Tai Chi and Qigong classes for the over 50's in Bramcote, Ruddington and West Bridgford.
Instructor: Joy Parsons of the Cloud Dragon School of Tai Chi Chuan.
IS IT FOR YOU?
Do you want to do exercise that is slow, controlled and relaxing, in classes specifically designed for the over 50's?
Exercise that can improve circulation, balance, flexibility, bone health and general well-being with movements that gently massage and energise your body? That can strengthen your nervous system and organs as well as your muscles and joints? That is meditative and low impact but can still give you a good 'workout'?
Have you been ill or unable to exercise for a while and want to regain your fitness, health, flexibility and boost your immune system?
If so, these classes may be for you. They are enjoyable and non-competitive and everyone is encouraged to work within their own limitations. I began Tai Chi in order to regain my own health and fitness after undergoing a year's treatment for cancer, so if I can do it, so can you!
TAI CHI : What is it?
Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese movement programme which integrates body, mind and breath. It is a Martial Art, an exercise programme, an art form, a relaxation technique and a system of healing through the enhancement of vital energy.
Tai Chi is much more powerful than it looks because it is an INTERNAL art with stillness and softness at its core. It focuses on energy circulation and
deep abdominal breathing, cultivating inner awareness, balance and energy. It develops effortless power through relaxation, control and precision.
Anyone can do it and the benefits can be felt from the very first session.
WHAT WE DO IN CLASS:
WARM UP: We use Qigong and Wudang Tai Chi warm up
exercises to start the class. Wudang Tai Chi Chuan(or Practical Tai Chi Chuan) is the particular style of Tai Chi that you will learn.
Qigong: These exercises are
literally 'energy work', designed to increase vital energy and
improve circulation and respiration. Like Tai Chi, they are slow, relaxed and meditative in
nature, encouraging deep abdominal breathing. The Qigong techniques we do in class are simple to learn and we use pleasant oriental music as an accompaniment to our warm-up.
MIDDLE SECTION OF CLASS: After we've warmed up, we move on to learning the Wudang Empty Hand Form which is a series of choreographed movements based
upon unarmed fighting techniques. It is performed in a slow, relaxed and
controlled manner and has been described as 'cotton boxing'. Concentration is on relaxation and correct
posture/movement and the speed and nature of the techniques encourages deep
abdominal breathing without conscious thought.
The movements of the form involve contrasting Yin and Yang elements, eg. rising/sinking, opening/closing, extension/contraction, coiling/uncoiling.
We learn the SHORT HAND FORM - a sequence of
34 techniques which takes approx 5 - 10 minutes to
complete when performed from beginning to end. Don't worry if you can't remember the sequence as we usually work together!
We start by learning the SHORT FORM SQUARE, where each technique is split into separate sections, allowing us to focus on correct posture and movement.
We then progress to the SHORT FORM ROUND which runs these movements together as a fluent and harmonious whole so that we can achieve the flow, continuity and focus of true Tai Chi.
CLOSING SECTION OF CLASS: Classes will finish with more Qigong exercises.
MEDITATION:
These classes focus on simple, effective, seated meditation techniques and further relax both mind and body.
PRIVATE TUITION IS AVAILABLE FOR TAI CHI and/or QIGONG @ £15 Per hour (May be shared between two people)