Chen Tai Chi

Movement and Stillness for Life-Long Health

Encouraging Daily Practice of the Classical Chinese Arts

Chen Tai Chi is an internal martial art, where the body moves in a relaxed yet powerful way, using coiling movements, an aligned structure and body mechanics to generate, absorb and redirect power. The style includes fajin, known as energy release, with some movements being performed fast. The signature of Chen Tai Chi is the silk reeling spirals, the foundation of every movement. These are practised in drills and exercises unilaterally on each side of the body, before being applied to the empty hand forms, weapons, partner work and push hands.

BODY

expansion & compression of the joints
loosen the joint spaces
mobilise and nourish the joints
lengthen & elasticise the connective tissue
soften & release muscular tension
improve your posture
whole body coordination
integrated muscle strength & conditioning
develop rooting, balance & stability
improve knee stability and knee health
improve lower back health
improve functioning of the diaphragm and pelvic floor
reduce strain on the body
increase lymph flow and flush toxins
increase blood flow
increase lung capacity
increase injury recovery
reduce pain
build physical resilience

MIND

reduce stress
reduce fatigue
level and soften emotions
emotional and trauma release
increase clarity
healthy distraction
focus on the present
increase focused concentration
lengthen attention span
develop mind intent
boost brain health
improve brain agility
fire up atrophied neural pathways
healthy distraction
build mental resilience

STATE

diaphragmatic breath work
relaxation of the nervous system
relaxation of the body
the absence of resistance
release physical tension
develop body sensitivity
learn to listen inwardly
learn to change your state
balance and open the heart mind

Our Classes - Ways to Learn

Instructor Nicola helps students progress through the traditional principles of Chen style silk reeling and forms, teaching through a hands-on method rather than ‘watch and follow‘. Lessons start with traditional Chen warm up exercises that loosen every major joint in the body. Next a Qigong breathing session, focusing on relaxation, softening the body, lowering the heart rate and slowing the breath. Progressing to ‘Standing Practice’ (Zhan Zhuang). Moving onto the silk reeling drills, the signature movement of Chen style. The main content covers the Chen Tai Chi movements, body method, principles and the empty hand forms. Study in private tuition or in group classes. Find out more by clicking the graphics below.