Important information 7th May 2024

To all class members,

In recent years our tai chi group has overcome a number of challenges and absorbed significant running costs without the need to increase class fees. Inevitably, in order for us to continue we will now have to implement a price increase.

As you know within our association there are no hidden extra costs, no block payments and the opportunity to attend both the Friday and Monday sessions. We are also proposing to introduce more workshops to supplement our regular classes. We feel sure you already appreciate the efforts required to provide the classes and acknowledge the need of the increased class fees as follows:

Due to the different class structure, the Friday class from and including Friday 10th May, a new fee of £5 which includes the option of the extended session.

The Monday class, from and including Monday 13th May, a new fee of £4.

Please understand the revised fees are essential to ensure the continued availability of our Tai Chi Qigong classes.

With best wishes 

Stafford Tai Chi

Sent via email, the Stafford Tai Chi website, Stafford Tai Chi Facebook page

A note from Paul, 7th May 2024

Hello everybody.
There are a number of disciplines which promote natural and specific breathing exercises’, and if practised regularly can achieve a therapeutic response. During our last workshop we looked at two methods’ ie Abdominal and natural breathing. Although it might appear easy Abdominal breathing requires patience and time, avoid trying too hard as this will only increase stress levels’. Perhaps a good starting point would be to to become aware of our natural breathing without applying conscious control, this method still requires patience, but one we can practise more readily at odd moments during the day. Due to the variety of breathing exercises’ we must aim to find the method to suit our personality, but the most important thing to do is keep breathing.
Looking forward to our future workshops’ and hopefully through Debbie’s expertise, including more zoom participation. Remember we are about sharing tai chi, we all have ideas’ and knowledge from all walks of life which can transfer to tai chi and qigong training.
See you soon.
Paul.

A Note from Paul, 28th April 2024

Hello everybody,
Debbie has already said it, but a big thank you to you all for making our workshop an enjoyable, interesting and thought provoking event. The zoom experiment was well received, many thanks’ for the positive comments’.
In order to progress and continue to provide worthwhile tai chi and qigong classes we have to be adaptable, which of course is one of the virtues’ of tai chi and qigong. Please keep in close contact for any forthcoming adjustments to our programmes, and remember the sharing and enjoying the benefits of tai chi and qigong does not equate to quantity, but the application of effort and interest.
Finally we are considering using more workshop based programmes, as this would allow more people to attend who might not be able to access regular classes so often, this would also include, through Debbie’s input zoom participation. Your thoughts’ and comments’ are important.
See you soon,
Paul.

A big thank you!

Thanks to everyone that attended the World Tai Chi and Qigong Day at Littleworth and on Zoom. We hope you had a lovely time and enjoyed both the Standing Yuttari and the Qi Awareness Qigong.

Sometimes, the best times are practising Tai Chi, drinking tea and eating cake with good friends x

Cakes

Paul and Colin

Bob, Phil and Daphne

Adam, Louise and Penny

More photos to follow

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day 2024

It’s happening very soon!

This Saturday 27th April at Littleworth Community Centre.

10am-12pm

ITQPA members £6 non-members £9

A note from Paul 19th April 2024

Hello everybody.
In an article I recently read, it was suggested that qigong may not be suitable for everyone. Unless we approach tai chi or qigong with the correct attitude and work ethic the benefits will be minimal. Dan Docherty, in his book The Tai Chi Bible suggests the same sentiments’. Such statements are not about deterring people from starting tai chi or qigong, but asking us to be realistic in what we hope to achieve. There is no hocus pocus mystery about practising tai chi and qigong, it is about discipline, training, attitude, not blaming someone else, not making excuses’, etc but above all having patience and understanding.
I will give an example of incorrect attitude. Some time ago a person asked if they could start tai chi because she was told it would be good for her balance, but I asked the question did she herself want to practise tai chi to which she replied yes. After 3 sessions’ it transpired tai chi was too difficult to learn and presently she was trying to learn a new language and was told by her teacher, studying a language is a long term project, which she fully accepted. This person acknowledged studying a new language would require effort but she expected to achieve the benefits of tai chi and qigong without effort. The benefits of tai chi and qigong are many, but we have to want to do it and if we really want to practise we have to be adaptable to all sorts of changes. As Dan Docherty suggests you have to have the appropriate attitude, lifestyle and suitable teaching.
For those attending the workshop try and bring a light ball about football size, even a balloon would be fine, also a pen or pencil, you might want to write a reminder on the information sheet provided on the day.
Take care see you soon.
Paul.

