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 … Read More
Learning to Take Care of Yourself In my classes I often talk about exercising and training gracefully to your own physical baseline.This phrase comes from my teacher Casey Kochmer, from Personal Tao. Read his article on baselines here. We all … Read More
As 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 … Read More
First let’s look at the difference between intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic Motivation This is when the urge to do something comes from within, for personal reward and personal joy without a goal in mind. You do it for the … Read More
A delve into the Tai Chi learning process, looking at the ebb and flow of training a life-long art. When learning Tai Chi, there are several highs and lows along the way. Sometimes students will say “The resources aren’t enough”. … Read More
Tai Chi, Qigong and Meditation Training Maybe it’s easiest to start with my goal, or rather my journey. I am striving to be myself, it is as simple as that. So my goal in my Tai Chi, Qigong and meditation … Read More
Our aim at Earth Balance Tai Chi is to create classes that are accessible by the whole community. We provide Tai Chi and Qigong for all abilities, meaning seated and chair based for those with restricted movement / mobility whether … Read More
Can Tai Chi and Qigong help you become more compassionate to yourself and others? Regular practice of the Classical Chinese arts helps bring about a positive change in personal health, happiness and longevity. The slow-moving exercises slow the mind down, … Read More
It’s always difficult to find good quality new music for your Tai Chi and Qigong practice. Recently I stumbled across www.aroshanti.com, the composer Nick has created a series of relaxation albums that are first-rate. I thought to share these with … Read More
For students wishing to practice at home, here some resources to help. In the Chen style Tai Chi movement “Wave Hands like Clouds” (Yun Shou) this uses the double arm silk reeling movement with a side stepping action. The hands … Read More
There are over 70 organs in the human body which work together to keep us alive. The core of our health and longevity stems from how well our internal organs function. Poor lifestyle can reduce the effectiveness of our organs … Read More
Silk reeling is at the centre of Chen style Tai Chi training, helping the student to develop strength, internal energy, co-ordination, body awareness, unity in movement, relaxation and grounding. Also known as Chan Si Jin; Chan (pulling), Si (silk) and … Read More
The Chen 74 form is slow movement empty hand form, a powerful internal martial art that combines silk reeling energy spiralling movements and low stances with deep breathing, mind intent and martial spirit. “This isn’t your grandmother’s Tai Chi” An … Read More
This foundation drill of Chen style Tai Chi covers the four primary martial movements of Peng (ward-off), Lu (rollback), Ji (squeeze press), An (push down). The following youtube video clips show this movement with various Masters and instructors of Chen … Read More
For our students, here are recommended Chen Tai Chi 18 Form clips and drills on youtube, also click here to read the movement names. Grand Master Chen Zhenglei Grand Master Chen Zhenglei – Rear Orientation Grand Master Chen … Read More
