making Tai Chi available for all abilities
Tai Chi & Chi Kung Forum for Health
A network aiming to widen the availability of Tai Chi and Chi Kung to anyone, regardless of age, physical or mental ability or condition of health.
Tai Chi Finder Finding a teacher, finding a class, videos, DVDs and much more.
Tai Chi Union for Great Britain
The national body for the UK which includes all Tai Chi styles. Information about classes, teachers, events. Publishes excellent magazine.
Special Event!
The Biggest Tai Chi Class Ever
25th July 2010
JOIN the world record attempt in at Vale Park Aylesbury 10.45 for 11.00
Register in advance or come extra early to make sure
you count!
Information about donations and other venues here:
please note new dates for
Tai Chi Based Exercise Training
15 September, 2 November 2010 & 14 January 2011
Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art which also provides great health benefits. Developed in China over many hundreds of years, Tai Chi is very popular with older people in China who know how useful it is to keep the body supple and mobile, and maintain a healthy, active life. Many of the great masters of Tai Chi originally took up the art to help improve poor health.
Literally anyone can benefit from Tai Chi Chuan, even those who have limited physical movement. Exercises can be adapted to suit each student so that everyone can participate.
Even watching Tai Chi is restful and relaxing. From my experience, the benefits of playing Tai Chi include:
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Increased energy levels
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Improved general physical well being
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Sleeping better, waking feeling more refreshed
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Able to choose to relax
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Reduced stress and increased confidence
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Improved flexibility
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Better coordination and balance
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Having more fun
Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends Tai Chi for a number of health problems. Now, recent medical studies by doctors practicing Western Medicine are also showing clear benefits. For example, a recent study of women with osteoarthritis found that after only 12 weeks, the tai chi group had significantly less pain and stiffness, and improved ability to perform daily tasks (like climbing stairs), as well as better balance. See Resources for more information about research on Tai Chi and health.
Tai Chi Based Exercise Training can be provided for Special Schools staff, and those working with adults with health and mobility problems, as well as people with learning disabilities.
Alison first began playing Tai Chi Chuan in 1979 and now specialises in teaching Tai Chi for people with health and mobility problems, and for children and young people with special needs.
Alison trained originally in Tai Chi Chuan with Alan Peck, founder of the Natural Way Tai Chi School. Alan's teacher was Dr Chi Chiang Tao who studied under Cheng Man Ching. Alison has also studied with a number of teachers specialising in tai chi for people with disabilities, including Dr Paul Lam and members of the Tai Chi and Chi Kung Forum for Health. A qualified teacher, Alison also works as a researcher, consultant and coach. See www.empoweringmanager.com for more information.
If you have any doubt about whether you should take part in our Tai Chi classes, please consult your doctor or other medical practitioner first. If you or your practitioner would like further information about Tai Chi, I will be delighted to speak with you.
On 3rd March 2010, Alan Peck passed away. He inspired many, many people to study Tai Chi, and with great care passed on the knowledge he received from Dr Chi Chiang Tao, and the fruits of his personal study. I am deeply grateful for his generous teaching which I draw on every day. You may like to look at his website and blog which have many articles and other resources, and the special tribute site which has many beautiful photos and tributes to Alan.
What people say
"Tai Chi helps me to be more flexible"
"I have found that gentle exercise can invigorate you more than aerobic exercise"
"It has helped very much with balance"
"Tai Chi is very gentle, but it has made me much more agile and sure of myself"
"I enjoy the stillness, it has given me more awareness"
"I’ve found that I’m capable of moving slowly which I’ve always found beforehand very hard"