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The class timetable is under the 'classes' menu. CLASS NEWS: 2012 Sunday revision classes at St Paul's Camden Square on:- Full Class timetable with Shifu Liu resumes Sunday 12 February
Tai Ji Circle – London NEW Saturday Workshops 2012 All workshops are taught by Shifu Liu
Shifu Liu teaches on several different levels, while beginners can learn the steps of the routine or technique, more experienced students gain deeper appreciation of the subtle inner movements of energy as their practice improves. New students are also welcome to come to most workshops. Attending workshops will contribute towards teacher training experience. With their focus on understanding the health, philosophical and martial principles of practice, together with emphasis on correct posture Shifu Liu’s workshops are essential for gaining deeper theoretical and practical experience of the essence of Chinese internal martial arts. Every workshop will be different from those given previously. Workshops are accessible and open to students of all levels of practice and new students are also welcome to attend most of them.
25 February 2012 Da Bei Qi Gong for health and well-being: Seminar with Shifu Liu
Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention. Come and learn Shifu Liu's Da Bei Qi Gong, it is a powerful yet simple set of 18 meditative movements, that when practiced regularly, help to improve the body's internal circulation, calm and relax the mind, and relieve stress. 2.00–6.00 pm
2011 Past Workshops Xmas Workshop, Qi Gong and Chen Tai Ji for everyone: with Shifu Liu 10 December 2011
2.00–4.00 pm Qi Gong and Chen Tai Ji Quan with some applications, this is a workshop for all levels and should be fun. 4.00–7.00 pm: Performances of Chen Tai Ji Quan from Shifu and students, and demonstrations of the thrilling Ying Qi Gong, followed by our Xmas Party, with music from the fabulous saxophonist Lascelles James, and songs from Shifu and friends, all welcome with family and friends. Everybody welcome, no experience necessary.
Qi Gong to improve quality of life: Workshop with Shifu Liu 3 December 2011
Top up your energy for the winter months with this last qi gong workshop of the year with Shifu Liu. By promoting the circulation of energy around the body this qi gong will help to strengthen the immune system, and improve health, longevity Everybody welcome, no experience necessary.
Chen Applications and Techniques Workshops with Shifu Liu
Using movements from the Chen Tai Ji Quan style, Shifu Liu will explore the use of martial applications, through techniques and fajin (energy release). Some Chen style experience is helpful.
Chen Double Sabres Workshop with Shifu Liu
The dynamic Chen Double Sabres workshops is on 1 and 15 October, with Shifu Liu, over 2 workshops, Shifu will teach the routine and some applications
Da Bei Qi Gong Workshop with Shifu Liu
Shifu Liu will teach this meditative qi gong for energy and good health in preparation for the winter; the first hour will be Da Bei meditation, then explanation about Chinese medicine theories of the 5 elements, the 5 organs and the 5 healing sounds, followed be the Healing Sounds practice itself. Everyone welcome to come along.
