Classes - what to expect

If the teacher is not respected
And the student not cared for,
Confusion will arise, however clever one is.

With ever-increasing demands being placed on the National Health Service by an ageing population, unprecedented levels of childhood obesity and high-pressure lifestyles, the Government is actively encouraging each of us to take responsibility for our own health and general well-being. The change in emphasis from treatment of illness to prevention, and the maintenance of good health, means now is an ideal time to start learning Tai Chi Chuan. Skills formed here can help you stay safe, fit and healthy throughout your life.

Created some 450 years ago, Tai Chi is one of the Chinese internal martial arts. Health benefits cannot be fully realised unless it is practised with regard to the self-defence skills it develops. So, even if our main interest is in health and fitness, we need to develop an insight into the martial aspect of Tai Chi if we are to get any real and lasting advantage from our practice.

Yang is the most widely practised style of Tai Chi and is characterised by slow, rhythmic and gentle movements. Stances are high, and it is particularly suitable for people with limited mobility, or those who are recuperating.

Chen is the original style of Tai Chi and is more obviously martial with its use of lower stances and explosive energy release. In many respects it is more physically demanding than Yang and is better suited to practitioners who are fit and fully mobile.

For this reason, all our regular classes aim to provide a balanced presentation of both the civil and martial aspects of Tai Chi.

What is a typical Berkshire Tai Chi class like?

At Berkshire Tai Chi, a Beginners’ class usually falls into two main, roughly equal, parts. The first one consists of gentle exercises aimed at improving general body awareness, inducing calm and relaxation, and developing whole body co-ordination and energy flow.

The second part focuses on memorising the set sequence of movements known as "the Form". Finally, the session ends with a short set of exercises whose purpose is to settle the energy and cool the body down.

A more advanced class will typically spend more time on refining the Form, and developing skill in applying Tai Chi principles through the use of various paired exercises, where students work with a partner.

Weapons practice may also be included.

Holidays

Please note there are no classes on Bank Holiday Weekends or Public Holidays.

Class Programmes

For full details:

Class Enrolment

Two new classes in Woodley: starting in January we will be running daytime Exercise classes and a new Friday evening Beginners Tai Chi class....more

Occasionally we offer a “Tai Chi Taster” session so that you can try Tai Chi before committing to a class. Please check for announcements on the Latest News page or click here for a quick check.

How Berkshire Tai Chi
Classes Can Help

Our Tai Chi and Chi Kung (energy exercise) - based programmes regulate and deepen the breathing. This generates energy whilst helping to calm the mind and the emotions. When the mind and emotions are allowed to become calm, the nervous system will likewise be soothed.

Concentration increases, and people can think more clearly. This enhances decision-making and creative problem-solving capabilities.

Posture is improved, and better balance and physical co-ordination enable the body to work more effectively, reducing the likelihood of an individual sustaining back problems and strains, or suffering injury as a result of falling.

Contact us if you require further information.

Please keep me informed of new classes in my area: click here. 

What should I bring to my first lesson

Tai Chi, unlike many other physical activities, does not require any specialist equipment or kit. All a student needs is loose, comfortable clothing; a T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms are ideal. Everyday clothing is also practical, providing it is not too tight. Footwear is particularly important, and heavy, thick-soled trainers are to be avoided. Lightweight canvas shoes, such as tennis shoes or beach shoes, are fine. Finally, don’t forget a bottle of water!