A Note from Paul, 28th March 2024

Classes start back on Friday 5th April

Hello everybody.
For those who are currently practising our abbreviated Spear Form, please find below the names of the movements’.
1 Beginning style
2 Waves up and down
3 Green dragon stretching its claw
4 Giving the horse its head while chasing enemies
5 Rainbow soaring over the sun
6 Lying tiger and diving dragon
7 Plum blossom opens five petals
8 Completion style
Associating the name with the physical movement can help with memorizing with any sequence and a useful mental health, relaxation, meditation exercise.
I appreciate the study of traditional long form is a worthwhile endeavour, but most people do not have the time, space or need required to complete and continue to practise such a challenging programme. Our abbreviated forms’ allow us to focus and improve the selected movements’ and complete the overall frame work in a relatively short time scale. Abbreviated forms permit new students to follow more easily whilst those with more experience 
can practise with more intent. There are other benefits’ which we can discuss later.
Again I wish to express my thanks’ to the Bradley and Haughton groups’.
I was really pleased but not surprised with the Bradley class, we completed in 
a very satisfying manner our journey with the Fan sequence, the applause was well deserved.
I still believe there could be a way forward regarding workshops’ for those who are unable to continue with regular classes. Many years ago when I began my tai chi journey there were no real local tai chi classes, so for a long time I attended many workshops around the country and found them to be an invaluable way to practise and enjoy the benefits’ of tai chi and qigong. However it is up to people to respond so we can consider various options.
See you soon.
Paul.

A note from Paul, 22nd March 2024

Hello everybody.
As some of you already know due to family circumstances I am unable to continue with the Haughton tai chi class. I wish to thank all the members’ for their enthusiasm and developing a successful class, and to Jane for overseeing the register and administrations’. Dan Docherty states in his book Tai Chi Tutor, When you know something, admit you know it, if you don’t know admit you don’t. Similarly if you are unable to continue with something be honest with yourself and others’ and say so. Of course anybody from Haughton or Bradley is more than welcome to continue at Littleworth.
However circumstances’ can change and I have already mentioned to Debbie, Jane and Dave the possibility of periodic workshops at Haughton or Littleworth. Workshops are a viable alternative method to continue Tai Chi if regular classes are not an option. This idea depends’ on several factors’ including the amount of interest shown.
This is an opportunity to express your thoughts’, so leave a comment or maybe contact Debbie or Jane or discuss with each other.
See you soon.
Paul.

A Note from Paul, 17th March 2024

Hello everybody.
Auxiliary, preparation or warm up exercises and concentration time span.
Firstly the importance of auxiliary exercises, in the context of warming up they not only prepare us for the practise of tai chi or qigong but can be used alongside any other activity or can form the basis of an effective exercise in their own right. Many people who begin tai chi fail to appreciate the importance of auxiliary training and all they want to learn is that secret form, which they rarely learn, understand or cannot remember. Preparation exercises also develop self discipline which in turn can help increase our ability to concentrate and in doing so may help us to learn that secret form or more importantly to improve our sense of perspective for every day life.
There are many ways’ we can implement auxiliary training, we can discuss further at a later date and certainly at our forthcoming Workshop.
See you soon.
Paul.

