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
Back to School! It’s that time of year again. September rolls around quickly and with that a renewed enthusiasm for extra-curricular activities. In my experience autumn sees a surge in people wanting to start a new exercise routine and/or hobby. … Read More
The last school newsletter in April advised that new changes were afoot at Earth Balance Tai Chi. As many of you know instructor Nicola has a unique insight into training Chen style Tai Chi and Qigong when living with chronic … Read More
A delve into the Tai Chi learning process, looking at the ebb and flow of training a life-long art. How to be more productive in your training. Your Tai Chi mind is the same as your Tai Chi body, relaxed, … 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
We have been working hard on new developments within our Tai Chi and Qigong school. We want our classes to be accessible by the whole community. From this, we now offer Tai Chi and Qigong for all abilities, meaning seated … 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
Posture in your Tai Chi Practice In Tai Chi and Qigong practice, correct knee alignment is often neglected which can lead to pain, injury and long-term damage. As the largest and most complex joint in the body the knee is … 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
Silk Reeling Resources Sharing with you Tai Chi resources for silk reeling drills, the signature spiralling movement of the Chen style. Read about the importance of silk reeling in Tai Chi training here. This article shows excerpts of the Illustrated … Read More
