TAI CHI
Take a deep breath and connect with your body… restoring your vitality, health and wellbeing.
WHAT IS TAI CHI CHUAN?
Our Rochford-based classes study Yang-styleTaijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan).
Tai Chi is a classical Chinese internal martial art that, when practiced regularly and correctly, reduces stress and helps to improve physical fitness, concentration, and overall health for all ages.
Whether you want to de-stress after a hard day or achieve balance through movement, this martial art fitness class will help you enhance your mobility and strength as well as improve your overall well-being.
Based on deep breathing and slow movements, our Tai Chi lessons are perfect for all ability and fitness levels. There are also many benefits of Tai Chi for both older and younger adults, making it a great exercise option for everyone.
Its mindful movements are the perfect antidote to the stresses and anxieties of our busy modern lives.
Take control of your life and health!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAI CHI CLASSES?
Alongside leaving you feeling strong and physically fit, there are many mental health benefits of Tai Chi such as a feeling of calm and time to relax.
Additionally, studies have shown the efficacy of Taiji in helping with the prevention of falls.
Because Tai Chi integrates body movements with deep breathing and mental concentration, it helps develop deep states of relaxation, thus making it an alternative option to conventional anxiety treatments.
Other benefits of our Tai Chi classes in Rochford include:
- A full-body workout for everyone – Tai Chi focuses on a series of mindful movements that strengthen your body without jarring it. People of any age or physical condition can experience and enjoy the mental and physical benefits of Tai Chi exercises.
- Improves your balance – When practicing Tai Chi, you get used to slowing down and moving through a range of positions with precision and control. This will help improve your balance overall.
- Build strength – You’ll be surprised by how strong you become from practicing Tai Chi! Through regular practice, you will progressively work all the muscles in your body, helping you gradually increase your strength.
- Better posture – As part of the practice, you’ll focus on breathing through individual postures. This makes you more aware of your body and can aid with posture and alignment over time.
- Relaxation time – Tai Chi also has benefits for stress and anxiety, giving you time in your day to properly relax. Improve your breathing technique and chill out as you move slowly through the practice.
Through skillful and thoughtful Tai Chi practice we develop the skills and mindset to help us to take control and responsibility for our own health and the clarity and focus to empower our lives.
There are numerous studies that have shown how effective Tai Chi is for reducing stress and anxiety in addition to helping people to cope with long-term physical conditions through its therapeutic healing properties.
Studies have also demonstrated how taking part in a Tai Chi class helps to lessen the risk of falls or tripping over.
You’ll see improvements every week and begin to enjoy the benefits of Tai Chi. The combination of mindful movements and breathing exercises gives you a full mind and body workout that will have you feeling better inside and out.
Develop at your own pace and ability!
WHAT DO WE LEARN IN TAI CHI?
Our Tai Chi classes follow a carefully structured syllabus based on the Yang style of Tai Chi Chuan that ensures that you will always be developing at your own pace and ability.
From your first lesson, you will be shown simple exercises and routines that will lead to better balance and posture, increased strength and flexibility, calmness, and peace of mind.
You will learn a syllabus that is suitable for anyone of any age or ability and is structured to allow you to progress at a pace that encourages you to develop at your own speed without any pressure.
We study the Yangjia Michuan form, a once closely-guarded secret form taught only to Yang family members until after the fall of the Qing dynasty.
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BASIC SKILLS CLASSES – Mondays 10.00 AM & 7.30 PM
With simpler movements and lower intensity variations, our Tai Chi Basics classes are great for those just starting their fitness journey. This Tai Chi class is aimed at teaching foundational skills involves taking things at a slower pace so you can learn the fundamentals of this ancient practice and build your confidence. You’ll see improvements every week and begin to enjoy the benefits of Tai Chi.
Beginners start their practice by learning the basic sequence of the form. These classes emphasize an understanding of body mechanics and improving balance, concentration, flexibility, and leg strength. At this stage, you will learn the building blocks for each form posture and application.
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INTERMEDIATE SKILLS CLASSES – Wednesday 7.30 PM | Thursday 10.00 AM
Once students have a solid understanding of the basic principles they will be invited to attend the Intermediate classes.
Intermediate classes break down the study of the form into three areas: polishing (going over the form in minute detail), martial applications & push hands (learning to use taijiquan for self-defense) and breathing (developing the meditative and internal-energy aspects of taijiquan).
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ADVANCED SKILLS CLASSES
For more experienced students, we also have an advanced curriculum exploring the complete Yang-style taijiquan system for health and practicing self-defense. This includes Tuishou (“Push Hands”), Sanshou (“Free Hands”), and Sword & Spear.
