Tai chi where and when
Tai chi Nethy Bridge, The Community Centre on Wednesdays 10.45-12.00
Tai chi Granton on Spey, The British Legion on Tuesdays 9-10am. This is part of the Highlife programme run by the Granton Leisure Centre
All welcome to the tai chi classes especially beginners. You can start at any time as I don’t run specific terms. Just contact me in advance of the class to check it is running as normal that week.
What is tai chi / taiji
Taiji, or tai chi as it is commonly called in the West, was originally developed as a martial art in China. With its links to Taoism it is also a gentle form of exercise and meditation. How much one delves into each aspect depends on the person practicing but it is perhaps the richness of its heritage which makes taiji’s appeal so enduring.
Why do it?
As exercise– the slow movements and gentle shifting of weight from foot to foot are hugely beneficial in terms of balance, coordination, core strenth and general fitness. This makes it first class exercise for all ages and for those who are finding their way back to recovery after injury. It is exercise one can practice every day in a small space at home without need of special equipment. One issue people find hard to grasp at the beginning of their journey is that slow does not mean easy – you work within your means but if you are fit and healthy taiji can be as demanding as you need it to be.
As meditation – learning to carve out a space and be in the moment is a skill which people are increasingly finding they yearn for in a world which is busy and demanding. Taiji offers a ‘way in’ to focus and take control of the mind by concentrating on relaxed breathing and movement from the centre. Because of this taiji has helped many who struggle with stress, anxiety, panic attacks or poor sleep.
As a martial art – even if not using it in a fight situation, the practice of working with other people can really help one to understand the principles of taiji. If you think in terms of giving and receiving energy, taiji helps you learn the art of ‘yielding’ softly rather than blocking aggressively when on the receiving end of a strong punch, be it physical or verbal. This can be a really useful skill when facing stressful encounters at work or home. The fact that you are continuously drawing on this energy and connecting with other people makes the practice both fun and energising.
What do we do in the class?
There are many different styles of taiji, in our class we practice a Yang Style (from Cheng Man Chin modified by Chi Chiang Tao) . The class consists of some easy warm up exercises, learning of the short form (a simple pattern of movements performed in a slow and controlled way) and some partner work to raise energy and spirit.
Whether you are looking for something to help you to stay fit or help with balance and coordination; something to help you calm down and relax or something to make you feel livelier taiji could well be that thing….Wear comfy clothes and flat shoes and just come and try it. Contact me if you need further information.
Acknowledgements
My thanks to all my tai chi elder brothers and sisters and to my teachers:
Wudang with Steve Barnard and Ian Cameron from 1985
Yang style with Rita Harris, John Kells and Steven Moore from 2004
Chen style with Kinthissa from 2015.