Tai Chi classes for beginners
What is Tai Chi?
Many people may have seen films of Chinese people exercising in parks in the early morning, with slow graceful movements, so will have some idea of what Tai Chi looks like.
This class teaches what is known as Yang style Short Form, which was introduced to the West by Cheng Man Ching. It consists of a connected series of seventy-three movements and postures. Tai Chi evolved from martial art forms but today is practiced for health benefits.
What are the benefits?
Tai Chi is increasingly recognised as an excellent way to slow down and counteract some of the stresses of modern living. Increased suppleness, balance, relaxation and improvements to the immune system are some of the benefits that can be expected. It can also be useful as an introduction to most forms of meditation. It can also be fun!
In applying Tai Chi to daily life we can discover where we are using inappropriate force, so causing ourselves unnecessary stress and fatigue. It is based on the priciples of harmonising movement and relaxation, mind and body.
What should I wear?
Loose, unrestrictive clothing is desirable - traditional baggy trousers and tunic are good, but anything spacious and comfortable will do. Jeans are generally not recommended. Soft shoes (sometimes sold as ‘kung fu slippers’) or thick socks are useful to keep feet warm, though if temperatures permit, bare feet are ideal. As the exercises are practiced standing up, mats or blankets are not required.
How long does it take to learn?
Most people take between sixty to seventy hours of regular classes, plus personal practice time at home, to learn the Short Form. Generally, classes continue beyond this time in order to refine and deepen students grasp of the basic form.
Who comes to the classes?
Tai Chi is appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. It does not require a previous level of fitness, or experience of similar systems. Classes may contain dancers, athletes, practitioners of ‘harder’ martial arts as well as pensioners and those unused to exercise.
Who is teaching this class?
This class is taught by Felicity Bowers, who studied with Rising Dragon Tai Chi School and its principal instructor, Richard Farmer, since 1985. She is also an artist and lectures in drawing at Bath Artists' Studios