As a result of many of years of experience teaching thousands of students from all walks of life, we have developed a course that can help to learn the basic elements of Tai Chi (Taiji or fully asTaijiquan) in a relaxed and enjoyable way, whilst enabling beginners to overcome any anxiety or particular difficulties they may have.

We concentrate on learning the Beijing 24-step Short Form, which provides an ideal and relatively quick way to acquire basic Tai Chi skills.

Our students learn a variety of easy but highly effective Qi Gong exercises, primarily from the famous “8 Pieces of Silk Brocade” sequence ,and the Zhan Zhuang, 28 Steps and Taijigong sequences. These sequences help to improve health and develop awareness of the body’s energy.

We also use, in combination, three very simple and highly enjoyable partner exercises, Sticking, Yielding and Centring, to develop balance, co-ordination, spacial awareness and sensitivity.

Warm-up and conditioning exercises, basic stepping exercises, including Tai Chi Walking, and the basics of stance and body-mechanics, complete the overall picture to give a well-rounded and satisfying introduction to Tai Chi .

Note: Our beginners courses run throughout the year starting approximately every 3 months. If you have missed the following start dates please check back here in a few months for the next round of courses or contact the teacher of the branch you are interested in.

 

Start dates for next beginners courses in 2009:

(Click on a course for more information)

14th April, Tuesday

Willesden : 7pm - 8.30pm

6th July, Monday

Bethnal Green : 7pm - 8.30pm
Brighton (daytime): 3pm - 4.30pm
Camden : 7pm - 8.30pm
East Finchley : 7pm - 8.15pm
Highgate : 7 pm - 8.15pm

7th July, Tuesday

Hammersmith : 7pm - 8.15 pm
Muswell Hill (daytime) : 11 am - 12.15am
Putney : 7pm - 8.30pm

8th July, Wednesday

Balham : 7pm - 8.30pm
Holborn : 7pm - 8.15pm
Kentish Town : 7 pm - 8.15pm
Ladbroke Grove : 7pm - 8.30pm

9th July, Thursday

Clapham : 6.45pm - 8pm
Crouch End : 7pm - 8.30pm
Ealing : 7pm - 8.15pm
Finchley : 7pm - 8.15pm
West Hampstead : 7pm - 8.30pm

12th July, Sunday

Tufnell Park (Qi Gong) : 6.30pm - 7.45pm

13th July, Monday

Stoke Newington : 7pm - 8.15pm

 

Frequently asked questions:

What shall I wear for class?

You'll just need some loose comfortable clothes, plain subdued colours if possible.
All our classes are done barefooted.

Is it possible to join a course if it has just started?

This depends very much on the individual teachers of the branch; the best thing to do is simply to give them a call. Follow the link of the beginner course you are interested in joining (above) and you'll find the contact information on the branch page.

 

"A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step" - Chinese Classics