A Note from Paul, 5th March 2024

Hello everybody.
For those of us presently practising the sabre sequence, the list below will be helpful. Aiming to associate the name of the posture to the physical movement will not only assist in remembering the sequence but also improve our ability to concentrate and focus on other tasks, in other words a valuable mental health exercise. Of course this technique can be applied to any tai chi or qigong exercise,
Sabre Postures.
1 Beginning Style.
2 Separating Sabre
3 Advance and Divert with the Sabre
4 Pierce the Heart
5 Sweeping the Soldiers’
6 Shooting star chasing the Moon
7 Picking a star on the left
8 Returning the Sabre
9 Brush knee twist step
10 Tai chi in unity and Finishing style
Please note we have adjusted some movements to suit our needs, or as Dan Docherty suggested in his book, The Tai Chi Bible, Do what is appropriate according to the circumstances’.

Take care, see you soon
Paul.

A Note from Paul, 28th February 2024

Hello everybody.
Just a little more information regarding our qi awareness section of the forthcoming Workshop.
This is not a workout, exercise session, learning another form, trying to remember more exercises etc etc. Each of the 5 sections’ will comprise of simple posture or movement to promote the availability of our qi in such away we can use it as a stand alone method or utilize it within any of our tai chi or qigong exercises’.
Of course it is worthwhile looking at new forms’ and reviewing our existing 
methods’ of practise, doing so allows’ us to evolve and adjust to meet our individual situations’.
PLEASE RESERVE YOUR PLACE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, this will assist with organizing the Workshop. Reservations’ can be made by contacting Debbie or any of our classes’.
See you soon .
Paul.

Spaces are filling up fast. You can contact Debbie via email at debbiekinsella@ymail.com

Saturday 27th April 2024

How time flies, when you are having fun!

It’s that time of year, lovely people, when I have to ask you one simple question?

Yes or no?

Will you join us celebrating World Tai Chi Day on Saturday 27th April at Littleworth Community Centre? Doors open at 9:45 to start at 10am until 12pm?

Please drop me a line as numbers are limited.

A Note from Paul, 22nd February 2024

Hello everybody.
Part of our forthcoming Workshop will include increasing our awareness of Qi, and how we can use this knowledge in our tai chi and qigong practise.

Below is a broad outline of the proposed programme.

Step 1 Focus and concentration.

Step2 Co ordinate

Step3 Promote direction of flow

Step 4 Cleanse the breath

Step 5 Circulating Qi Effortless Action

Contact Debbie to reserve your place.
See you soon.
Paul.

A note from Paul

Hello everybody.
Looks’ like Debbie had a wonderful weekend, and the cake was tasty.
I am sure many of us can relate to the sentiments of Debbie’s poem.
See you soon.
Paul.

You know when you are obsessed with…

Tai chi, yoga and dance, when your niece decorates your 50th birthday cake like this, thank you Isla.

Here’s a poem that I wrote and my sassy tipsy pose after one cocktail!

Turning 50 is a feat within itself, I’m so ready to jump off this shelf.

My 49th year has been an emotional ride.

I have seen love and loss, and my brain’s been fried.

but no one can say that I never tried.

To be a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a niece, a cousin, and a friend

As this year closes behind me, my love for you all will never end.

To all my friends near and far, the door to my heart is always a jar.

if you ever need me, give me a shout, I’ll always be around and about.

Let’s live our lives to the full and stop taking all this bull.

As the Chili Peppers sang in Brendan’s Death Song 

“the nights are long but the years are short when your alive”

so, take this line and become the love supreme.

Let’s live our lives to the full and live the big dream.

50, is just a number, don’t live it in slumber

For those who are below it and others who are above it

take pride in yourself you’ve only gone and done it!

Let’s start each day with a smile and go that extra mile.

This is not the only poem I’ve written coming up to being 50, 

I wrote about OFSTED and it was a little nifty

If ever you fancy having a look, send me a message through Facebook.

To the class of the 1990s, pull up your big girl pants and new tighty whitey’s.

