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Qigong, Chen-style Tai Chi, and Chun Yuen Shaolin classes

21 Mar 2012

From 19 April upstairs at Jabez Clegg - Qigong class aready running on Fridays.

Qigong:

  • Thursdays at 5.30pm (starting 19 April 2012)
  • Fridays at 12pm (started 2 March 2012)

Chen Tai Chi and Chun Yuen:

  • Classes taught in parallel, Thursdays at 6.30pm (starting 19 April 2012)

The common thread running through all these classes is better health - in Qigong, we start learning to feel our own tension and relax it by moving the body in a gentle and flowing manner. From the beginning we will also place an emphasis on correct posture and controlling the movements by building up internal strength. We will start with the Balancing Gong and Healthy living Gong movement forms, working our way up over time to Dayan Gong (the "Wild Goose"). Classes will also end with standing meditation exercises.

Chen Taijiquan shares many of the above principles in common with qigong but is more physically demanding and has martial art applications. Classes will feature movement forms, practice at pushing hands with a partner, and Zhan Zhuang meditation ("standing like a tree").

Chun Yuen Quan comes at health from the opposite side - the movement forms were all adapted from Shaolin martial arts styles for performance in the Beijing Opera, and so the initial emphasis is on a clear posture and upright attitude, which build up the body's internal strength. The movements are a lot faster which also improves stamina. We will start by learning Xing Shou ("Style Hand") and progress over time to Da Bei Gong (the "Great Sadness").

Beginners are welcome at any of the classes and can start at any time - wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and either training or flat-soled shoes. Qigong is quite light and the lunchtime class should fit nicely into a working day, but at the evening Tai Chi and Chun Yuen classes be prepared to break into a little more of a sweat!

First introductory class £4, then:

  • £7.50 per class non members
  • £6 per class UMSA members

Block booking discounts available.

The teacher is: