Tai Chi - which translates as Ultimate/Supreme Force/Energy, is a Chinese "soft" Martial art, consisting of a sequence of very slow, precise movements known as form or forms. It is a physical practice focussing on four principles of breath, balance, movement and mindfulness. Qi Gong - which translates as Energy Do -  is more "static and somatic", simpler moves repeated with focus on breath/energy exchange, manipulation and movement

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Breath - deep breathing into the Dan Tien, the energy centre just below the navel. Focus on breath into this area encourages us to have more control over the diaphragm. In having more control over the diaphragm we start to reduce adrenalin and cortisol levels making us calmer and less reactive to stressful situations. In being less stressful we are able to expand the lungs further. Expanding the lungs further makes the diaphragm move more giving us more opportunity to control it - and so the cycle begins again. Understanding the importance of focused breathwork and it's impact on our wellbeing are at the centre of Qi Gong studies. Tai Chi and Qi Gong go hand in hand, if you want to use the ultimate force you must first use to manipulate it through breath. 

​

Balance - At the core of all movement is the requirement to balance or fall. Learning to understand where your weight is and how to move that weight before stepping, means we can move in any direction and change at any point without losing our balance. Understanding that the mind is at the centre of how we manage our weight centre, giving us the ability to lower the centre of gravity with a simple thought process - the first principle in energy manipulation. Becoming more balanced means becoming more grounded and being more aware of energy exchange between mother earth and ourselves. Balance, when combined with breath becomes the main route to energy management within. Breath and balance are maintained with a process of grounding, ensuring good contact with the floor at all times thought 10 point contact with each foot (20 total). We aid balance by always keeping a minimum of 10 points connected to the floor at all times.

​

Movement - When breath and balance work together we can focus on movement. We need to stay inside our own energy space with movement, so we study precise movement through the form and learn to find, focus on and feel where our own energy space is. We begin to understand that small and precise is better than a huge display of movement. We focus on making every movement full of energy and grace, with rounded form to allow the energy we cultivate and manipulate to flow. We move in time with the breath, only when we are balanced and grounded with 10 or more points of contact. We can now see how these principles layer up and lock into each other.   

​

Mindfulness - When we focus on the breath and slow down, we add balance and grounding. We count the breath, we are mindful of the points of contact in the feet, we are slow and precise with all movements, keeping them rounded, inside our own energy field and low down. Then we add the form - the Beijing 24 short form is main form I teach, each of the 24 individual moves is a form in itself. We learn to travel through the form with breath, balance, movement and focus on energy manipulation. This is your mindfulness! The brain needs to be occupied all the time, hence when we get bored we daydream -  the brains way of telling us we aren't keeping it busy. Following the first three principles creates a levels of mindfulness that means we must stay in the present moment. Our form work is it's most energetically graceful when we are present. Being mindful feeds into the breath cycle allowing us to focus on slow deep breathing so supprting all other principles

​