6 & 20 August Xinjia Yi Lu Workshops with Shifu Liu A rare chance to learn the brilliant first Chen New Frame routine, created from Laojia Yi Lu (the oldest Chen hand form) by Chen Fake, GM Chen Xiao Wang's grandfather. Learn the routine, try the fajin and applications, suitable for those with Chen-style experience of Laojia Yi Lu or the 38 Part Form. Saturday workshop times: 2.00 – 6.00pm
Chen Tai Ji Quan – Push Hands (Tuishou)
Learning and refining the movements working with a partner, sensing the other persons energy, the important energy directions and the change of yin and yang, techniques, all aspects of push hands practice over 2 workshops. Chen Tai Ji Quan – Jian (sword) workshop
Chen Traditional Single Sword Form – Learn the routine, fajin, posture correction and applications
11 + 18 June Laojia Yi Lu, Traditional Chen Form with Shifu Liu
Practicing Laojia on the beach in Brighton The Laojia Yi Lu routine (Old frame routine) is so important because it is at the very root of the Chen style, all the other hand forms use it‘s movements as a basis (19 and 38 also contain some of Xinjia Yi Lu, the New Frame routine which is also structured on Laojia Yi Lu), and the Yang Style was also based on that routine, so it holds a very special place for Chen practitioners and it is the ‘heart’ of the style. It was once the only form taught to beginners which is why it is suitable for everyone to try. A double workshop taught over 2 Saturdays, 8 hours of Laojia Yi Lu. Shifu Liu will teach step by step, the routine of this classic form, learn and refine the movements with postural correction and practice fajin. Laojia Yi Lu was traditionally the first Chen form taught to new students, so these workshops are of general interest and open to all levels of student practice 7 May Teaching Chen Tai Ji Quan Foundation level In this first of the ‘teaching’ workshops Shifu Liu will cover the Foundation level of practice, which is most important for anyone studying Chen Tai Ji Quan or interested in teaching it in the future. Shifu will explain the underlying principles and history of martial arts, as well as demonstrating the importance of correct movement, postural alignment and understanding of the theory. These are essential for self-development of both student or teacher of tai ji, as well as developing the communication skills needed and a solid practice.
9 + 16 April 38 Part Chen Form with Shifu Liu
Over 2 workshops Shifu Liu will slowly teach step-by-step Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang’s 38 Part Form. It contains movements from the Chen 74 part traditional Old Frame and the New Frame forms (Laojia and Xinjia Yi Lu). The 38 Part Form prepares and facilitates learning the more complex routines, and it has a range of movements also suitable for performing at competition.
26 March Chen Xiao Wang’s 19 part Form Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang created the 19 Part Form in response to demand from students for a short routine suitable for beginners. Shifu Liu will teach the movements step by step with posture correction. This Level 1 form is preparation for learning the longer Chen forms, and the movements are designed to make the body’s energy very strong. Suitable for everyone.
12 March Chen Foundation workshop: Zhan Zhaung, Chansi Gong with Chen Techniques and applications This workshop is for everyone interested in the essential training of the Chen style of tai ji quan. With posture correction from Shifu Liu you will gain understanding of the 'standing post' (Zhan zhaung), the importance of correct alignment and posture that is the core of the Chen training, and the silk reeling exercises (Chansi Gong), that underpin the correct shape and movements of all the long forms, and thus the correct movements of energy. With correct movements of the body and weight changing, the energy flows and you will learn how the circular shapes of this training have a martial basis of defence and attack. 26 February: Da Bei Qi Gong for energy and well-being Da Bei Qi Gong is a powerful set of simple movements, that when practiced regularly, can help increase the body's internal energy, calm and relax the mind, and help relieve stress. ?The practice is ideal for learning to do at home (as it only needs a small space). ?It focuses on the dantian (the energy centre below the navel) to strengthen and improve the internal organs. 2010 Workshops 11 December 38 Chen Form Part 2 + Special Qi Gong Workshop + Xmas Party
38 Chen Form, Part 1
The 38 part Chen Form was developed by Grand Master Chen Xiao Wang. It is based on Laojia Yi Lu and Xinjia Yi Lu, old and new frame routines. It is ideal for moving onto from the 19 Chen Form. Divided into 4 sections, with movements using silk reeling and strong (energy releases) fajin. This routine is good for competition as it takes 4 mins to perform and is also an essential part of the Chen teacher training requirements. It will be taught step-by-step. As in all the Chen forms taught by Shifu Liu, the 38 can be practiced quietly like a qi gong exercise to build energy or more vigourously for performance. It is therefore suitable for everyone to learn.
