New Students

The classes are suitable for healthy people at all levels and ages.

Da Bei Qi Gong is a quiet meditative relaxing practice (seated or standing) for the cultivation of energy, so it is suitable for most people to try. The class is free for anyone with serious illness. (If anyone has any serious health issues, it is important that they notify the teacher before the class, sign a release form and check with their doctor beforehand).

Chen Tai Ji Quan Chen Tai Ji can be studied at different levels from the important Chansi Gong (silk reeling) exercises that are the very foundation of the Chen style and Laojia Yi Lu (the long 74 part form), to the more challenging Competition and weapons forms and Tui Shou (pushing hands).

New students to Chen Tai Ji Quan are recommended to start with the Introductory Beginners Course run every 10 weeks, these will teach important Chen Tai Ji basic movements, or if not possible to do the course then come along to the Level 1 classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays (aimed at new students).

Beginners level 1 Exercises and short form, helps develop strength, balance, coordination and relaxation.

Level 2 Beginners forms, to study after the Level 1 is mastered, or you have tai ji (prefereably Chen style experience)

Assessments: There will be periodic assessments to monitor student progress so that you know which areas are weak and need to be imporved.

New students with experience in Chen style may attend the other classes if Shifu Liu agrees.

Wednesday Tai Ji gong fu is a lively and invigorating class, it requires fitness, includes jumps and kicks and are much enjoyed by young students. The Tuesday class is suitable for fit active beginners, other classes need to be discussed with Shifu before you attend.

Clothes and shoes

Shifu Liu has asked that all students come to class wearing tai ji clothes (which we can supply), or wear comfortable loose clothes, with layers to remove if you get hot, and a clean 't' shirt if you do gong fu and sweat a lot. Flat, soft shoes are most comfortable, they should not be worn outside, to keep the floor clean. Tight leggings maybe ok for yoga but are inappropriate for tai ji practice, as it is important for the air to circulate and enable the skin pores to open and breathe and for the body to relax correctly.

We have some tai ji silk suits in pastel colours and black, white, red and blue, and black or white tai ji shoes from China, these can be purchased by ordering in class.

Students should not eat a heavy meal for at least 1 hour before any class and preferably not drink during your training.

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