Sing your heart out, a glad refrain, catch the bus to Crewe station and get on a train.

Singing songs from our yesteryears, remembering days through giggles and tears 

So, upon this day as you read this post raise a glass and give a toast.

To many more years of love and laughter here’s to the happily ever after

All my love, Debbie

A note from Littleworth Community Centre

Hello Everyone

Starting Monday 12^th February builders are removing the green shed to the right of the main building and replacing it with a brick-built storeroom of the same size. The work should only affect you by reducing some parking spaces in that corner. If the builders need to use our toilets they will access through the doors at the back of the storeroom. I will be moving items from in front of the doors to free up access for them.

Once completed our spare chairs for large events will be stored in the new store, freeing up space in the existing storeroom, which will then gain cupboards or shelving to make additional storage.

The toys from our two children’s activities will also be put into the new store to keep them separate and safe.  

 

We have received a large grant from the National Lottery Awards for All, towards the cost of this project for which we are very grateful, and if you play the Lottery, you are now aware of a local charity benefitting from your donations.

Best wishes

Geoff

A Note from Paul, Wednesday 7th February

Hello everybody,
Thank you Phil for the informative news item relating to poor balance and how it can affect our daily lives, eg falling, fear of falling, general mobility and loss of confidence not to mention the financial cost to the N H S,. over 2 billion pounds per year. The article gave a number of exercises which could be implemented at odd moments during the day, some of which we would recognise from tai chi and qigong. The advice given was very good, the problem is, for the advice to be effective the protocol must be applied regularly, truth be told most people have a go for a few times and give up. The same applies to tai chi and qigong, many people think or pretend to practise but in reality they do not. If we are unable to attend on a regular basis we must ensure we include some challenge’s within our daily task’s.
In conclusion we cannot be given tai chi or improved balance we have to apply a degree of effort, the choice is ours’.
See you soon.
Paul.

A Note from Paul, Wednesday 3rd January 2024

Hello everybody.
Did you spot your name on the New Year video. Obviously a number of people have changed direction towards other interests’, even so it was good to hear from Sue M who some of you may recall moved to Wales many years’ ago, she reminded me of her initial thoughts’ regarding tai chi, I know we both smile about it to this day.

I thought the Fan video was very good, it certainly shows how much focus and concentration is required especially when we really slow the Form down.
Hopefully the video will provide a visual reminder of the Fan movements’ we practise.
All the best for the New Year.
Paul.

And don’t forget, we return to Littleworth Community Centre on Friday 5th January at 10am, hope to see you there.

Wishing you all a…

Can you spot your name?

Merry Christmas everyone!

A Note from Paul, Tuesday 19th December 2023

Hello everybody.
Thank you Sue for your kind comment, it really is appreciated. Thank you to everyone else for the positive feedbacks’ received by way of a few words or a card. We should also remember everybody attending our classes is helping, by creating a good atmosphere in which to practise, so well done everybody. I would also like to thank Debbie for everything she does and the support from Jane, Daphne, Margaret, Steve, Phil and Steve monitoring the registers, contacting people answering questions etc.
We endeavour to structure our classes in a way that allows each of us to practise tai chi and qigong for the benefits’ we choose, eg exercise, relaxation, rehabilitation, martial interest, social interaction, wellbeing and any other relevant reason. What ever the reason the benefits’ will only appear in accordance with the level of physical and mental investment we are prepared to make. Having said all that I believe our greater strengths’ include a non competitive and light hearted welcoming environment where we can also off load and share our concerns’.
Once again, thank you all for the positive comments’, which are so encouraging for all of us.
It is now the time of year to recharge our qi batteries’ and relax a little and, according to Louise, Adam will wander off and hibernate like a bear.
. Merry Xmas, see you in the New Year.
Paul

Did you just say DECEMBER!

Where has this year gone!

