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Class information and Specialist courses are listed below 2010 Workshop dates and information are under the 'diary' menu above See SIDE BAR MENU for, 'timetable' for class times, 'costs & membership' and 'venues' for class locations For a student's personal experience of Hard Qi Gong training see below
Shifu Liu demonstrates the Chen 56 Competition Form at the Chinese New Year 2008, in Manchester CLASS NEWS: Summer 2010 > 4 July Next Beginners Chen Tai Ji Quan Course on Sundays, see 'classes' menu for details New Links to follow us: TAI JI CIRCLE Classes and Courses For information on our classes in Chen Tai Ji Quan – beginners to advanced forms, Da Bei Qi Gong, Tai Ji Gong Fu and applications, and the Hard (Ying) Qi Gong course, please scroll down the page. Class 'Timetable' and 'Venue' details are in the side bar menu at top left.
NEW STUDENTS • All new students can attend any Level 1 Tai Ji class, but the Sunday or Thursday Level 1 classes are aimed at new students to the Chen Style. It is important to practice regularly to learn and remember the movements so it is best to sign up for a group of 10 classes to obtain most benefit. If you are experienced in the Chen style you can ask Shifu Liu to attend other classes at your level of practice. • Da Bei qi gong classes are open to all, no experience is necessary to attend. NEW: Introduction to Chen Tai Ji Quan Beginners Courses 2010Our accessible 10 week Sunday beginners courses will give the new student a step-by step practical experience of the basic essential requirements of Chen Tai Ji Quan and enable them to move on to the next levels more easily, other students are welcome to attend, no previous experience necessary.If you missed the beginning of the course you can still come along and catch up at other Level 1 classes. You can come to either or both the Sunday and Thursday classes. Start Date: 4 July 2010 Sundays Time: 10-11 am Special beginners course non-member price is available for 10 classes over 10 weeks, (see 'Cost & Membership' in side bar menu for fees). If you miss a class it can be made up at any other Level 1 classes. Book now for our beginners course and classes: email: info@taijicircle.com Proposed Beginners Course Start Dates for 2010 (may be subject to change): 25 April 4 July 3 October
Level 1 classes for new students Beginners to Chen Tai Ji can join the drop-in classes at any time, but it is easier to first have completed the Introductory Course, or to be doing the course and join in the other classes as well. Sundays Beginners Level 1 Course You can attend the course more than once or drop into this class on completetion of the course to further build up your basic foundation of Chen Tai Ji Quan. Tuesdays Level 1 Thursday Level 1 (Beginners & continuing Level 1) If you have a course pass you can use that for payment, or buy one to use for these classes or pay per class. All beginners and Level 1 and anyone wanting to work at improving their basic skills are welcome, regular classes preferably twice a week or more will be most beneficial. See timetable left menu for all other class details and venues for full addresses. CHEN TAI JI QUAN The power of the internal Chen Tai Ji Quan system lies in its idea to combine Chinese martial arts, philosophy and medical theories to benefit health and well-being. This dynamic style is the original tai ji quan from which many other styles derive, and was once a secret practice within the Chen family village in Henan province. The traditional Chen forms contain original martial applications within them and they have both soft slow movements and fast energy releases. Chen Tai Ji can be practised slowly in a high stance to gain energy, or more vigorously in a lower stance for competition and increased stamina. Tai Ji is suitable for all healthy age groups. There are many health benefits to be gained by the practice of tai ji. The slow movements help the body, breath and mind to relax, give energy, help coordination, concentration, balance, strength and grace. Class Levels The Tai Ji levels indicated are intended to help people choose the classes they may be interested to attend (not to rank students) Introduction to Chen Tai Ji Quan This 10 classes over 10 week course, covers warm up exercises and the Chen Tai Ji stances, footwork, hand and body positions, the silk reeling exercises and the movements of the preparatory form. New Course starts: 4 July 2010 Beginners class on Thursdays Level 1 The preparatory form and silk reeling exercises are vitally important to obtaining correct development in tai ji practice. With posture correction and repetition the student can develop smooth movements and transitions, increased energy, relaxation and gain good balance and coordination. These movements are the 'qi gong' of tai ji and are important for every level of student to continue practicing regularly. Complete beginners can also join Level 1 classes. • Tai Ji Gong Fu Is a vigorous class for all levels Level 2 After completetion of the Chen course and during training at Level 1 you can try the Level 2 form: • The 19 Part Chen Form (created by Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang), this is an entry level beginners form to familiarise the student with movements of the Chen styles and the 74 part traditional long form When comfortable with the form you can move on to the Level 3 classes Level 3 • 74 Part Form, Old Frame, Laojia Yi Lu is the oldest 1st traditional Chen long routine, from which many of the shorter forms and other tai ji styles (Yang) derive. It is a very important foundation routine for conditioning and training in the Chen style. It is designed to promote concentration, condition the body and acquaint students with the inventory of movement techniques for more advanced styles of martial arts training. The form contains many slow continuous movements that use the reeling silk movement quality of Chen Taijiquan. Lao Jia Yi Lu also contains fajing, which is the explosive release of refined strength. Martial strategies within the form include strikes joint locks and throws. • Chen Sword the 43 Part traditional sword form Level 4 • 83 Part Form, Xinjia Yi Lu – New Frame NEW CLASS FOR 2010 Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang's grandfather, Chen Fake created the "Xinjia" form, so called 'New Frame' because it was adapted from the classic old frame. The main difference from old frame (Laojia) is that the movements are smaller and more obvious torso twisting silk reeling and twining of the arms/wrists is employed. This form tends to emphasise manipulation, seizing and grappling (qinna) rather than striking techniques.
