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Tai Chi

Movement & Meditation

MOVEMENT & MEDITATION

Revitalise your well-being and join me for a transformative one-to-one session designed to harmonise the connection between your mind and body. Discover a form of movement that embraces mindfulness, intentionality, grace, and a touch of challenge. As you embark on this journey of reconnection, you’ll improve your balance, flexibility, coordination, mastery, and resilience. Additionally, we’ll help restore your natural breathing patterns, promoting the harmonious flow of vital energy (Qi). These personalised sessions blend fluid movement with the essence of traditional Qigong, infused with Yang Style, incorporating both the 8 and 24 full forms.

QIGONG & WARM-UP

As you begin your Tai Chi journey, it's essential to build a strong foundation by understanding the fundamental relationship between movement, breath, and the flow of energy. We start with an introduction to breathwork and Qigong, combining static and dynamic warm-up sequences carefully designed to prepare both body and mind. Through these practices, we cultivate a deep connection, realign our core, harmonise our energy, and prepare the body for the movements to follow.

Physical Therapy

8 FORM

Master the fundamental individual movements, including stepping techniques, blocking manoeuvres, and skilful pushes, all elegantly combined with the graceful art of waving hands. Our journey also delves into the realm of continuous motion, synchronised breathing, and the harmonious flow of energy, seamlessly woven into the full 8 Form Flow.

YANG STYLE

24 FULL FORM

Once a solid foundation with the 8 Form has been established, we will advance into more intricate Tai Chi movements, introducing greater challenges through complex sequences. This progression is carefully broken down into manageable sections, which are then smoothly integrated to form a cohesive and fluid flow. This holistic approach weaves together elements of movement, Qigong, and Tai Chi, ultimately leading to the mastery of the full 24 Form.

About Tai Chi Yang Style

Rooted in antiquity, the Yang Style stands as one of the venerable and widely embraced traditions within the realm of Tai Chi. Its allure lies in the grandeur of its expansive, graceful, and deliberate movements, characterised by a serene pace. Sessions are thoughtfully tailored and methodically advanced, facilitating a gradual and secure initiation. This approach ensures that you can embark on your journey with ease, steadily progressing while indulging in the multitude of health advantages bestowed by this captivating art form. Regardless of age or skill level, this class welcomes participants of all backgrounds, fostering a harmonious space for growth and exploration.

Yang Style

For the martial artist, the yang style allows them to focus more intensely on the internal aspects of tai chi without the distraction of fancy jumps and fast movements.

QiGong

Qigong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese exercise and healing technique that involves meditation, controlled breathing and movement exercises. 

Instructor - Sheldon Allen

An esteemed master trainer with a wealth of expertise in movement dynamics, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement. With a remarkable track record spanning over 20 years across the realms of fitness, well-being, and healthcare, Sheldon is your trusted guide.

Whether it's guiding you through injury rehabilitation, preemptive care, or unraveling the intricacies of movement, Sheldon's adept guidance ensures your journey is in capable hands. His sessions are meticulously tailored, calibrated to your distinct needs and capabilities, all while focusing on igniting motion and deriving genuine enjoyment from the process.

About Sheldon

TAI CHI CLASSES

One-to-One or Group Sessions

Available on request

ABOUT TAI CHI

Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, is an ancient Chinese martial art and holistic practice that has evolved into a combination of physical exercise, meditation, and self-defence. Its origins are deeply embedded in Chinese culture and philosophy.

According to legend, Tai Chi was created by a Taoist monk named Zhang Sanfeng in the 12th century, who is said to have been inspired by the fluidity of nature’s movements and the principles of Yin and Yang. However, due to the lack of concrete historical records, the precise origins of Tai Chi remain somewhat obscure.

The practice gained prominence during the Ming and Qing dynasties (14th to 20th centuries), undergoing significant development by various martial artists and families. Among them, the Yang family became particularly influential, popularising the Yang Style Tai Chi, which is known for its slow, graceful movements and focus on relaxation and the cultivation of internal energy (Qi).

Initially practised as a form of martial arts for self-defence, Tai Chi gradually transformed into a health-focused discipline. Over time, it came to emphasise the cultivation of Qi, improving balance, flexibility, and coordination, and promoting overall well-being.

In the 20th century, Tai Chi was endorsed by the Chinese government for its health benefits and cultural importance, helping it gain international recognition. Today, it is practised around the world as a low-impact exercise, suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Tai Chi is widely regarded as a form of moving meditation, enabling practitioners to cultivate inner peace, reduce stress, and enhance mindfulness. While different styles and forms exist, each with its own unique characteristics, all share the core philosophy of harmonising the mind, body, and spirit.