Our last Tai Chi class at Littleworth Community Centre will be on Monday 18th December 2023. We will be back at Littleworth on Friday 5th January 2024! Hope to see you all soon.

A Note from Paul, Monday 11th December 2023

Hello everybody.
There are countless tai chi and qigong videos’, we all have our preferences as to what is useful for ourselves. Two contrasting youtube videos’, titled, Combat tai chi It’s not Park tai chi and Surprising Benefits’ of tai chi, are informative regarding the diversity of tai chi. It is not specifically the content of each video, but the related comments’ which are interesting.
I did smile to the reference in one video suggesting tai chi is not nice, it was not intended to be nice……… . Also some of the comments asking, can you show me an exercise for A B C , how many calories are used, I felt all the benefits’ after one lesson and so on. In fairness, there are some good comments that question some of content. I was pleased to see to references’ to Dan Docherty and Cheng Tin Hung. In conclusion the videos’ show that tai chi can be practised for a number of reasons, but they all require a degree of effort and discipline.
See you soon.
Paul.

A Note from Paul,

Hello everybody.
On the topic of exercise we now hear a lot about the core muscles, so I have delved a little deeper for a balanced definition.
Essentially the core or trunk is the central axis of the body which includes the head and neck forming a supportive structure for middle of the entire body but not the abdominal muscles in isolation. Mistakenly it appears many fitness providers consider the muscles of the abdominal region are the total components of the core. However the core involves the functions of major organs, veins, arteries and nervous system not just the abdominal muscles.
On balance whilst it is important to exercise the core muscles it is ESSENTIAL we exercise the whole body. Failure to do so can result in muscle imbalances’ potentially creating dysfunction in any other part or system of our body. Although not a new idea, exercises which involve many muscles, known as compound exercises are now being advised for their overall benefits. Examples or adaptations of compound exercises’ include squats’, planks’ and lunges’ which are included in various disciplines’ such as Pilates, yoga and tai chi. To summarize, there is more to the core than just the abdominal muscles’.
Take care, see you soon .
Paul.

A Note from Paul, 23rd November 2023

Hello everybody.
Please find below the names’ of the movements we are practising from the Fan form.
1 Ready Style Opening Form
2 Lifting the Fan
3 White Crane spreads Wings
4 Brush Knee
5 Play Guitar
6 Repulse the Monkey
7 Deflect Parry and Punch
8 Fan apparently Closed
9 Closing Form
Memorising the names of this and any other sequence, forms’ part of the traditional methods’ used in tai chi and qigong training. There is no need to hurry, just focus on one step at a time.
“Remember, where your concentration goes ‘your energy flows’, and that’s what grows”.
Not sure who said that, perhaps someone can enlighten us.
See you soon,
Paul.

A Note from Paul, 13th November 2023

Hello everybody
A recent article, I believe from the Guardian, highlighting the importance of increasing and maintaining muscle strength to reduce the incidence of falling, is something we should all take note of. At Littleworth, last Friday, Phil and myself were discussing the same topic, it happens so often when we discuss something in our classes, we discover the same item of interest covered by the media. Pure coincidence I’m sure.
Returning to the original topic. Muscle strength can be increased at any age and in so many ways such as climbing stairs, carrying shopping, house and garden tasks and many of our leisure pursuits. We do not have to strain ourselves to gain the benefits muscle strength, but we do need to apply a degree of effort. Ultimately the choice is our own, or we can blame somebody else.
See you soon,
Paul.

A Note from Paul, 2nd November 2023

Hello everybody.
Thanks for the comment Roy. Tai chi can help people in many ways’, depending on what is happening in our ever changing situations’. However to achieve any benefits’ we must apply a degree of effort. It is so easy to find an excuse to avoid applying said effort and blame everyone else if we fail to progress in our chosen endeavours’.
Just a reminder of what we are doing in our classes at the moment. Next Monday at Littleworth we will be resume training with the Fan, with one or two modifications’. So DO NOT FORGET YOUR FAN.
We are also introducing the Fan exercises at Bradley and Spear exercises at our Haughton sessions. There is something for everyone, we just have to make the effort.
See you soon .
Paul.

