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Tai Chi and Qigong

Tai Chi is an exercise based on natural movement and quality attention that is fun and easy to learn, that will relax and energise you, give you strong legs, build your stamina, flexibility, vitality  and as well as all of this, will help you to let go of unwanted stress and tensions.
That's a lot!

Together tai chi and qigong belong to a genre of exercise that has evolved and been practiced in Asia for hundreds, even thousands of years.This genre of exercise is now practiced throughout the world and is recognised as offering an exceptionally successful way of maintaining health and vitality for the human being.

It is sometimes said that 'Tai Chi' translates as 'The Great Balancing Force' and 'Qigong' as 'Energy Work'.
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​There are many, many different styles and approaches to these arts. Below left is my introduction from the Tai Chi with Angus Clark DVD. Below right is a film of my teacher Dr. Chi Chiang Tao playing the Tai Chi Short Form, in Taiwan some time in the early 1970's. Read more about tai chi and qigong below ....

Tai Chi and Qigong offer comprehensive and easy to learn systems of movement. Each has it’s roots set deep in Chinese culture, medicine and martial traditions though these days its practice and principles branch into human communities the world over.

Tai Chi and Qigong practice is based on principles of relaxation, physical alignments and mindfulness.
The natural shapes and flowing rhythm are designed to restore you on all important levels as well as develop strength, flexibility and all round human health.


Who is it for?
You!
​Tai Chi is for everyone - young and old, women and men, the already fit and the not so fit and it can even be played seated. 


Why is TC Good for Health?
Tai Chi is played slowly and this means that the deep support muscles are nourished. This works at any age but as we mature in years this plays to our advantage in maintaining good tone and fitness.

The legs are well exercised. With the weight shifting from one leg to the other, a pattern develops: work followed by rest; work, followed by rest. This tones the muscles and at the same time encourages good circulation.

The exercise gives you excellent command of your balance. Each foot placement is performed carefully with the balance of the body taken fully into one side before committing to a step. 

The slow speed creates an atmosphere of ‘no rush, plenty of time’. In our fast modern world this becomes a tonic, counteracting the stresses of daily life.

Tai chi encourages a deepening of the breath. Something as simple as good breathing can mean that we feel full of life, creativity and inspiration …. respiration and inspiration are perhaps not such different words.
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And finally, there’s the focus, the ‘being in the moment’ where you become absorbed into the movement, the feeling, the experience. This is what Jules Pretty calls ‘immersive attention’. It is mindfulness in the movement and is embraced by many people nowadays and recognised as being a most valuable practice for humans.
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  • Home
  • about
    • Angus
    • living movement
    • tai chi and qigong
    • Research
  • your choice
    • Chi by the Sea
    • Chi Walks
    • Classes
    • One-to-One Tuition
    • Pushing Hands >
      • Fred Hao 2020
    • Qigong: White Crane
    • San Shou
    • Short Form
    • Sword Form
    • Tai Chi Essence
    • Training
  • events
  • publications
  • Contact