• Cannon Fist is the advanced 2nd traditional Chen routine Laojia Er Lu (as it is full of explosive movements). It is advisable to have studied 74 Part Form before beginning this form. • Chen Tai Ji Push Hands and Applications students can check with Shifu Liu to attend this class. • Double Sabres it is advisable to have studied Chen style hand forms and sword form before attempting the double sabres class • 72 part Chen Spear (Chen style spear long form) Click here for more information on Chen Tai Ji Quan Tai Ji Gong Fu, Push Hands and Applications Gong Fu classes have important warm-ups or ji ben gong, stretches, kicks, jumps, sometimes pad practice and energetic hand and weapon forms that are practiced for health, exhibition and competition. Strength, fitness, flexibility, better coordination and balance and an understanding of self defense, are all benifits of Gong fu training with Shifu Liu. Tai Ji Gong Fu (all levels) : Tuesdays 8.30-9.30 pm, King's Cross Methodist Hall Tai Ji Push hands and Applications: Thursdays 8.30-9.30 pm, St Paul's Church Hall, Camden Square 72 Chen Pear-flower Spear & White Ape Staff Form NEW The original 24 Spear form was created by Chen Wanting the founder of the Chen dynasty of tai ji and is one of the oldest Chen Tai Ji forms. It is said to originate from a female warrior 'Yang' of the Song dynasty (over 1000 years ago), who used a 24 movement Spear form to avenge the death of her male relatives. Chen Wanting applied tai ji principles to the form which made it unique. SInce then the form has been developed into a longer 72 part form by the Chen family and is now a combination of distinctive movements using both the spear for stabbing and the staff of the spear for warding off attacks with broad circular movments around the body. Shifu Liu teaches the movements of the traditional Chen Spear form and sometimes also the Chen 'sticky' spear form, which is practiced in pairs and tests the attack and defence movements of the form; this is good for developing coordination with a partner and feeling the strength of the movements from the dantian. All welcome, though tai ji experence with Chen style hand forms is helpful, the spear is quite heavy and the form itself is vigorous and requires strength. SPEAR WEEKLY CLASS AT 3.00pm ON SUNDAYS at St Paul's in Camden Square OTHER CLASSES Da Bei Qi Gong – Buddhist doctrine Shifu Liu bought this very special qi gong practice to the UK from China. With its roots in Buddhism, this is a most powerful and effective form of Qi Gong. Its method, with Buddhist principles at it's heart, is linked to the Yi Jing Ching and is an excellent internal exercise and a well regulated system. It is a meditative, relaxing practice for the cultivation of energy and compassion, that can be practised sitting or standing, dancing or chanting. The body's internal energy or qi is the medicine for healing and the movement of this energy is like hot water running through the body like a fast wind that can also cause spontaneous movement, bringing in good new energy and expelling harmful energy out of the body. We would ask that NO ONE teaches this qi gong without written permission from Shifu Liu. Da Bei Qi gong classes are free to anyone suffering from cancer or serious illnesses, please talk to Shifu Liu or Chris before beginning classes. For queries email: info@taijicircle.com For good information on Buddhism: http://www.crystalinks.com/buddhism.html Warm Up Exercises Most classes include warm ups of the joints, muscles and tendon stretching to loosen up the body and increase flexibility, mobility and strength. CLASS INFORMATION • All the classes are taught using the Chinese rather than the English names, which are standard and useful when attending other classes with Chinese teachers worldwide. • Students should wear loose comfortable clothes and flat shoes, preferable tai ji suits and shoes. • Do not eat a heavy meal for at least 1 hour before class. Tight leggings or jeans are not suitable for martial arts practice, as it is important for the air to be able to circulate so the skin can relax and open enabling energy to enter the body • If you attend a gong fu class, bring a change of clothing and small towel.
