Tai Chi and QiGong

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 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 on the concept of Yin and Yang, Tai Chi utilises 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 Balance and Coordination: Tai Chi enhances stability through slow, controlled movements, reducing the risk of falls, especially in older adults.

• Stress Reduction: The meditative nature of Tai Chi promotes relaxation, lowering stress levels and improving mental clarity.

• Increased Flexibility and Strength: Gentle stretching and flowing movements improve muscle tone and joint flexibility and mobility.

• Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: Regular practice can improve heart health through moderate aerobic activity.

• Better Respiratory Function: Focused breathing techniques promote lung capacity and efficiency.

• Boosted Immune Function: Some studies suggest Tai Chi may enhance immune response.

• Pain Management: It can help alleviate chronic pain conditions like arthritis through gentle movement and improved joint function.

• Improved Mental Health: Tai Chi is linked to reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, promoting overall emotional well-being.

QiGong (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 balancing our body’s various systems (endocrine and nervous systems predominantly). Our modern lifestyles often leave us with various issues regarding our physical and emotional well-being. We usually find that there are direct correlations between the health of our minds 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 lying down and easily adapted to individual requirements. The breath is often referred to as the bridge that connects the mind and body. Regular breath work can have such a positive effect on our wellbeing and health span that it is growing popularity now amongst many wellbeing circles.

Key benefits found with regular practice:

• Stress Reduction: Helps calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress levels.

• Improved Mental Clarity: Enhances focus, concentration, and cognitive function.

• Emotional Regulation: Supports better management of emotions and promotes a sense of well-being.

• Enhanced Physical Health: Improves lung capacity, oxygenation of the blood, and may lower blood pressure.

• Better Sleep: Promotes relaxation, aiding in deeper, more restful sleep.

• Increased Energy: Optimises oxygen flow, boosting vitality and stamina.

• Mindfulness and Presence: Encourages living in the moment, fostering greater self-awareness.

Our Tai Chi classes often start and finish with a QiGong 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 translates to something along the lines of ‘hard work’ or ‘effort’. The correct term is ‘Wushu’ which directly translates as “martial art’ and at a deeper level contains two Chinese characters within the word ‘Wu’ which translates as ‘stop fighting’. Therefore this can be considered as the ‘art of stopping fighting’.

Due to the 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 many more traditional styles 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 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).