Autumn Schedule 2024 Tai Chi Qigong Classes Isle of Wight Here is our autumn schedule of classes, for locations Shanklin, Ryde and Newport on the Isle of Wight. Autumn is the perfect time to start a new hobby whilst beginning to prepare our joints and immune system for the winter. There is no better way…
Spring Schedule 2024 Isle of Wight Classes Join my Chen Tai Chi and Qi Gong community classes and workshop in Ryde and Newport on the Isle of Wight. Learn traditional movements that nourish mind and body with instructor Nicola from Earth Balance Tai Chi. For our online live stream classes via Zoom, view the schedule…
Beginners Chen Tai Chi Learn the beginners Chen Tai Chi form via video on demand. The Chen Tai Chi 5 elements and 4 corners form consists of 6 movements to start your Tai Chi journey. Learn the signature movements in Chen Tai Chi, from silk reeling energy, to the body method and principles of alignment….
Tai Chi Qigong Zoom Classes Join our weekly online classes from the UK, where you can study Chen Tai Chi and Qi Gong with me instructor Nicola at Earth Balance Tai Chi. Tai Chi and Qigong are effective ways to restore balance, build resilience and gain strength. I teach live stream classes on Zoom, video…
Awareness in Taiji Qigong The fundamental concepts when training Tai Chi and Qigong are posture, awareness and breath. Awareness is an important aspect of training to explore, as you need to be present in your movements to be able to move well. Body sensitivity and sensory awareness are expressions of mindfulness, as you maintain a…
Cross Lateral Movements Connecting Left and Right Brain Hemispheres The Power of Natural Movements For fully functioning physical movements and motor control the whole brain must work in a co-ordinated way. There are 6 patterns of total body connectivity; breathing, core, spine, upper & lower body, body half and cross lateral. This article looks at…
Types of Meditation There are thousands of types of meditation and mindfulness practices, varying from stillness to movement. You can be seated, standing, lying down, walking, dancing or doing. When starting out with meditation, practice a very simple method like pausing or focusing on the breath, daily or every other day if possible for small…
Deception Training Body Language and the Mind Body Connection This article looks at deception training and the relationship between how you hold yourself, the stress and relaxation state, and how Tai Chi and Qigong movements can help. The Stress Response What does the fear, stress, anxiety, scared, afraid, discomfort or nervous response look like in…
Tai Chi Does Not Heal The ‘ask the teacher’ question this month is from an email I received which said that Tai Chi: “healed my childhood knee problems and bad tendonitis in my arm, neither to return again, despite not continuing Tai Chi” “Can it repair and strengthen ligaments that were injured or are weak…
Fang Song in Tai Chi One of the most important Tai Chi principles is fang song = applied relaxation. To use the least amount of muscular contraction to perform a movement. Which means to release inappropriate muscle contraction, to loosen the joints and to reduce physical tension. I describe it to my students as the…
Tai Chi for Spine Health The spine is key to health. One of my teachers once said that Tai Chi and Qigong all focus on spinal health. We use the phrase ‘structural integrity’ when talking about the Tai Chi and Qigong posture. This means the posture is aligned correctly, to hold your weight appropriately, to…
Self Managing Chronic Pain For those living with chronic pain who would like to be active in their self care management, read over my collection of resources that aim to naturally and holistically support you. Explore gentle and powerful methods for both mind and body to change your pain experience. I understand personally the impact…
Tai Chi for Over Thinkers For people that tend to over-think, the slow moving practices of Tai Chi and Qigong can be a great way to calm the mind, restore grounding and connection to our physical bodies. The Buddhists practice ‘nowness’, is what we call ‘mindfulness’ today, a single point of focus. Our Tai Chi…
Challenges in Tai Chi Training As a student, you can expect many challenges to come up during your training in a group class and your practice at home. Try to hold a positive approach, seeing challenge as opportunity. Tai Chi and Qigong are life-long practices, there will be times you are enthusiastic and highly motivated…
Motivation in your Tai Chi Practice “Motivation gets you going, but discipline keeps you growing. That’s the Law of Consistency. It doesn’t matter how talented you are. It doesn’t matter how many opportunities you receive. If you want to grow, consistency is key.” — John C. Maxwell First let’s look at the difference between intrinsic…