Category: Week courses

  • Summer Course 2024

    Summer Course 2024

    Tai Chi, Kung Fu and Health and Massage Course Summer Course 2024

    Sennen Cove, Cornwall

    Tai Chi week

    A week of Lee style Kai Men qigong, Tai Chi and weapons.

    Monday 29th – Friday 2nd August 2024

    Feng Shou Kung Fu week

    Monday 5th August to Friday 9th August 2024

    A week of Feng Shou kung fu

    Anmo Health and Massage week

    Monday 12th to Friday 16th August 2024

    Anmo energy meridian massage, diagnosis and basic concepts of Classical Chinese Medicine

    Book now…

  • Top ten reasons to do Tai Chi

    Top ten reasons to do Tai Chi

    Chee Soo and Tai Chi Dance

    Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, has gained worldwide popularity due to its numerous health advantages. It is a low-impact exercise consisting of gentle, flowing movements, making it suitable for people of all ages, genders, and fitness levels. This article discusses the top ten reasons individuals practice Tai Chi.

    1. Enhanced Mental Focus and Acuity

    Tai Chi helps develop mental focus and acuity through its slow, deliberate movements. Practicing Tai Chi regularly can lead to improved concentration, sharper cognitive abilities, and better decision-making skills. These mental benefits are valuable for individuals involved in various activities, such as studying, working, or playing sports.

    2. Faster Reaction Time

    By developing body awareness and improving the mind-body connection, Tai Chi can help enhance reaction time. This improvement can be beneficial in daily life, sports, and even in situations that require quick thinking and decision-making.

    3. Increased Willpower and Discipline

    The practice of Tai Chi demands dedication and consistency, which can foster increased willpower and discipline. These skills can be applied to various aspects of life, including personal goals, career advancement, and self-improvement.

    4. Boosted Energy Levels and Mood

    Tai Chi has been shown to increase energy levels and improve mood. The combination of physical movement and mental focus can lead to a feeling of invigoration and well-being. This positive effect on mood and energy can help individuals tackle challenges in their personal and professional lives with greater enthusiasm and optimism.

    5. Enhanced Athletic Performance

    Tai Chi can be an excellent complement to other sports and physical activities, as it improves balance, flexibility, and coordination. These attributes can enhance athletic performance, making individuals more competitive and proficient in their chosen activities.

    6. Creative Expression and Personal Growth

    The flowing movements and artistic nature of Tai Chi offer an opportunity for creative expression and personal growth. As practitioners learn to coordinate their body and mind, they can explore new ways of moving and expressing themselves, leading to a deeper understanding of their physical and emotional selves.

    7. Social Connection and Support

    Tai Chi is often practiced in group settings, providing opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests. This social aspect can foster friendships, a sense of belonging, and a supportive community that can contribute to overall well-being.

    8. Improved Physical Health

    Regular Tai Chi practice can lead to better cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength, and reduced inflammation. These physical health benefits can contribute to a stronger immune system, lower risk of chronic diseases, and improved overall fitness.

    9. Enhanced Posture and Core Strength

    Tai Chi can improve posture by strengthening core muscles and encouraging proper spinal alignment. The slow, controlled movements of Tai Chi also help develop body awareness, leading to better posture and alignment in everyday life.

    10. Reduced Stress and Anxiety

    The practice of Tai Chi has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and a sense of inner calm. The physical movements, combined with mental focus, can help individuals develop resilience in dealing with life’s challenges and maintain a more balanced emotional state.

    In conclusion

    Tai Chi is a low-impact exercise that offers various health benefits. The top ten reasons people practice Tai Chi include stress reduction, enhanced balance and coordination, increased flexibility, better cardiovascular health, improved posture, decreased pain and inflammation, strengthened immune function, enhanced mental health, boosted cognitive function, and increased social support. Whether you aim to improve your physical or mental health or seek a social activity, Tai Chi can offer numerous advantages. With its gentle, flowing movements and focus on awareness and relaxation, Tai Chi is an excellent way to improve overall health and well

  • Kai Men qigong

    Kai Men qigong

    Kai Men exercises at the Easter Course

    Kai Men Qigong in Lee style Tai Chi

    Kai Men Qigong is a series of exercises in Lee style Tai Chi that emphasizes the principles of Qi, the vital life force in Chinese medicine. In this blog post, we’ll explore what Qi is, how it’s related to Chinese medical principles, why qigong is popular as a health exercise, and how Kai Men Qigong specifically can benefit your health.

    What is Qigong?

    Qigong (pronounced “chee-gung”) is an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on cultivating the vital life force or Qi. It involves a series of exercises that are designed to enhance the flow of Qi through the body, promote relaxation, and improve overall health and well-being. Qigong exercises are often gentle and slow and can be performed by people of all ages and fitness levels.

    What is Qi?

    Qi is a fundamental concept in Chinese medicine that refers to the vital life force or energy that animates all living things. It is said to flow through channels or meridians in the body, nourishing the organs and tissues and keeping them healthy. According to Chinese medical principles such as the zang-fu theory of internal organs and functions in ancient Chinese medicine, Qi is essential for maintaining health and preventing disease. Qi is the primary motive force that warms and moves the body.

    Why is Qigong Popular as a Health Exercise?

    Qigong is popular as a health exercise because it can improve overall physical and mental well-being. Regular practice of qigong has been shown to reduce stress, improve balance, flexibility, and coordination, lower blood pressure, and strengthen the immune system. It can also be used as a complementary therapy for various medical conditions, including chronic pain, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

    How Does Qigong Work?

    Qigong works by enhancing the flow of Qi through the body. This is achieved through a series of exercises that involve breathing techniques, movement, and visualization. Qigong exercises are designed to stimulate the flow of Qi through specific channels or meridians in the body, which can help to unblock any areas where the Qi is stagnant or deficient. This, in turn, can help to promote healing and overall well-being.

    What is Kai Men?

    Kai Men Qigong is a fundamental exercise in Lee-style Tai Chi that focuses on cultivating and enhancing the flow of Qi through the body. It is designed to help students develop sensitivity to Qi, improve relaxation, and promote overall health and well-being. Kai Men Qigong involves a series of exercises that are performed in a standing or sitting position and include breathing techniques, movement, and stretching.

    The Benefits of Kai Men Qigong

    Kai Men Qigong has many benefits for the body and mind. It can help to:

    • Enhance the flow of Qi through the body
    • Promote relaxation and reduce stress
    • Improve balance, coordination, and flexibility
    • Strengthen the immunity
    • Increase overall energy levels
    • Improve mental clarity and focus
    • Enhance acuity and perception

    In conclusion, Kai Men Qigong is a fundamental exercise in Lee-style Tai Chi that can benefit your overall health and well-being. Qigong as a practice can enhance the flow of Qi through the body, promote relaxation, and improve physical and mental health. It’s a popular exercise because it’s gentle and accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. If you’re interested in learning more about qigong or trying out Kai Men for yourself, come and join our Lee-style Tai Chi class in Birmingham.

  • Easter Course 2023

    Easter Course 2023

    Tai Chi Easter Course

    Our Easter Course last year in our stunning new venue at the St-john’s-in-the-fields church in St Ives was such a success we are doing it all over again this year. It was the first time we have ever had an Easter Course with fresh-cut flowers and fairy lights. The church is such a vibrant and light-filled venue with an amazing atmosphere and ideal for uplifting the spirits and doing some Tai Chi and Qigong.

    Monday 10th – Friday 14th April 2023 10am to 4pm

    St-john’s-in-the-fields church, Parc an Stamps, Saint Ives TR26 2FB