Shifu Liu will take familiar movements from the Chen forms and teach their techniques and applications, these will include, Shou Fa, using hands and arms, Tui Fa using legs, and Zhou Fa, using the joints, elbows, knees, shoulders. If there is time he will alsoteach some sword or sabre techniques. Working safely with a partner, the workshop is suitable for everyone who attends our classes, and is interested in the martial techniques of the Chen style. 13 November: Chen Push Hands - Tui Shou Suitable for everyone who attends our classes. 23 October: Chansi Gong and Zhan Zhaung 2 October: Da Bei Qi Gong Level 1
TAI JI CIRCLE: 3 DAY LONDON SUMMER SCHOOL 2010 Chen Tai Ji Quan Intensive with Shifu Liu Catch this chance to improve your tai ji with Shifu Liu. Three days of Chen style tai ji quan, suitable for all levels, with time for lunch and refreshment breaks. Some essential elements are outlined below. Suitable for all levels. (Sunday 15 August we will run normal classes). There will be daily meditation and standing post practice to begin each day Friday 13 August Saturday 14 August Monday 16 August Time: 9.00am – 6.00pm Venue: St Paul’s Church Hall, Camden Square, NW1 9XG Cost for 3 days: £240 Members; £300 for non-members Deposit with booking: £25 per day or £50 for 3 days Register for workshops: info@taijicircle.com
5 June, 3 July, 31 July Chen Tai Ji Quan: Xinjia Yi Lu Part 3
In this third workshop workshops Shifu Liu will continue teaching the movements, and some fajin and applications, with movement details and postural correction. Suitable both for those who have begun to study Chen and want to learn this routine, and those with more experience who will gain a deeper experience of this form. Registration cut-off date 29 July Cost per workshop: Time: 2.00-7.00pm with refreshment breaks Register for workshops with Chris: info@taijicircle.com A deposit of £15.00 is required to secure a place on each workshop We reserve the right to cancel workshops if under 10 people book Venue: St Paul’s Church Hall 12 June The do’s and dont’s of nutrition with Shifu Liu
What to eat, what not to eat and different food combinations, according to the principles of Traditonal Chinese Medicine. Bring along fruit and vegetables and food that you like to eat and find out what foods mix well and enhance health and which don’t and may be harmful. This will be practical so we’ll be cooking up food and eating it together. Suitable for everyone. A special Tai Ji CIrcle May seminar
15 May Qi Gong, Martial Arts and Therapy with Grand Master Chu Don’t miss this great opportunity to work with the remarkable Grand Master Chu from Manchester. He specialises in qi gong practice for good health and for healing others, as well as being formidable practioner of martial arts, with a vast knowledge and immense skill. He is the Chairman of the Manchester Kung Fu Committee and Dragon and Lion Dancing Club, and on the board of directors for the Chinese Education Culture Community Centre in Manchester. The workshop is suitable for everone and will be divided into 3 parts with refreshment breaks. Qi gong practice will be followed by a demonstration in the use of martial applications in defence and attack, and the last session will be qi gong therapy, a great opportunity to experience qi gong for healing. If you have a specific serious health problem please notify us before hand.
Saturday, March and April Workshops Our first three Chen Tai Ji Quan workshops have the theme 'Theory, Practice and Observation' and will lead towards assessments for all levels. These will be accessible and open to all, and are important for everyone to improve their practice, particularly those who wish to gain a teaching certificate with us. There will be a number of workshops leading up to this:-
13 March Chen Style Chansi Gong, Preparatory Form
Registration cut-off date 11 March 27 March 19 Part Form 2 Level syllabus Continuing on from the last workshop, exploring movement and posture, Including the use of fajing, theory, applications and posture correction Registration cut-off date 25 March 10 April Laojia Yi Lu, Chen Traditional Long Form Registration cut-off date 8 April Registration cut-off date 15 April Time: 2.00-7.00pm with refreshment breaks
Cost per workshop: Members Concessions £45 Venue: St Paul’s Church Hall Register for workshops application to Chris: info@taijicircle.com Deposit of £15.00 is required to secure a place on each workshop We reserve the right to cancel workshops if there are under 10 people booked FUNDRAISER FOR HAITI Da Bei Qi Gong Workshop with Shifu Liu
