Information for Participants June 17th & 18th 2023
Tai Chi promotes well-being and stability through gentle, flowing, yet powerful movement and helps develop an inner sense of strength and tranquility. In the class there is an emphasis on breath and postural alignment. Classes include solo practice and partner exercises - always optional for those in need of maintaining personal space.
Adam is a senior instructor with Tai Chi Union of Great Britain, he teaches with humour and attention to individual needs, his classes are open to everyone regardless of age or experience.
Tutor: Adam has practiced Tai Chi for over 40 years, he teaches a short form honouring the Beijing Yang style of the late Rose Shao-Chiang Li but incorporating influences from a variety of styles and teachers. Rose Li (1914- 2001) was a student of Den Yun Feng (1873 - 1941).
With thanks to Emma Newman for the artwork on the poster
Our thanks to Sifu Dr Jay Dunbar and Kathleen Cusick for the wonderful San Shou workshop this June
Classes recommence in Jan 2024
(Most classes move outdoors in the Spring and Summer)
MONDAY
Intermediate 09.30 - 10.30 The Printworks Tavistock Devon PL19 0AW
Beginners 11.00 - 12.00 The Printworks
TUESDAY
New Beginners class 13.00 - 14.00 The Printworks
Beginners 16.00 - 17.00 The Printworks
THURSDAY
Beginners 16.30 - 17.30 Calstock Village Hall Cornwall
Advanced 17.30 - 18.30 Calstock Village Hall Cornwall
FRIDAY
Advanced 09.30 - 10.30 The Printworks Tavistock, Devon
Intermediate 11.30 - 12.30 The Printworks Tavistock, Devon
Sunday San Shou 11.00 - 12.30 Tamar Valley Nursery PL18 9AA Please check dates with Adam
Costs
Tai Chi taster sessions are £5.00 Thereafter 6 sessions for £50.00 to be completed over 8 weeks or £60.00 per class for 6 lessons that can be taken within a calendar year. Payments can be made through BACS, cheque or cash
INDIVIDUAL & SMALL GROUP SESSIONS
These sessions can be set to suit your needs and can be outdoors or anywhere suitable indoors.
One on one session: £30 for 45 mins -
An additional £10 will be added if studio space is required
Tai chi in a time of trouble
There is no doubt that stress and fear impact heavily on the body's immune system, so now, more than ever, Tai Chi has a significant role to play in maintaining our well being and keeping us calm, centred and energised.
Whenever you can use your Tai Chi to connect you to nature - open, connect and flow so that your energy circulates and your immune system feels supported.
Just a reminder (I’m sure you are already fully aware) but:
If you have coronavirus symptoms:
• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
Please stay at home. If you are experiencing normal cough and cold / flu symptoms please don't come to class either, but stay home look after yourself and return once you feel better. We all need to look after ourselves and each other.
Suggestions - Vitamin D and C and zinc are all recommended, as are fresh lemon & ginger juice, chilli, & black cumin oil!
Video of Tai Chi Form
The first part of the form to Single Whip with commentary, and a collection of updated details and notes.
Form up to White Crane
Focus on Brush Knee and correct knee alignment
From Sink Down to Single Whip on the diagonal
From Single Whip (SE) to Diagonal Flying
From Step Up Circle Hands to Turn and Chop with Fist
From Turn and Chop with Fist to Cloud Hands
From Snake Creeps Down to End of Form
Alan Watts’s The Way of Zen
A world which increasingly consists of destinations without journeys between them, a world which values only “getting somewhere” as fast as possible, becomes a world without substance. One can get anywhere and everywhere, and yet the more this is possible, the less is anywhere and everywhere worth getting to. For points of arrival are too abstract, too Euclidean to be enjoyed, and it is all very much like eating the precise ends of a banana without getting what lies in between. The point, therefore, of these arts is the doing of them rather than the accomplishments. But, more than this, the real joy of them lies in what turns up unintentionally in the course of practice, just as the joy of travel is not nearly so much in getting where one wants to go as in the unsought surprises which occur on the journey.
Seek Stillness in Movement
Seek Movement in Stillness
The Microcosmic Orbit
The microcosmic orbit is a term used to describe the circular orbiting of energy (focus, attention and breath) up the back and down the front of the torso, passing through the main energy points along the way.
Begin with your attention at the perineum, inhale as you shift your awareness slowly up the back, along the neck and over the crown of the head, and then exhale as you visualise the breath descending the front centre line of the body. This is a slow circular journey best done in a quiet and undisturbed space.
The Macro cosmic orbit
Click on the image for some very good guidance on feeling energy pathways through the body
Foot Notes
Tai Chi slippers can be purchased online relatively cheaply. I like this soft rubber soled version, that don't slip on smooth floors
