training.

Not forcing

Students are taught how to allow things to gradually unfold, rather than forcing a result.
Forcing promotes resistance whilst allowing leads to release.
Gentleness is cultivated.
The body is treated with care and respect.

Mind-body

Mind-body unity is a major theme in tai chi, particularly for students of the martial art.
The cultivation of jing is entirely contingent upon the ability to visualise and then physically generate very specific types of force using the coordinated actions of the body.

Most people come to our classes because they are seeking to learn tai chi properly and recognise that this is by far the best tai chi in the North East. (Patricia)

Play

Instead of practicing in a forced, uncomfortable way, the tai chi student is encouraged to be playful and open-minded. To have fun. 
This leads to greater progress and deeper physical relaxation.

Poise

One famous aspect of tai chi practice is the onus upon optimal use of the body.
A student seeks to gain a physical sense of good alignment.

Rather than stressing, straining and punishing the body, they move in a deliberate, powerful way.

Intention

The metaphorical images featured in the tai chi forms and The Tai Chi Classics e.g. 'Stork spreads wings' evoke images, movements and feelings designed to resonate in the practitioner.
This imagery (and associated visualisation) encourages a cognitive element that contributes significantly to the health benefits of the art.
Every movement in tai chi begins with intention.

Classes

We have a detailed syllabus in place in order to optimise the learning experience.
Our instructors specialise in teaching:

• Qigong   • Tai chi for health
• Tai chi chuan/taijiquan (martial art)

Welcome

Have fun in a calm, vibrant, training environment; free from bullying, cliques and politics. The atmosphere is friendly and stimulating.
Personal safety and individual progress are important to us.

Active relaxation

The problem with most modern activities is tension.
Driving the car, watching TV, using the computer or speaking on the phone can promote habits of adverse muscular tension and stress.

When people undertake mainstream exercise/sport they typically end up exerting. The muscles never relax and the joints become inflexible. 

Clarity

Adjusting, attuning yourself to what is actually taking place requires an acute presence of being.
A clearer state of mind means better decision-making and more effective action.

Balancing

Heightened physical, emotional and psychological awareness are all hallmarks of long-term tai chi training.
The student possesses the ability to sustain attention, avoid over-thinking, evaluating and judging.
They learn to attune to the flow of what is taking place; to find harmony and balance.

An ancient art

We offer the traditional form of tai chi.
The ancient art.
It was developed by another culture, in another time.
Students can learn remarkable skills not widely known or practiced in the modern era.

Awareness

Tai chi involves the cultivation of moment-by-moment awareness, paying attention to what is taking place as it is taking place.
Unlike mainstream meditation, this does not involve sitting.
It is an active process, involving your body as well as your mind.

The physicality of tai chi enables you to take the skills immediately and directly into everyday life.

The perfect exercise?

Tai chi offers a balanced approach to the cultivation of health, vitality and wellbeing. 
There is no sweating, straining or panting for breath. There is gain without pain.
The benefits of tai chi are significant and long-lasting.

Long held to be an excellent anti-aging regime, tai chi may indeed be the perfect exercise (Harvard Medical School).