A class consists of three parts;

 

1. Warm up exercises – simple, relaxing exercises to loosen the joints, soften the muscles ground the body and quieten the mind.

 

2. Partner work – various gentle exercises to be done in pairs, to encourage the student to warm to another person’s presence and input - including pushing hands which involves the practice of yielding under controlled and simplified conditions.

 

3. Tai Chi solo form – consists of a continuous sequence of yield-attack postures performed slowly and evenly giving an impression of grace and effortlessness. Whilst practicing the form, the practitioner allows the mind to quieten and become aware of the flow of energy within the body and immediate environment.

 

Tai Chi is therefore often called “moving meditation”.  It is taught piece-meal; a new posture taught each week with revision of previous postures.

The martial side of Tai Chi takes decades of dedicated practice to learn and so most Tai Chi in the West is taught for health and relaxation.

 

The form we will be learning is based on Prof Cheng Man-Ching’s Short Form but as taught by Dr Chi Chiang-Tao (Prof Cheng Man-Ching’s top student) and passed onto Dr John Kells, who founded the British Tai Chi Chuan Association in 1970.