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 foundations and forms, Qi Gong routines and hibernating bear for relaxation and health. All guided by instructor Nicola of Earth Balance Tai Chi. Create momentum with your training and take a positive step towards health…
Awareness in Taiji Qigong The fundamental aspects of training Tai Chi and Qigong are posture, awareness and breath. Awareness is important to train as you need to be present in your movements to be able to perform. Awareness is an expression of mindfulness as you maintain a point of focus for a sustained period of…
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…
Chen Tai Chi Livestream Online Group Classes via Zoom UK Join our traditional Chen Tai Chi all levels livestream. Learn strengthening and relaxing movements from the comfort of your own home with our monthly subscription. Give momentum to your home practice. Whether you are a new beginner or a seasoned student join instructor Nicola’s online school and take…
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 Tai Chi and Qigong movements and stillness meditation practice. The Stress Response What does the fear, stress, anxiety, scared, afraid, discomfort or nervous response look like in your posture and movement? Posture: Hands are hidden or…
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…
The Hips in Tai Chi The importance of aligning the pelvis and hips in your Tai Chi practice, to improve the quality of your Tai Chi movements and your ability to absorb and generate martial power. In turn, this aids your postural health, how well your organs function and your ability to breathe deeply. Aligning…