About the Different T'ai Chi
Classes We Teach in London
 |
Our School offers a complete range of
T'ai Chi classes, though not all of these tai chi classes are on offer in any one term in
London. See Tai
Chi in London for what we have on at the moment.
We currently teach T'ai Chi in London at two locations
in Central London, where we hire space: |
- St Anne's Community Hall, 55 Dean Street, W1 (Tube:
Leicester Sq & Piccadilly). The St Anne's
website provides more information on this historic church and community centre (note:
an external link and not part of the T'ai Chi School).
- Marylebone Dance Studio 12 Lisson Grove, NW1 (Tube:
Marylebone & Baker St). The Marylebone
Dance Studio website provides more information on this venue and the other activies
there (note: an external link and not part of the T'ai Chi School).
Introductory Session
The best way to see if T'ai Chi is for
you is to visit us and try it out! Introductory sessions are offered. Included
is a demonstration, a short lecture on T'ai Chi, and a lesson teaching you the opening
movements.
Beginning Form
The 37-posture Yang Style Short Form takes 30
hours to learn and is taught in three separate ten-hour sections called: B1, B2
and B3. Classes normally meet for one hour once a week although weekend intensive
trainings are also offered. The moves of the form are thoroughly explained and practiced.
Daily practice is recommended.
B1 - the First Third
In the first 10 classes you learn the moves of the First Third and the basic
principles of the form. Relaxation is the key. The First Third is actually a
complete form unto itself. Repeat it as often as you like or proceed with B2 and B3.
(10 hours)
B2 and B3
The remaining 20 classes complete the teaching of the basic form. Each session picks up
where the previous one left off—with a complete review of the previous class followed
by new material. You will discover changes in your body and mind. (each is 10 hours)
Roots
& Branches©: Generating Chi
This brand new course is open to all, even if you have
done no T'ai Chi at all. Roots and Branches teaches techniques that condense the
T'ai Chi form into standing postures, walks and shifting movements. By integrating
principle, breath and focus in the Tantien with awareness of the Five Elements, this work
generates, circulates and unblocks Chi (vital energy), allowing it to nourish us at the
very deepest level. Valuable work for students of all experience levels and open to
complete beginners.
Advanced Classes
We offer a complete curriculum for continuing study.
Emphasis is on the principles of relaxed movement which are essential to progress.
Fundamentals
In this course, we work to embody the Form at a deeper level.
As in any art, there are fundamental elements that provide a foundation on which one's
practice may grow and flourish. In Fundamentals, we focus on these elements in each
posture and examine how each posture or transition works our balance, our relaxation, and
our awareness (usually taught in 25 hours over two terms).
Push Hands 1
In this course we introduce the work with a partner. Despite the connotation, "push
hands" is taught in a non-confrontational way, focusing on our own stability, balance
and ability to interact with each other in harmony. (20 hours)
Intermediate Form
In this course, we progress to a deeper and more internal understanding and practice of
the form. New concepts are introduced that enable us to integrate our form and push hands
practice as one body of knowledge. (20 hours)
Push Hands 2
This course is a continuation of Push Hands 1 with the introduction of a two-hand
sequence and the principle of yielding. In this course we establish a clear understanding
and embodiment of push hands practice, refining our technique, sensitivity and our
awareness in relation to others. (30 hours)
Push Hands 3
In this advanced course we focus on both the form and push hands using various techniques
to increase our awareness and release tension from specific parts of the body. (30 hours)
Intermediate Form Corrections
In this course we also use our study of the form combined with our study of push hands.
The insights we've gained in Push Hands 3 are used to further refine our
intermediate form practice. (20 hours)
Time in the Artsm
These sessions offer an in-depth exploration of any of the many aspects of T'ai Chi. The
course content is chosen by the individual teacher in order to meet the needs of a
specific class of students.
Apprentice
Teacher Training Program
Our T'ai Chi school was founded by Patrick Watson who
was given permission to teach by Professor Cheng Man-Ch'ing, who "ordered"
Patrick to train teachers. Shortly after Professor Cheng's death, Patrick was also
asked by Oscar Ichazo, the founder of Arica Institute, to open a T'ai Chi school.
The School of T'ai Chi Chuan continues the tradition
of Professor Cheng and Oscar Ichazo by offering teacher training as an option to advanced
students who have demonstrated their commitment to the art. Courses includes advanced work
in the Form, Push Hands and the Sword. |
