About Us
CHARMOUTH TAI CHI groups have been running since 2003 and now have four regular weekly classes in Charmouth, Dorset. Sessions consist of Qigong exercises followed by instruction in Yang style Tai Chi form.
Mondays at The Youth Club Hall, Wesley Close
10.00 am Continuation Class
11.30 am Beginners & 1st Continuation Class
Tuesdays at The Village Hall, Wesley Close
7.00 pm Continuation
Wednesday at The Youth Club Hall
10.00 am Continuation
(Note: 11.30 am This group has now amalgamted with and moved to the Monday 11.30 class).
NEW CLASS FOR BEGINNERS (info added 1st Feb 2010)
The current Beginners Class is now regretfully closed to new students but to enable would-be Tai Chi players to join us, a new Beginners Class will commence after the Easter Break on Wednesday 21st April at 11.30 am. This will introduced newcomers to the basic qigong and tai moves, safety and some of the history and theory behind the practices before embarking on their tai chi journey. Any of the current Monday "Beginners" who have joined the group since January will be welcome to join this class.
WINTER/SPRING TERM COMMENCES W/C 11TH JANUARY 2010
Half term w/c 14th February
Chinese New Year Celebration Sunday 14th February @ Montien Tai Restaurant,Bridport
(details & booking form will be at classes)
Vernal equinox Saturday 20th March
Easter break - 3 weeks from w/c 28th March
Summer Term commences w/c 19th April
Further classes are opened as and when required.
Private sessions provided to help students catch up with a class or to further their practice.
Useful DVDs for home practise:
Paul Lam - The 24 Forms*
Paul Crompton - The Short Form (Yang). This is currently only available on VHS (not DVD) and whilst I do not find it aesthetically pleasing, it is useful as a reminder of the "choreography" of the basic Short Form.*
Angus Clark - Move For Your Life - 21 Tai Chi and Qigong Exercises for Vitality & The Moutain Top Qigong. From Living Movement website and Now available also from Amazon.*
CDs used as background to Qi Gong exerciese:
Elements of Rejuvenation - Qi Gong Energy Healing*
Mantra - John Richardson with Dwaraka (New World Music)*
Temple in the Forest - Higher Consciousness Music by David Neagle (New World Music)*
Buddhist Chants & Peace Music - Music for Reflection & Relaxation from the Far East*
Delicate Touch
and other Cds by Neil H (available from website Neil H Music where you can hear tracks before you buy))
Useful links
About Qigong (Chi kung )
CHI - most easily described in words as "life force"- is the essential energy for a healthy life. In the Chi Kung exercises performed in these sessions, emphasis is given to relaxed movement and gentle but controlled breathing. With slow flowing repetitions of the various graceful but strong exercises we aim to open our joints and meridian paths to free any blocked chi which can be the cause of disease (dis-ease) or pain and allow our chi to flow smoothly round the body increasing its strength and health. These graceful and enjoyable movements also relax, reduce stress, raise the spirits and boost the immune system. Practised regularly (ideally daily) they have an immensely beneficial effect on both body and mind.
About Tai Chi (Chuan)
Tai Chi (Chuan) is a combination of mental and physical exercise based on Chinese martial art practices and taught in these classes as a holistic form of exercise but with attention to application where necessary. The movements are very precise and have many benefits including concentration, memory, breathing, strength (particularly in the legs), balance, flexibility, the immune system and over time regular practice helps to lower blood pressure. Built on the foundation of Chi kung, Tai Chi tends to raise the mood and regular Tai Chi players find that they end a session feeling both relaxed and energised. Great attention is given to the importance of performing the movements correctly and therefore safely.
Yang style is taught in these classes starting with the Beijing 24 Forms and, in some groups, also practising the Cheng Man Ching short form.
The movements are practised to a suitable calming musical background where appropriate.
About the Instructor
Pam Ladd - a tai chi devotee for over 20 years having studied with several very experienced teachers in the UK and other European countries. Still training and increasing own knowledge - the tai chi journey never ends! Trained for the past 4 years at Tai Chi Caledonia and in August 2009 visited Shanghai for the International Health Qi Gong Festival for competition and workshops. Taught in Camberley, Surrey, for about 2 years before moving to Charmouth in 2003. Certified Instructor for the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain. Fully insured.
