TAI CHI & QIGONG

WHAT IS TAI CHI?
Tai Chi originates from China as a martial art and is nowadays practiced throughout the world as an effective exercise for health. Tai Chi consists of fluid, gentle movements that are relaxed and slow in tempo. It can be practiced almost anywhere and is a suitable form of exercise for just about anyone. Tai Chi is many things to many people. A martial art. A moving meditation. A healing system. A stress management tool. A way of life integrating the Tai Chi philosophy. Tai Chi Chuan translated literally means Supreme Pole Boxing. (Tai means Ultimate or Supreme, Chi means Polarity as in north & south or yin & yang & Chuan means Fist, therefore we prefer Yin Yang Fist or Supreme Ultimate Art).

24 FORMS - FOR BEGINNERS & IMPROVERS
There are several styles of Tai Chi & as such in 1956 the Chinese National Sports Committee authorised the country’s four most renowned Tai Chi Chuan experts to devise a suitable form for most people. After much research, the 24 Form which is based mainly on the Yang Style was created (also known as the Peking 24 Step or the National Chinese 24 Short Form). It retains all the essential principles but is tailored to modern needs. It is considered perfectly suitable for students of any level of physical fitness & age. It is probably the most popularly practiced form inside and outside of China today.

TAIJI KUNG FU FAN FORM FOR IMPROVERS
This exciting, interesting & fun form was created by Prof. Li Deyin (one of China's top 100 Martial Arts Treasures). In 2001, it was demonstrated by 2008 enthusiasts in Tiananmen Square in celebration of the success of the Beijing Olympic bid. It is interesting because it includes movements from different styles of Tai Chi, Kung Fu & Peking Opera & once learned it is practiced in time to the uplifting modern music. Practicing this form will help with increased fitness, suppleness & martial development. Vicky Ahern is proud to be amongst the first Taiji Kung Fu Fan instructors in Europe to be certified by Prof Li's daughter & inspirational teacher, Master Faye Li Yip.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAI CHI?
Tai Chi has been known in China for centuries to be beneficial to good health &
effective for helping many conditions & dis-ease.

Helps to relieve pain and stiffness
Relieves stress
Improves concentration
Improves balance
Improves posture
Improves heart and lung function
Enhances the flow of Qi
Integrates body and mind
Improves relaxation

Tai Chi is enjoyable & has been shown to improve many aspects of health.

WHAT IS QIGONG?
Qigong is two words that translate as Qi (pronounced Chee, and also seen as Chi) meaning ‘vital energy’ or ‘life force’ and Gong (pronounced Gung and also seen as Kung) means ‘to work hard or practice for a long time - like all the arts’ but together simply ‘energy exercise using the breath’ or ‘energy cultivation’.

TAI CHI QIGONG FOR BEGINNERS & IMPROVERS?
There are many styles of Qigong. Shibashi means simply the ‘18 Form’ & also known as Tai Chi Qigong. It was developed in 1979 by Professor Lin, Hou Sheng of Shanghai, a Qigong Master, healer & author of many books in China. Shibashi is a form (set of movements) which is based on the philosophy of Tai Chi & extracts some of the best movements from the Yang style. It places emphasis on synchronizing the movements with breathing techniques & as such is a gentle, beautiful, flowing form that is wonderful to practise & easy to learn.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SHIBASHI?
Shibashi is designed to improve one’s general health & wellbeing. The gentle rocking motions & stretching movements improve circulation & digestion. The chest exercises & breathing techniques are good for lung conditions ie: asthma. The overall effect of the exercises are to reduce mental stress &
physical tension carried in the muscles of the body.

WHAT DO THE CLASSES INCLUDE?

Warming-up exercises
Learning the form at your own pace
Closing exercises
Meditation
&
Enjoyment with lovely people.

Please refer to the Timetable listed on the left for details & directions.
Most classes cost £7 per person per session although we do have concessions for those who are unemployed or in full time education.

Beginners are always welcome to any of our classes and everyone will be taught within their own comfort zone & at at their own pace.

Please give us a ring or email for further information

IF YOU ARE NEW TO OUR CLASSES, IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE ALL LEARNING TO LISTEN TO OUR OWN BODIES AND IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ONLY WORK WITHIN OUR OWN COMFORT ZONE AND REST WHENEVER NECESSARY.