A Note from Paul

Hello everybody.
Just posting a reminder of our 8 Wudang steps sequence.
1 Beginning style
2 Step left heel to 7 stars’ posture
3 Fair lady weaving to the left
4 Right foot step’s up to hold the ball, ( Pat the Horse)
5 Kick in a curve left, ( Separate Legs)
6 Single Whip
7 Tai Chi in Unity
8 Completion Style.
Do remember this is not intended as a complete Form, but a sequence of movements from the Form which is ideal for practise when time or space is limited. The movements should be considered as a template from which we continually develop and personalise each exercise to suit our ever changing requirements. For the extra challenge try practising the sequence in mirror image.
See you soon.
Paul.

A Note from Paul, 7th October 2023

Hello everybody.
I have just been reading a news item entitled, 23 Nifty fitness hacks.
Essentially it is a compilation of various reputable exercise and wellbeing research studies. In particular it was stated the idea of a 20 minute workout is now considered unnecessary, please note this was a topic we mentioned during our Friday tai chi class. Another important part of the news item highlighted the fact, that formal exercise is of limited value if we then sit down for most of the day.
Perhaps we should consider formal exercise activity as something we do alongside our daily activities, not instead of. However people are people and some will always’ be looking for that special exercise programme that does not require any effort.
See you soon, and remember keep active.
Paul.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/jul/16/easy-does-it-23-nifty-fitness-hacks-for-busy-lives

A Note from Paul

Hello everybody.
During Friday’s class at Littleworth we spoke of the advice suggested by Dr Laurence Morehouse from his books relating to exercise. Part of this advice was to include a daily brisk 3 minute heart activity. Although some people may doubt the value of such a short burst of activity, recent research involving Sydney University over a period of 8 years has concluded that bouts of ONE to THREE minutes of increased effort and movement can indeed make a valuable contribution towards a healthier lifestyle. The problem is you still have to make the effort.
See you soon.
Paul.

A Note from Paul, 28th September

Hello everybody
Good to hear of peoples’ tai chi journeys’ and experiences’. Many people start on the tai chi pathway but very few continue along the route, so well done to you all.
Remember it is not the power of the water, but the persistence of the water that wears’ down the stone.
See you soon, and remember your spear next Monday.
Paul.

Just a question update

With 8 responses to date our total is 127 years.

You have great memories, especially those that named the time, date and place of your first ever Tai Chi class.

Thursday 21st June 2007, 2pm at the Grosvenor Centre at Gnosall

16th May at Blessed William Howard school in the school hall, unless it was the exam season

At Littleworth Community Centre on a Friday with Paul

Please keep these messages coming, it’s making a great read.

A Note from Paul, 25th August 2023

Hello everybody.

Please remember we are closed Monday due to the bank holiday.
I have just come across the website of a tai chi, qigong association describing their particular systems and styles. Guess what, the most popular form they practise is the Shibashi set 1. The 18 movements can be practised to suit the needs of the individual, eg do a few exercises each day , every other day, do some in the morning some in the evening, vary the repetitions, go by how you feel. But for those who prefer their own forms, I often think of the late Mike Mentzer who stated, Of course you are not legally or morally bound to do this routine.
Mike Mentzer was an elite, highly intelligent bodybuilder who studied medicine and became an advocate for sensible exercise, but it was still the responsibility of the individual to make their own decisions.
See you soon.
Paul.

A note from Paul, 21st August 2023

Hello everybody.
Just a quick reminder to all of us. We often become entangled with the many routines, forms and exercises associated with tai chi and qigong and we reach a point where most of our energy is used trying to remember a sequence of movements as opposed to promoting qi and general wellbeing.
I still believe Shibashi set 1 is the form to use as a foundation along with a short tai chi hand and weapon form. Of course it is worthwhile practising a variety of exercises and methods but do not try to remember everything, just appreciate the experience.
See you soon.
Paul.