20 February 2009 Saturday 2.00 – 6.00 pm Shifu Liu will teach a meditative qi gong for energy and good health, and we’ll sell or auction Suitable for everyone, no experience is necessary. ALL PROCEEDS TO BE DONATED
Venue: For bookings email Chris: info@taijicircle.com
The new dates and other workshops for 2010 will be announced soon PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS 09 14 February Chen Tai Ji Silk Reeling and Applications (4 hours) 28 February Da Bei Qi Gong (4 hours) 7 March Bagua Zhang (4 hours) 21 March Chen Xiao Wang’s 19 part Form (4 hours) 4 April Chen 24 part Spear Form (4 hours) 18 April Bagua Zhang (4 hours) 2 + 9 May Chen Xiao Wang’s Long Form – Laojia Yi Lu (12 hours) 23 May Chen Sword form (4 hours) 13 June Chen Cannon Fist – Laojia Er Lu (6 hours) 20 June Da Bei Qi Gong (4 hours) 4 + 18 July Chen Double Sabres (8 hours) 1 + 15 August Chen style Push Hands (8 hours) 12 September Da Bei Qi Gong (4 hours) 26 September Chen Tai Ji all Beginners Syllabus (4 hours) 10 October Chen Xiao Wang’s 19 part Form (4 hours) (form, fajin and applications) 24 October 56 Chen Competition Form (6 hours) (study the routine) 14 November Chen Sword Form (6 hours) (learn routine and practice fajin) 21 November + 5 December: Chen Xiao Wang’s – Laojia Yi Lu (12 hours) 12 December: Special Christmas Workshops Xinjia New Frame + Push Hands Applications, plus Demonstration of Chen Tai Ji and Qi Gong. Times to be confirmed
12 December: Christmas Workshop & Party ‘09
12.00 noon – 3.00pm Chen Tai Ji Quan Workshop with Shifu Liu 3.00 – 6.00pm Chen Tai Ji and Qi Gong demonstrations Venue: St Paul's Church hall, top of Camden Square, NW1 9XG email confirmation: info@taijicircle.com
21 November + 5 December Chen Xiao Wang’s – Laojia Yi Lu (12 hours)
Shifu will be teaching the first traditional Chen long form Laojia Yi Lu originally created by Chen Changxing (later taught to Yang Luchan the founder of the Yang style of tai ji so popular in the West). Laojia Yi Lu is the foundation of the Chen style and many of the other forms in the Chen repertoire are structurally based upon it, here's some info:- Perhaps the best known Chen family teacher was 14th generation Chen Changxing (1771-1853). He further synthesized Chen Wangting's (the founder of the Chen style) open fist training corpus into two routines that came to be known as "old frame" (lao jia). ... Chen family teaching remained hidden and was not officially "released" to the public until 1928 (from WIkipedia). Suitable for everyone with basic Chen-style skills. With refreshment breaks. Times: 2.00pm–8.00pm Costs of workshops: 6 hour workshop: £65 Non Members, £50 Members Venue For bookings email Chris: info@taijicircle.com 14 November Chen Style Sword Form with Shifu Liu
Step by step tuition in the traditional Chen-style sword form with Shifu Liu, with posture correction and fajin practice, emphsis on yin yang, 'empty' and 'full' aspects of movements of the form.Suitable for everyone with basic Chen-style skills 24 October Chen Style 56 Part Competition Form with Shifu Liu
This dynamic yet flowing form was especially conceived for competition and demonstration. It takes about 4 1/2 minutes to perform. With its framework rooted in the Chen style, it combines movements from the two classic Chen forms, Laojia Yi Lu and Laojia Er Lu (first and second traditional routines), together with those from the new frame Xinjia Yi Lu. Xinjia Yi Lu form was created by Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang's famous Grandfather, Chen Fake in the 1920's, (its underlying structure is based on Laojia Yi Lu and it contains many smaller spiral movements and energetic fajin). The modern 56 part routine therefore combines the essence of the Chen style and is itself a well balanced form, particularly beneficial for coordination and strength. Shifu Liu will teach the routine step-by-step and has said that everyone can practice the competition form whatever their level, however some Chen tai ji experience is helpful. 10 October 19 Part Form Workshop with Shifu Liu
'Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang created the 19 Part Form in response to demand from students for a short routine suitable for beginners, the form is composed of 19 movements, divided into four sections. The simplicity of the form’s choreography facilitates easy assimilation by the novice, yet offers the experienced practitioner room to express and develop the basic principles, energies and techniques of the style.' Shifu will teach the movements step by step. This Level 2 form has some different postures, practice and fajin than the Chen Style 18 part Form, and is preparation for learning the traditional Chen Long Form, Laojia Yi Lu. The movements are designed to make the body’s energy very strong.
