Tai Chi and Chi Kung

You may have seen Tai Chi on the TV or being practiced outside on occasion, especially if you’ve visited China. Many people practice this ancient art on a daily basis to improve their health and wellbeing but it was originally created as a fighting art (Tai Chi Chuan translates as ‘Supreme Ultimate Fist’) that implements fluid movements and the re-direction of your opponents force and energy to overcome and prevail. Based in the concept of Yin and Yang, Tai Chi utilises the balance, harmony and change of forces to create said fluid movement.

The health benefits gained through regular practice have long been recognised by those that participate, and this is the main purpose for its increased popularity around the globe over the last few decades. The ability, and need, to bring some unity to mind and body has never been so paramount, and modern studies are now also confirming these benefits to regular practice:

• Improved muscular strength

• Improved posture, balance and coordination

• Increased joint flexibility and mobility

• Reduced stress/anxiety levels, leading to many benefits such as improved sleep.

• Self awareness/mindfulness

• Emotional stability/wellbeing

• Improved strength in the cardiovascular and aerobic systems

• Increase in immunity response

Chi Kung ‘energy work’ can be practiced independently or in combination with Tai Chi. Through deep relaxed breathing and specific movements we release tension and blockages in the body, focus the mind and allow the universal energy, Chi, to flow through our body to help heal and nourish it whilst by balancing our bodies various systems (endocrine and nervous systems predominantly). Our modern lifestyles often leave us with with various issues regarding our physical and emotional well being. We usually find that there are direct correlations between the health of our mind and bodies as they are inexorably linked, and practicing Chi Kung (Qi Gong) can alleviate symptoms and treat underlying causes. Exercises can be practiced standing, sitting or even laying down and easily adapted to individual requirements.

Our Tai Chi classes often start and finish with a Chi Kung routine to enhance the overall benefits during a class.

Please see our FAQ page for more information

Kung Fu

Kung Fu is a term commonly used (especially in the west) to classify Chinese Martial Arts. It actually translates to something along the lines of ‘hard work’ or ‘effort’ so is not technically correct. The correct term is ‘Wushu’ which directly translates as “martial art’ and at a deeper level contains two Chinese characters within the word ‘Wu’ that translate as ‘stop fighting’. Therefore this can be considered as ‘art of stopping fighting’.

Due to vast size of the country, Chinese Wushu has many styles (systems) and categorising these can be problematic sometimes. One common method to categorise them is to determine if they are classed as an ‘Internal’ or ‘External’ style. The former category identifies styles that use the body’s external muscular system to overcome an opponent i.e. using direct force. The latter category describes styles that utilise softer style movements to redirect and neutralise an opponent.

Most people are familiar with styles such as Chinese Kickboxing, Wing Chun and Jeet Kune Do ( the latter being created by Bruce Lee) but there are many more traditional styles that are almost at risk of extinction due to the recent trends in mixed martial arts. From Shaolin and Wudang styles to the Choy Lui Fut systems, there is so much depth and history in traditional styles that we seek to preserve wherever possible.

The WuTan syllabus comprises both internal and external styles to cultivate balance (Yin & Yang) for both the mind and body and incorporates several of the external styles such as Choy Liu Fu, Mantis, Chang Chuan, Wing Chun and also the 18 weapons system. For the internal system we study Tai Chi, Ba Gua and Hsing I. We also uphold the teaching of Grand Master Liu by carrying the torch and training in Ba Ji (eight extremes).