Latest News

On this page you will find Berkshire Tai Chi news items, details of any new events that Berkshire Tai Chi are planning or will be involved with. Please add this page to your browser favourites and return here for regular updates.

NEW YANG STYLE CLASS STARTS ON 15th FEBRUARY

Purley: Wednesdays, 14:30 – 15:30

A new 8-week set of classes for the Over 50s starts on 15th February
at 2:30 p.m. in The Barn, Goosecroft Lane, (off Beech Road), in Purley.
Postcode: RG8 8DR.

These classes are specifically designed for the Over 50s and are held in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.  Suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, these classes will provide a gentle introduction to Yang style Tai Chi under the guidance of an Instructor who has extensive experience of teaching Tai Chi to older Beginners.

If you would like to find out more, or arrange to come along on the 15th, please call Jim between 10:00 and 16:00 (weekdays only) on 0118 941 9475.

NEW DROP-IN CLASS NOW UP AND RUNNING

Woodley: Tuesdays, 10:00 – 11:00

Chinese-style Exercises for Health, Vitality & Relaxation

Drawn from Tai Chi and Chi Kung, or Chinese “yoga”, these simple exercises are gentle and easy to learn.   They can be practised for just 5 minutes a day, whenever you have a moment or two to spare, and are ideal for anyone who is looking for a simple and enjoyable way to keep fit and healthy.  No special clothing or equipment is required and most exercises can be done on the spot, so space should not be a problem, either, for anyone practising at home. 

Though outwardly gentle, the exercises will give you a good physical workout and over time will help you to improve your balance, leg strength, co-ordination and flexibility.  They have been particularly appreciated in previous classes by osteoporosis sufferers, recovering cardiac patients, and those suffering from stress, but anyone can improve their general well-being whatever their age or current fitness level.

Classes are informal and relaxed and, because there is no lengthy training programme to follow, it is easy to miss out a session then pick up again in a week or so.

All sessions will be led by an experienced professional Tai Chi instructor who has been teaching for over 15 years.   If you have any health concerns, or queries about the classes and whether they are right for you, please click here or call 07814 969 540.

NEW CHEN STYLE CLASS STARTED  13th January 2012

Woodley: Fridays, 18:30 – 19:30

In January, we are offering a new 12-week “Introduction to Chen style Tai Chi” programme at Woodford Park Leisure Centre, Haddon Drive, Woodley, RG5 4LY.

This has proven to be very popular previously with many participants going on to our more advanced programmes, and we will soon be enrolling again on 0118 921 6969.

The full course costs £78.48 and will be led by an experienced professional instructor. You will be taken through the origins, principles and practices of Tai Chi and you will learn the beginning of the Chen style Old Form; a set sequence of moves intended to improve co-ordination, strength, balance, and flexibility. These have to be memorised and, ideally, practised every day in order to get the maximum benefit.

Enrolment starts officially on 15th December but register your interest now to ensure your place.

 Seminars 2012 Q1

CHEN FORM  (Laojia Yilu)

The regular Chen Form Seminar will continue as before for those students who want to explore Laojia Yilu in more detail than is possible in class.  This is a more intensive study of the Form, looking at Tai Chi principles in depth and focussing on more tailored support for participants.  The programme is open to all who have completed at least two-thirds of the Form in class.

BASICS

The Basics seminars are continuing in 2012.  Each seminar lasts for one hour, and is designed to accommodate a wide range of skill levels, from New Beginner to Advanced Practitioner.  The aim is to boost individual development by focussing intensely on a few, critical skills.  Mastery of Tai Chi, like that of any other art, comes in large measure from recognising which skills are really core, and then perfecting them through repetition and continuous refinement.

INDIAN CLUBS

This year we have a set of three Indian Clubs seminars, beginning on 21st January.  The three hours together will teach you a comprehensive routine for improved co-ordination, flexibility (shoulder, elbow, wrist), strength, and posture.  Shoulder stability has a major role to play in Tai Chi where it aids the establishment and maintenance of a sound Peng Path, thereby contributing to the development of stronger postures and smoother, more powerful Fajin.  In addition, club swinging is good fun and has its own meditative quality.  It also offers aerobic benefits. 

The seminars are open to all, whether they are Tai Chi students or not.

January Topic Date Time Price Venue Enrol CHEN FORM 7th 10:00 – 12:00 £32 Radstock Click here BASICS 21st 10:00 – 11:00 £16 Radstock Click here INDIAN CLUBS 21st 11:00 – 12:00 £16 Radstock Click here February Topic Date Time Price Venue Enrol CHEN FORM 4th 10:00 – 12:00 £32 Radstock Click here BASICS 18th 10:00 – 11:00 £16 Radstock Click here March Topic Date Time Price Venue Enrol CHEN FORM 3rd 10:00 – 12:00 £32 Crescent Click here BASICS 17th 10:00 – 11:00 £16 Crescent Click here Discounts Chen Form £32 per seminar or £90 for the quarter. Basics £16 per seminar or £45 for the quarter. Venue Address RADSTOCK CRESCENT Radstock Community Centre, Radstock Lane, LOWER EARLEY READING, RG6 5UZ Crescent Centre, Warbler Drive, LOWER EARLEY, READING, RG6 4HB

Britain’s middle-aged are “the unhealthiest in the word” (Daily Mail 5/9/11)

They are meant to be in the prime of their lives, but middle-aged Britons have been found to be in the world’s worst shape.  They are in worse mental and physical condition than any others of their age group.

If you are middle-aged, overweight, smoke and feel depressed, take control now.  Start by joining a new Beginners Class from Berkshire Tai Chi like the one detailed above.