We regularly run a beginner’s Tai Chi class or beginners course to help people to learn this fascinating art that can provide a complete system for physical and mental health through a combination of movement, mindfulness, and meditation.
Start your Tai Chi Journey!
HOW TO BEGIN THE PRACTICE OF TAI CHI
To start the journey into this amazing art that has the potential to transform your life is simple… you just have to turn up! No one can do this first part for you.
But, if you have the desire and commitment to take control of your health and mental well-being, then you’ve got everything you need for success in Tai Chi!
From the moment you book your first lesson you’ll be supported every step of the way. Ensuring that you’ll always be progressing and have the support you need to achieve your goals.
Our classes are relaxed and friendly with teachers and senior students to help with every aspect of your practice.
We have an online learning platform and allow students to film everything they are learning. This is especially helpful for those of us who have trouble remembering new sequences (this is pretty much everyone if you were worried!).
After your free taster sessions, our basic classes are just £35 per month. This includes everything; your membership, tuition, insurance, and access to our online learning platform.
TRY A FREE CLASS!
We’d love to invite you to a free taster and experience the benefits of Tai Chi classes!
To book simply click on the button below you can call us at 01702 808 262, text 07931 857 775, or email info@rochfordmartialarts.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Tai Chi classes are all about fluid movements, so you’ll want to wear something that allows you to move, stretch and flow.
We would recommend choosing a lightweight, breathable fabric, either snug and secure or loose fitting at the top, but with a fitted hemline to prevent it from riding up. We don’t want your loose tops draping over your head mid-stretch!
For bottoms, opt for something lightweight and comfortable, and on the feet wear socks with small grips or a lightweight shoe that allows the feel to move easily.
Footwear must be indoor shoes only or barefoot. Something with a flat sole is ideal.
AM I TOO OLD/UNFIT FOR TAI CHI?
Our Tai Chi Classes are very popular with Rochford residents because of the mindful flowing nature of Tai Chi.
There are no jarring movements in Tai Chi and there should be no strain felt within the joints. Tai Chi is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding, but the mindful nature of the movements means we that challenge ourselves within our own ability and capacity.
The fact that we study Taiji to improve both our physical and mental health, means that if it is causing us pain, something is wrong with our practice.
Through Tai Chi, we learn to listen to our body. If something is hurting or uncomfortable during practice, this is our body’s way of telling us about an error. You will always have teachers and senior students available to guide your practice!
So are you too unfit or old to study Tai Chi? NO! We have students from their early 20’s to those who are, well, more mature, taking part in classes. If they can do it, so can you. Come and try a class to learn this graceful art and meet some of our other members.
I HAVE A CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITION, CAN I STILL DO TAI CHI?
We receive many referrals from GPs or hospitals for people who need to do some low-impact exercise to help exercise their bodies. The Yang-style Tai Chi system of exercises stretches and breathing techniques can help to relax your body and mind. We always recommend that if you are not sure about exercise, then you should speak with your GP or other medical professionals.
CAN TAI CHI HELP WITH ANXIETY?
Many people find that Tai Chi is very beneficial for stress or anxiety relief. The practice of Tai Chi with its focus on the ability to “let go” can provide a physical way of releasing stress and anxiety.
The focused and mindful exercises with their meditative breathing are very calming and relaxing (we teach them to children to help them calm down) way to release physical and mental tension. They can also be great to do just before bed to help you to get to sleep faster.
IS TAI CHI A MARTIAL ART?
Yes! Anyone that tells you that it isn’t, has never read the classical texts written by the masters who originally founded the art.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), the full name of the art literally translates to “Grand Ultimate Boxing”, so the clue is in the name.
It is a system designed to prepare practitioners, both physically and mentally, to face life-and-death combat in a totally calm and focussed state.
Obviously, we are not living in feudal China facing mortal danger regularly. But, if this practice helped prepare practitioners to face the horrors of battle with a totally calm mind and body, it is more than up to the task of helping us deal with the trials and tribulations of our daily grind.
You will not be expected to spar or fight. But we give you an understanding of the original applications and meanings of forms.
Tai Chi is the practice of mindful movement. Can we truly say that we are moving mindfully if we have no idea of what the movements we a learning a meant for?
For beginners, the study is purely of the postures and sequence of the form. At intermediate levels and above, for students interested in learning the full system we do explore the martial applications of the form and regularly practice sanshou (free fighting), but this part of the program is optional.