We are flying through the year! Our Birmingham Weekend Course was a great success with students depending their knowledge, building their skills and even trying out weapons training.
And already, Easter is here next week!
The Taoist Cultural Arts Association will be hosting a week of tai chi training down in Falmouth. It will be a week of training in all aspects of tai chi arts with senior teachers. I have been down to Cornwall for it for the last couple of years and find that I come away feeling energised; it really sets you up for all the activity of the summer months.
The course is open to all abilities, including beginners and it’s not a requirement to attend for all five days or even a full day. So if you wanted to give it a try but still see some of the beautiful sights of Cornwall, you could fit it around a holiday.
For more details on the course, take a look at the following page:
It’s been a while since I updated this page but I’m pleased to report that the class is going from strength to strength. The students who have been coming for a few weeks now are starting to progress through learning the tai chi dance and tai chi form as well as getting to grips with partner practice and breathing exercises.
New students often join us too, so if you were thinking of coming along to try tai chi for the first time, you’d be very welcome!
You can find us at Kings Heath Community Centre on Heathfield Road on Wednesdays 6.30pm-8.00pm.
Next week is the start of Chinese New Year. It will be the year of the Snake which is seen as a symbol of good fortune.
Our class is part of the Taoist Cultural Arts Association which gives us the opportunity to train with students from other classes at weekend courses. On Saturday there was a course held in Coventry taught by a senior teacher in the association. We all went for a Chinese meal together afterwards to celebrate the new year.
As well as the weekly classes in Kings Heath, there are be more weekend courses planned in Leamington Spa in February and here in Birmingham in March, as well as a week-long course in Cornwall in April. Visit the association’s website to book:
Summer is over, the leaves have turned and we have passed the autumn equinox. With the change in seasons, it feels like a time for new beginnings and our tai chi classes started up again this week. It feels great to be back training again!
We train at Kings Heath Community Centre on Heathfield Road (B14 7DB) and classes are now on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm-8:00pm.
We train in Lee style tai chi and a class will usually include a warm up, the tai chi dance, a partner exercise such as stick hands, kai men (breathing & stretching exercises) and the tai chi form.
Everyone is welcome – even if you’ve never tried tai chi or martial arts before, you are welcome to join us. You don’t need any experience or special kit. Come along to a class and try it out or if you have any questions, please get in touch.
We’ve enjoyed training in the community centre in Kings Heath but now that the longer days and milder temperatures of the summer months are here, our class is moving back to Cannon Hill Park for the next 12 weeks where we’ll train outside.l.
We will meet by the band stand every Tuesday at 6pm, from 4th June until 20th August. Classes will run for an hour and a half – fitting in a warm up, the tai chi dance, a partner exercise such as stick hands, kai men (breathing & stretching exercises) and the tai chi form.
To add to club funds we’re asking for a payment of £5 a class, or if you want to pay for all 12 classes in a block, there is a discounted rate of £50. You can pay via PayPal using one of the links on this page:
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Warm-up exercises to prepare your body for the session.
Daoyin deep breathing techniques to activate your body’s primary energy center, the Dantian.
Kai Men Qigong to open your body’s energy channels.
Tai Chi dance loops, ranging from 1-10 to 1-20 moves, for graceful, flowing movements.
Tai Chi form sequences, including the first 3 and 6 sequence loops.
We conclude with the Five Lotus Blossoms Qi cutoff exercise.
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Awakening Your Qi
Just as the lotus flower unfolds with the rising sun, you can awaken your energy daily through our Qigong and Tai Chi program. We believe that energy flows best when the body is relaxed, so we commence with loosening exercises. Next, we introduce deep breathing or Daoyin exercises to activate the Dantian in your lower abdomen.
Opening the Door
The next step is Kai Men, or “opening the door,” which stimulates your meridians to facilitate energy flow. We guide you through the graceful Tai Chi dance known as Tiaowu, followed by the more meditative Tai Chi form.
Return to the Source
As the session nears its conclusion, we engage in another deep breathing exercise called the Five Lotus Blossoms, returning your energy to its center for storage until you require it.
Build Your Qi Daily
Are you prepared to unlock your hidden potential? Discover the transformative power of Tai Chi and Qigong exercises, and witness your life taking on new vitality.
Imagine a daily routine that not only enhances your physical flexibility and stamina but also elevates your mental acuity, mood, and sense of purpose. As you embark on this journey, you’ll feel a surge of heightened awareness and a revitalizing energy coursing through your entire being. This is the secret that awaits you.
What makes it truly magical is that this experience isn’t ephemeral. With consistent practice, you’ll notice these uplifting moments evolving into sustained energy levels that grow with each passing day. Your awareness sharpens, and you gain mastery over your energy, ensuring it’s readily available when needed and comfortably conserved when not.
The essence of Taoist energy training methods is now within your grasp. There’s no need to delay any longer—commence your transformation today and elevate it to the next level.
