WHAT IS TAI CHI AND QI-GONG?
Often referred to as 'Meditation In Motion, T'ai Chi originates from a Chinese style of Martial Art. The emphasis is on keeping you fit and healthy and improving balance and co-ordination. It has the added benefit as a means of relaxation and de-stressing.
Qi-Gong looks similar to Tai Chi but is much older and was designed for health and fitness by practising breathing exercises, often standing still or with little change of stances. Also called Chi Gung and Chi Kung.
IS IT BETTER TO COME WITH A FRIEND?
Either, some exercises and lessons can be done with a partner, but the majority are done for personal growth.
WHAT CAN I PRACTISE?
The Ripley Tai Chi Club practises Tai Chi Chuan both as a health art and with a demonstration and understanding of what the 'Form' martial art moves mean.
More Info
Introduction Exercises
Health based exercises (Quick to learn)
Qi Gong exercises (Not too difficult)
T'ai Chi Form called the "Hand Form" (Easy to learn one move at a time, but you have to try to practise at home to progress)
Demonstrations of what we imagine. The 'Meaning' of moves.
Advanced
Da Lui / Push hands / Optional
(Has to be done with a partner so is harder to practise, but we give it a bash.)
Applications / Optional
(Has to be done with a partner.)
67 Form / Optional
T'ai Chi Sabre / Not practised at this time
IS IT SUITABLE FOR ME?
Tai Chi is generally suitable for anyone. However if you feel it wise, you should consult with your doctor or other medical advisors before starting ANY exercise routine.
WHO ISTHE INSTRUCTOR?
Neil Bradley (Tai Chi Union for Great Britain)
Guest Instructors and experienced practitionairs are invited from time to time and all attending are encouraged to help others with advice based on their own practise and experience.
I HAVE NEVER TRAINED BEFORE.
That's fine, everybody has to start sometime.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN?
It's a good idea to think in terms of hours. If you practice for ten minutes every day, you get the point and learn quickly. If you just practise once a week (while still enjoying it and very welcome) it will take you seven times longer.
After one lesson you won't have enough to practise for ten minutes anyway, so practise what you do remember for a couple of minutes and build up. You'll soon have ten minutes worth.
I HAVE STUDIED T'AI CHI BEFORE.
If you have studied other forms of Tai Chi Chuan there is a lot of overlap between different styles. But we do Yang Family.
I HAVE STUDIED A DIFFERENT MARTIAL ART.
Martial artists often study T'ai Chi as an addition to compliment their own understanding. You will probably progress more quickly as you will be familiar with the concept of "Train every day". Yang Family T'ai Chi Chuan can be seen as a progression from a hard style. It is compatible, but takes a bit of getting used to 'pace' wise.
In general, people practise T'ai Chi for relaxation and we have to respect that. If you are really into learning applications in a more straight forward manner I'm happy to show examples but you might enjoy this local club more if learning to fight is your primary aim.
Heanor Ju-Jitsu Club
I'M INTERESTED IN 'CHI', 'INTERNAL ENERGIES', 'DIM MAK', 'FA JING', 'HEALING', 'EXPRESSING ENERGY', 'MARTIAL ARTS SECRETS'.
So are we, but you should consider learning the form first to give yourself a base. "Show me" is normally a good question to ask and "Have you considered Practising?" usually the answer to most questions.
Can it cure illness?
It can help you keep fit, learn to relax and is easier on the body than most other types of exercise. It does teach correct breathing methods to combat breathing issues such as panic attacks and does teach correct body alignment. Because of this, people who do tai chi tend to keep more active when they would have perhaps given up other more physical types of sport or exercise such as rugby or weight training. It should never be used as an excuse to not seek medical.
FROM WHAT AGE DO YOU ACCEPT MEMBERS?
Usually adults from the age of 16 upwards.
WHERE, WHEN AND HOW MUCH?
The Ripley Tai Chi Club meets each Tuesday & Thursday evening from 7:00pm. until 8:15pm at Ripley Leisure Centre, Derby Road, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3HR.
The fees are £5 for each session.
FURTHER QUESTIONS?
Tel: Neil Bradley on
01773 745599
Contact page
The Chinese symbol on the badge means 'Peace'.