26 September Beginners Chen Tai Ji Quan workshop
Learn and refine the basic essentials of Chen Tai Ji Quan, silk reeling exercises, beginners form, some applications and posture correction Suitable for all levels, no experience is necessary.
12 September Da Bei Qi Gong
Da Bei Qi Gong is a powerful set of simple movements, that when practiced regularly, can help you to increase the body's internal energy, calm and relax the mind, and help relieve stress. The practice can be seated or standing and is ideal for learning to do at home (as it only needs a small space). The focus is on the dantian (the energy centre below the navel) and to strengthen and improve the internal organs. At an advanced level when your energy is very strong this qi gong can be used for healing oneself and other people. Suitable for everyone, no experience is necessary. 1 & 15 August 2009 Chen pushing Hands Workshop - Part 1 & Part 2
Working with a partner these workshops will deepen your understanding of the importance of pushing hands in our tai ji practice. Shifu Liu will teach many aspects of Chen style pushing hands, explaining techniques and the difference behind the movements of forms and pushing hands. These workshops are to be held over 2 Saturdays. All levels welcome.
4 & 18 July 2009 Chen style Double Sabres Workshop - Part 1 & Part 2
A unique opportunity to learn the whole of the Chen Double Sabre form with Shifu Liu of the Tai Ji Circle. This fascinating and dynamic routine has sweeping circular movements and energetic jumps which can be practised by more experienced students. The workshop is held over 2 Saturdays, and the Form will be taught slowly step-by-step with posture correction.
20 June Da Bei Qi Gong
Da Bei Qi Gong is a powerful set of simple movements, that when practiced regularly, can help you to increase the body's internal energy, calm and relax the mind, and help relieve stress. The practice can be seated or standing and is ideal for learning to do at home (only needs a small space. It focuses on the dantian (the energy centre below the navel) and to strengthen and improve the internal organs. At an advanced level when your energy is very strong this qi gong can be used for healing oneself and other people. The movements are quite simple to learn, so it is suitable for everyone to try. This is a valuable opportunity to learn more about Da Bei Qi Gong from Shifu Liu, he is the lineage holder in this country, and during a normal class there isn't enough time to go into detail as there is during the workshop when there is also time to ask questions and experience everything more fully.
13 June Laojia Er Lu or Cannon Fist (6 hours)
Saturday 2.00 – 8.00pm A rare chance to learn this advanced Chen form which is full of ‘fajin’, energy releases. Shifu Liu will teach slowly step by step, the routine of this ancient traditional form and refine posture and movements. Knowledge of the 1st Chen long form, Laojia Yi Lu is helpful, but not essential.
23 May Chen Sword form (4 hours) Saturday 2.00 – 6.00pm
Learn the steps of the 49 movement Chen sword form, together with posture correction, the names of the sword routine and the types of cutting movement and angles of the sword.