Good news – classes are starting again after a long summer break and we’re in a new venue.
Come and join us on Tuesdays, 7pm-8.30pm at Kings Heath Community centre. It’s on Heathfield Road, right off the High Street so easily accessible by public transport and there is parking too.
Beginners are very welcome. Hopefully see you there! ☯️
In the dappled light of dawn, one often pictures serene parks filled with elders flowing effortlessly through the ancient practice of Tai Chi. Yet, this imagery, ingrained as it might be, just scratches the surface of what Tai Chi truly offers to the world. Tai Chi’s magic is not limited by age or profession; it’s a dance of mind, body, and soul for everyone. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the profound depths of this art and dispel the age-old myth.
Historical Backdrop of Tai Chi
When we dip our toes into the ocean of history, we find that perceptions have often been sculpted by societal upheavals. China’s Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976 serves as a glaring example. This tumultuous decade witnessed the suppression of traditional practices, including Tai Chi, leading to a dramatic reshaping of societal views. The elders clung to their knowledge of Tai Chi like a precious keepsake. Meanwhile, the younger lot found themselves at the crossroads of cultural change, leading to the misconception that Tai Chi was primarily the domain of the elderly.
However, delving deeper, Tai Chi’s rich tapestry unfurls, showing its universal appeal. It was a rhythm that resonated with everyone – a harmonious tune passed from grandparents to grandchildren. Tai Chi sessions transcended mere exercises; they became intergenerational dialogues. The art was a cherished family tradition, binding generations with threads of wisdom, discipline, and wellness.
The Universality of Tai Chi
From My Personal Diary: A Student’s Tai Chi Discovery
My personal rendezvous with Tai Chi began amidst the hustle and bustle of student life. A chance encounter with a seasoned Tai Chi instructor named Chee Soo introduced me to this universe. With age on his side, Chee Soo was a living testament to the ageless allure of Tai Chi. His classes, an eclectic mix of individuals from varying age brackets and backgrounds, painted a picture far removed from the stereotype.
I, then a philosophy student at Warwick University, found solace and enrichment in Tai Chi’s teachings. While my academic pursuits delved deep into Western ideas, Tai Chi brought balance with its refreshing Taoist philosophy. It served as an oasis in the academic desert, replenishing my mental energies and offering new lenses to view the world.
Tai Chi for the Academic Mind
Student life, though vibrant, comes with its fair share of trials. Deadlines, academic pressures, and the constant pursuit of excellence can drain even the brightest minds. Tai Chi emerged as a sanctuary.
Mental Agility: At its core, Tai Chi champions the union of mind and body. This harmony enhances cognitive capabilities, a boon for any student.
Energizing the Self: Those marathon study sessions, though necessary, often left me spent. Tai Chi, with its rhythmic dance, rejuvenated and restored, making each session productive.
Beyond Serenity: While its serene aura captivated, Tai Chi, as a martial art, offered layers of learning. It instilled a sense of confidence, empowering students with self-defense techniques.
Fitness and Well-being: In the realm of student life, physical fitness often takes a back seat. Tai Chi, with its gentle yet impactful movements, promoted holistic health – strength, balance, flexibility, and more.
Natural Remedies: Amidst erratic schedules and midnight munchies, many students grapple with health concerns. Tai Chi’s movements provided relief, addressing various ailments without relying on medications.
Tai Chi: The Modern Professional’s Best Kept Secret
Shifting the lens from campuses to corporate skyscrapers, one might wonder: Does Tai Chi have a place amidst boardrooms and business suits? Absolutely.
Resilience in the Corporate Jungle: Deadlines, competition, and relentless pursuit of targets – the corporate world is not for the faint-hearted. Tai Chi, with its meditative practices, equips professionals with unmatched mental and physical resilience.
Team Dynamics: Tai Chi, when practiced in groups, fosters a unique bond among participants. It can serve as an innovative team-building tool, promoting harmony and collaboration.
The Antidote to Stress: The modern workplace is a melting pot of stress. Introducing Tai Chi sessions can transform corporate cultures, offering employees much-needed relaxation.
Physical Wellness: Desk jobs, despite their comfort, often lead to various physical ailments. Regular Tai Chi sessions can mitigate these concerns, ensuring professionals remain agile and active.
Cultivating Mental Fortitude: Beyond the realm of physical health, Tai Chi delves into mental wellness. Its teachings mold the mind, allowing professionals to face challenges with grace and poise.
Conclusion: Embracing Tai Chi’s Timeless Wisdom
As we stand at the intersection of tradition and modernity, it becomes essential to dispel myths and embrace the universal charm of practices like Tai Chi. Whether you’re a student facing academic pressures or a professional navigating the corporate maze, Tai Chi offers invaluable insights and benefits. Far from being just an elderly pastime, it’s a treasure trove of wisdom waiting to be explored by every willing heart and open mind. Embrace its teachings, and let its rhythms guide you towards a balanced, harmonious life.
