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Beginners Tai Chi
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BEGINNERS TAI CHI AND HEALTH!
Many students wish to learn Tai Chi to improve their health and well being.
A recent report from Hong Kong Polytechnic University has shown that STROKE survivors can benefit from Tai Chi. 136 subjects who had all suffered a stroke 6 months earlier were placed in two groups. One group practised Tai Chi for 12 weeks whilst the other group practised breathing, stretching, sitting and walking exercises. After 12 weeks both groups were given tests. Whilst both groups showed the same ability to stand, walk and sit back down, the Tai Chi group excelled in shifting weight, balance, leaning in different directions and standing on a moving surface(to simulate a bus).
Tai Chi also improved the strength and cardiovascular system.
HAPPINESS - A 3 week study in New Zealand reported that patients with trauamtic brain injury who practised Tai Chi were increased in energy and happiness, whilst their depression, anger, tension and fear decreased.
JOINTS - Daejeon University, Korea reported that 50 minutes of Tai Chi per week provided significant decreas in pain and fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferes.
BONES - Beijing University reported that Tai Chi practitioners had increased bone density compared with similar ages who do not practice Tai Chi!
ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS - Sufferers from AS can also benefit from Tai Chi as it is good for flexibility, muscle strength and cardiovascular function. Tai Chi also improves balance, posture and flexibility, making it ideal for most people. However real benefits only come from continual practice!
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HEALTH EXERCISE OR MARTIAL ART?
So Tai Chi has many health benefits but many beginners do not realise that Tai Chi is a Martial Art! Whilst we practice in a slow graceful manner, we are actually practising Martial Arts movements. Every Tai Chi posture is a self-defence aplication.
Tai Chi was one of the first Chinese martial arts that enabled a small, weaker person to beat someone bigger and stronger. The Chinese still regard it as one of the best styles of Kung fu! It relies on locking joints (qin na) to control your opponent, as well as kicking and grappling techniques.
Beginners need not worry, we do not practise sparring techniques - at least not in a beginners class! Beginners Tai Chi classes focus on learning the movements, getting familiar with a set of warm-up exercises, and learning how to relax. So why not come and give it a try!
Because Tai Chi is slow and gentle really any one can learn. The British Chen Style Tai Chi College has beginners classes for over 50's only, as well as general classes which are open to anyone. As Tai Chi is not easy to remember, we provide a lot of repetition to enable beginners to get used to the postures. However we do not teach children as they tend to want something a little more dynamic!
Our beginners classes are located in Bury town centre, and in Salford, Oldham and Uppermill. See the "Classes" page for full details.
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JOIN US NOW!
Now is the time to come and join the British Chen Style Tai Chi College. We offer friendly classes and our instructors are very patient.
Principal Instructor Sue Johnson has been teaching Chen Style Tai Chi and Wild Goose Qigong since 1992.
Senior Coach John Chang teaches Yang Style Tai Chi as well as Chen Style Tai Chi. He has more than 20 years experience of teaching Tai Chi.
The British Chen Style Tai Chi College has a wealth of experience in teaching beginners Tai Chi. For health or for Martial Art the classes are the same to begin with.
You don't need any special clothes,just loose comfortable clothing and flat shoes.Bring along a drink if you like.
If you have any questions about our beginners Tai Chi classes, email us or give us a call on 0161 762 0609.
DVD OF 9 FORM FEATURING MASTER LIU YONG
Many beginners find it useful to have a DVD to follow at home. Whilst it can help you to practice, remember there is no substitute for a qualified, experienced instructor.
This DVD covers the warm-up exercises, 9 movement short Chen Form (Old Frame)and Kong Jin Qigong (chi kung) exercises. Available from British Chen Style Tai Chi College. Contact us to order your copy now!
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NEW INSTRUCTOR AWARD
Diane Junor, pictured above right, has recently recieved her Instructor Certificate (Intermediate Level) She is now qualified to teach the Short Form, the 74 movements of the Lao jia Form and also Pushing Hands.
Diane will be starting a new Beginners class in Radcliffe at the end of July. The class will be on Thursday evening 7.15 - 8.15. Email us for move details!
Diane has been practicing Tai Chi for almost 7 years. She has also learned the Fan Form and has just completed the Sword form. Later this year she will be joining our Sabre course.
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