Tai Chi Ch’uan – to give its full title – is the name given to an ancient form of slow, graceful and rhythmic exercise that originated in China. The purpose is to gently tone and strengthen  muscles, improve circulation and posture, and to relax the mind and body.

I was taught and have practiced traditional (long-form) Yang Style Tai Chi for the last 23 years. There should be no stress or strain to anyone and, contrary to other ideas, we want gain without pain. Classes will start with a series of light stretching exercises, we will then start learning the basic moves, and later we will see how to string these moves together.

Members do not require any equipment and just need to wear clothes that don’t restrict movement; in the summer I just use a T-shirt and shorts. The same applies to footwear: I wear trainers but, if you prefer, bare feet are also fine.

Venue and Time:  We meet weekly on Thursday mornings from 10:00 to 11:00 at the Holy Angels community hall at Irlams o’ th’ Height. There is also space outside which we could use if the weather is fine.

There will be a small charge of £10 for each block of four classes to cover the cost of hiring the hall.