A note from Paul, 31st July 2023

Hello everybody.
Dr D Lieberman of Harvard university, is a specialist in human evolutionary biology. His previous preferred exercise modalities focussed on endurance activities eg walking. However in response to his recent research he now suggests including strength type activities to promote and maintain our wellbeing. By strengthening our muscles we can prevent or minimise the condition called sarcopenia, which means loss of muscle mass. Keeping our muscles in good condition helps us to remain active and independent.
The good news is we can improve our muscle strength in many ways ,eg gardening, carrying shopping, yoga, pilates, bodyweight exercises, housework etc, and of course tai chi and qigong. See the NHS website for more information. Ultimately it is all about keeping active in ways we find enjoyable, one size does not fit all.
I recently heard a quote, not sure who said it.
There are hazards in anything we do, but there are greater hazards’ when we do nothing.
See you soon,
Paul.

Lost a key?

Hello everyone, I have received an email from Littleworth Community Centre asking if any of our Friday class members have lost a key. We were the only group in on Friday 21st July. If you have, please contact me and I can message them to let them know.

Have a lovely weekend and I will see you all soon, Debbie x

Dr Mosley on Try Tai Chi

You may need to download the Spotify app to play this post.

A Note from Paul, 9th July 2023

Hello everybody,
A topic of interest from the field of neuroscience, relating to subject of effort and reward. Put very simply it appears if we engage in an activity without focusing on a reward we achieve a greater sense of satisfaction. We gain the benefits through application of effort not the expectation of a gold star. This is the reason why, in our own organisation we have no grades, belts or gold stars. Obviously gaining knowledge and experience is desirable but that is another topic.
Unfortunately more people seem to be looking at tai chi with only that gold star in mind, in other words will it cure my particular problem without putting forth the effort. Also looking for the reward by practising a special style or secret system of qigong is nonsense. The most important ideal to aim for is the correct practise of tai chi and qigong principles. I know Debbie receives many enquiries regarding our classes and she replies with the facts of what we do, some people do not like the facts they just want the gold star.
Finally back to the neuroscience, it appears when a gold star is awarded, the enjoyment and benefit of the activity diminishes considerably.
So be careful what you wish for.
See you soon,
Paul.

Important Notice: Friday 14th July 2023

There will be no class at Littleworth Community Centre on Friday 14th July 2023.

A Note from Paul, 20th June 2023

Hello everybody.
Just sharing an item of interest regarding the practise of tai chi to relieve the debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia which causes chronic soft tissue pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and related symptoms. The research does indicate that tai chi can be an effective therapeutic option in the management of fibromyalgia.
However I did smile, because in the article the people taking part in the research were described as having received tai chi for the duration of the programme. This sounds’ like each person was given a prescription of tai chi to be taken once or twice a week. I accept we can receive tai chi instruction, but nobody can give us tai chi, we have to cultivate our own Qi.
In his excellent book, Body by Science, Dr Doug Mc Guff suggests people are more than willing to take a pill rather than put forth the effort to achieve the benefits of exercise. It is exactly the same for tai chi, many people expect results without effort, but it is only through effort and correct practise that the benefits appear and of course we are individual so do not compare your tai chi experiences to that of another person.
See you soon.
Paul.

A note from Paul, 9th June 2023

Hello everybody.
I recently came across an article from a woman’s health forum. Essentially it highlighted the experiences’ of a fitness coach who for various reasons reduced the number of her daily step count. Gradually her mental and physical wellbeing improved, she no longer worries about achieving a specific number of steps, energy levels have increased and more time and enthusiasm for other activities and interests. Many people do not appreciate the value of N E A T (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) an acronym for the exercise value we can achieve from daily activity without counting a single step.
I feel this article mirrors our preference for shorter forms, this allows us to train with more focus and not just dwell on learning and remembering a long form at the cost of enjoyment and wellbeing benefits. Tai chi and qigong does not have to be complicated, think about arm swinging exercises, straightforward and simple and just a few minutes here and there through the day, think N E A T.
See you soon.
Paul

Don’t forget, Monday 5th June

We are doing the Sabre!

