Relax and energise with Tai Chi

The Tai Chi class is an all-abilities class that runs from 7.30 - 9.30 on Mondays. We offer this class on a continuous basis and paid for in 8-week blocks, cost £50; however, you can join the block currently running at any time and only pay for the rest of the block. The next block starts on 10th September 07. Please book in advance so that the classes can start and finish promptly.

The current programme is as follows:

All-abilities class 7.30pm - 9.30pm, continuous running

There is no difference in level or abilities between these two classes - just choose the one that's most convenient for you.

A typical class includes the following (apologies to dial-up surfers, expect the movie files to take at least 3-4 minutes per Mb to load via a 56K modem even under ideal conditions):

- Warm-up, chi gung and tai chi exercises

Movie of introductory sequence connecting Heaven, Earth and Humanity - Windows Media format 3.5Mb; mpeg format 8Mb

Movie of expansion/contraction sequence - Windows Media format 2.7Mb; mpeg format 7.3Mb

Movie of rising/falling sequence - Windows Media format 2.1Mb; mpeg format 5.8Mb

- Learning form-work.

Movie of 'cloud' sequence - Windows Media format 3.4Mb; mpeg format 12.1Mb

Movie of a complete Tai Chi form - Windows Media format 7Mb; mpeg format 29Mb

- Working with others, e.g. in pairs.

Movie of pairs work (with a complete beginner) - Windows Media format 3.8Mb; mpeg format 17.3Mb

The class also includes teaching of meditation skills.

We recommend that you wear loose comfortable clothing to these classes, cotton is preferable. Please be aware that we don't have changing rooms or a shower. Please tell the class leader of any medical condition you have.

These classes are of course open to non-Buddhists!

Class leader Peter Stevens introduces Tai Chi as follows:

Tai Chi Harmonies

"The term 'Tai Chi' has various translations, including 'Supreme Ultimate', 'That which creates harmony', 'The tent-pole that supports all'. Tai Chi is a popular contaction of 'Tai Chi Chuan' - 'chuan' means 'fist', referring to the basis of Tai Chi in the martial arts. But what it means to me is a way of balancing the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of ourselves.

The physical side of Tai Chi is the most obvious - you've probably seen people practising around the world in parks and open spaces, if not in the flesh then on TV, where it appears in one of the BBC's ident sequences. The seemingly slow, placid movements of the form-work build elastic strength - strong but flexible legs, powerful waist and lower back, and a fluid upper body; bringing the body into a balanced, aware state.

Emotionally, Tai Chi uses the Five Element theory of traditional Chinese medicine, which links movements to emotional states.

Mentally, learning and refining the form develops powers of concentration and memory.

Spiritually, Tai Chi is based on the Tao (or Taoism), which is more a way of being than a religion.

You can read about all of these topics in much more detail in various publications" (the Webmaster will be getting some recommendations from Peter to put here; in the meantime, here's what Wikipedia has to say about Tai Chi).

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