2 + 9 May Chen Xiao Wang’s Long Form – Laojia Yi Lu (12 hours)
Shifu Liu teaches Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang's Laojia Yi Lu (over 2 x 6 hour workshops, split over 2 Saturdays, with posture and movement correction). Laojia Yi Lu is the 1st traditional long form of the Chen style and itself is the basis of the Chen family style as the more modern Chen forms have the structure of this important routine as their underlying theme. It is predominantly 'yin' in flavour as opposed to the 'yang' of Cannon fist, Laojia Er (with many explosive movements). These two forms offer a harmony of yin yang balance in their practice at a more advanced level. This is a great opportunity to learn the form step by step, revise sections you are not sure of and gain an overall understanding of the structure of the whole form and the movement principles behind it. If you are new to the form do not even try to remember the movements but get the feel of the overall movement themes and with practice the whole will slowly come together. This wonderful form is the root of Chen style and essential for development of practice. The workshops will be split up with tea/snack breaks (bring something to eat with you). All welcome, but it is helpful to have some prior Chen experience. Times: 2.00pm–8.00pm Costs per day for workshop: Per 6 hour workshop Non Members: £65 Members: £50
> 18 April – Bagua Zhang, Eight Trigram Palm Workshop 2
This workshop will continue with teaching the Bagua forms and the martial applications taken from the movements of the form. The photo above shows Shifu Liu demonstrating the application from the 1st bagua movement. Bagua Zhang or The Eight Trigrams Palm is a martial art based on the ancient Chinese book "The I Ching" and it's philosophy. It uses the eight trigrams, the sixty-four hexagrams, and its theories of Yin and Yang to describe fighting tactics, postures, forces used in fighting, and the health exercises that are contained inside Bagua Zhang. The practice of circle walking is bagua's characteristic method of stance and movement training. In the workshop Shifu will include posture correction and the use of some martial applications from the forms. Suitable for all levels. > 4 April – 24 Part Chen Spear Workshop
Shifu Liu will be teaching the movements of the 24 part Chen Spear form and also the traditional 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. The 24 Spear form was created by Chen Wanting and is one of the oldest Chen forms. It is said to originate from a female warrior 'Yang' of the Song dynasty, 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. All welcome, though tai ji experence from hand forms is helpful, and the form itself is vigorous. > 21 March – 19 Part Chen Form Workshop
The 19 Part Form by grand Master Chen Xiao Wang is a combination of postures from the three major styles of ChenJiagou Taijiquan. It is composed of 19 movements, divided into four sections. The rhythm and flavour of the form reflects the classic attributes of Chen style, showing especially the influence of Lao Jia Yi Lu (the traditional long form): it has a mixture of soft and hard, with fast and slow movements. While Shifu will teach the movements of the form, including posture correction, fajin or energy releases, and the martial applications. With something for everyone, attending the workshop will be a good opportunity for new students to learn the movements of a longer form, while others will enjoy gaining experience of the underlying martial and fajin applications.
7 March
Bagua Zhang, Eight Trigram Palm Bagua Zhang or The Eight Trigrams Palm is a martial art based on the ancient Chinese book "The I Ching" and it's philosophy. It uses the eight trigrams, the sixty-four hexagrams, and its theories of Yin and Yang to describe fighting tactics, postures, forces used in fighting, and the health exercises that are contained inside Bagua Zhang. The practice of circle walking is bagua's characteristic method of stance and movement training. In the workshop Shifu will include posture correction and the use of some martial applications from the forms. Suitable for all levels.
28 February
Da Bei Qi Gong Come and try this meditative qi gong with it's roots in Shaolin Buddhism, it is complementary to the tai ji training, so learn more about calming your mind and increasing your body's energy with this practice and the possibility of using qi gong for healing. The movements are quite simple to learn, so it is suitable for everyone to try. This is a valuable opportunity to learn more about Da Bei Qi Gong from Shifu Liu, he is the lineage holder in this country, and during a normal class there isn't enough time to go into detail as there is during the workshop when there is also time to ask questions and experience everything more fully.
14 February Workshop
Chen Tai Ji Silk Reeling and Applications This first seminar on silk reeling and applications will demonstrate the fundamental importance of the basic movements that underlie the Chen style of tai ji and its martial heritage, it is suitable for everyone to try. |
| For information in London contact info@taijicircle.com | |