Specialist CoursesTCM & Chinese Massage Course '09
Started 5 May 09 2 Year course with Shifu Liu
Chinese medical theory and massage course Chinese massage and qi gong healing (in combination with the practice of tai ji). Shifu Liu will provide a background in Traditional Chinese Medicine theories, before teaching the various massage and qi gong techniques involved. These important theories underlie the whole practice of all the Chinese Internal Martial Arts, so understanding of them is an important part of our practice. Year 1 TCM Theory Year 2 TCM Diagnosis & Treatments Alongside theoretical study will be the practice of ‘Shou fa’, the hand techniques used in Dian Xue Tui Na massage, and Qi Gong. No experience is necessary to participate. For details: email: info@taijicircle.com
Shifu Liu gives Tui Na massage on the Tai Ji Circle stand at SENI 2006, to the well-known actor Danny John-Jules who played 'The Cat' in the renowned TV series 'Red Dwarf'. Dian Xue is Chinese pressure point therapy, and Tui Na is traditional Chinese Massage that utilises different hand massage techniques to stimulate blood and qi flow along the acupuncture meridians to help clear areas of blockage or pain within the body. Shifu Liu will teach treatment methods (which are all part of Traditional Chinese Medicine), that use a combination of Qi Gong (breathing and movement exercises), Dian Xue (pressure point massage), and Tui Na (Chinese massage) for treating illnesses and to maintain good health. The massage therapy uses as a basis the Traditional Chinese Medicine theories of balancing yin and yang and the 5 elements. Treatments help to unblock patients’ meridians, to harmonize qi in the body, and to balance yin and yang, in order to regain a healthy body. It is a most economical and practical natural healing method. Shifu Liu is available for private treatments by appointment. See 'Profile' menu above for more information on Chinese massage treatments.
Shifu Liu being tested after his Hard Qi Gong training
Hard Qi Gong – 100 + days training programme Hard Qi Gong practice improves your internal qi (energy) and is a benefit Only open to student members of the Tai Ji Circle Hard Qi Gong is a serious, challenging and demanding internal and external training programme that works on both a mental and physical level. It can also benefit many chronic health conditions. It takes daily practice and strong determination to succeed. People suitable for the practice Hard Qi Gong can be practised here in the UK, from late August through to early July, and can be done by anyone aged 16-60 years who is relatively fit and healthy without any serious mental or physical problems. It is not suitable for anyone who has experienced past severe physical or psychological trauma. It is also advisable to have had some practice of qi gong or meditation, and hard training. Shifu Liu prefers participants to be Tai Ji Circle members and for them to have attended our classes before they begin the training. Benefits The body and mind are strengthened and rejuvenated, energy increases and problems such as allergies, backache, headaches and other conditions may dissapear. It is a foundation for steel jacket training, one main benefit is the strengthening of the internal parts of the body to protect against injury. Shifu Liu will interview all potential students to check their suitability and the training process will be explained in more detail at that time. (Advance booking is essential, email us for interview) Tai Ji Circle students after completing the Hard Qi Gong training course, undergo optional testing (below)
> Justin Schlosberg on Hard Qi Gong training with the Tai Ji Circle
I’ve been training in Chen Tai ji quan and Da Bei qi gong for a year and a half now, and ying qi gong for nearly a year. Sometimes I’m not sure whether it’s training‚ studying‚ or just experiencing. Similarly I’m not sure whether it’s a hobby, a passion or a lifestyle it’s a tricky thing to define. When I started, I often found myself saying in jest that it would take me the best part of 30 years to get my head round the subtleties of the movements. In some ways I’ve progressed quicker than I expected, but in other ways the mountain just gets higher and steeper. As soon as I think I’ve mastered something, I discover I’m not even close. Maybe my back is not relaxed or my shoulders aren’t open or my hips aren’t low enough. Or maybe I’m just thinking too much. Doing the foundation course in ying qi gong last year, I glimpsed for the first time what it is to really think about nothing and feel only a fire in my belly, with my feet rooted to the ground and all my muscles completely relaxed. The course itself seemed to last forever at least the first 2 months did. It was during this time that training became the centre of my life, and everything else (work, family, friends) had to be slotted in around it as best I could. It’s sometimes easy to reflect on it with rose tinted glasses but reading back over my diary entries, those first two months were anything but plain sailing. I’d heard from previous graduates that the course can be gruelling to say the least, but it’s hard to imagine just what that entails until you do it. With seemingly constant aches and pains, endless fatigue and little to show for it other than a slightly more toned physique, I often wondered why I was actually doing this. But it was the personal landmarks‚ that kept me going. Doing the exercises for longer and with less pain was like a world of new possibilities opening up before me. I realised that I actually can do what I assumed or feared that I couldn’t. Ying qi gong exposed my weaknesses but also my potential to improve with perseverance and will power, like chipping away at a great wall piece by piece. By the time the course ended, I felt stronger and more awake‚ than ever before. And even if there is no end goal, and the peak of the mountain is forever obscured by clouds, it’s enough to know that I’m trying my best. For although I felt elated when the course finished, I quickly realised once again how much more there is to learn. In accepting that, the training becomes less about trying to get somewhere or be someone, and more about just enjoying the journey (of a lifetime). |
| For information in London contact info@taijicircle.com | |