A Note from Paul, 21st May 2023

Hello everybody.
In these times of mental health awareness it is interesting to see the variety of holistic therapies available. Listening to an item relating to gardening therapy the suggestion was not to dwell on a particular issue but to focus on the task we are involved in, this appears to achieve a significant therapeutic response.
I believe tai chi works in a similar way. So if during our practise we are hoping that a special movement will cure a particular problem disappointment will follow. Any benefits will only become evident if we concentrate and appreciate the whole experience over a period time. Fortunately we can incorporate tai chi and qigong into our everyday lives, we can attend regular classes and for a more holistic experience turn up for a workshop. There is a great deal more to tai chi and qigong than just mimicking a few exercises.
See you soon
Paul.

A Note from Paul

Hello everybody.
It is good to see and listen to your positive comments regarding our latest workshop. The enjoyment of the event was generated by the social atmosphere and enthusiasm of the group, so well done to you all. Thank you Debbie for presenting the Yuttari and providing such wonderful refreshments, thank you Jane for assisting with the booking and registrations, thank you to those who helped with the chairs and any tidying up. So thank you all for making it such a good day.
See you soon.
Paul.

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day 2023

As I was packaging up the cakes and coffee for our workshop at Haughton, a memory popped up on my phone. Pictures of 6 years ago at Littleworth with Michael for our Wudang Sword workshop. This just shows have far we have come, since I took those 3 pictures, we have mastered Tai Chi classes on Zoom, have a website, a Facebook page and our own Association.

Thank you for attending our second World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, here’s hoping for many more!

These are the days that I love the most. Learning new skills, meeting new people and eating cake.

A Note from Paul 30th April 2023

Hello everybody.
Following on from our workshop, I thought this would be a good time to reflect on the purpose of our event’s. I have previously mentioned the points regarding improving training, meeting new people and socialising. But of course, there are other factors to consider. A workshop provides us with an opportunity to look at and consider various themes and topics from tai chi, qigong and related subjects. We all lead busy lives and limited time to put aside for our tai chi so a workshop allows us to experience either new idea’s or refine and develop our existing movements e.g., the well-being benefits from a selected form sequence or how to adapt a standing form to a seated version. We do not necessarily have to remember the topic of the workshop, it is about improving our awareness, not collecting countless exercises or certificates to decorate the wall. But it is important to understand the difference between the structure of a regular class e.g., routine exercises and a workshop e.g., a new theme. In a nutshell, regular classes for tai chi and qigong exercises, workshops for development and socialising DO NOT confuse the two.
See you soon.
Paul

A Note from Paul, 23rd April 2023

Hello everybody.
Looking forward to our workshop next Saturday where we can share and experience the benefits of both the Yuttari and Swimming Dragon exercises.
Just a little more about the Swimming Dragon. It is a compact sequence involving the whole body and activating the systems of the body eg skeletal, blood, lymphatic and hormonal circulation. The Swimming Dragon involves no steps, yet provides us with a sequence of therapeutic movements. The Dragon is designed to be practised alone, this allows us to appreciate the physical and calming benefits at a pace to suit ourselves.
Each cycle of the Dragon takes about one minute to complete and can practised any time of the day. So as we will appreciate it is a very personal sequence and therefore will not be included in our regular classes.
The late Dan Docherty was a great advocate of workshops suggesting they are an ideal environment to improve our practise meet other people and of course a social event.
See you soon,
Paul.

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day 2023

Saturday 29th April 2023

I cannot believe it has been a year since my last post for World Tai Chi and Qigong Day.

Make a date in your diary and book your place soon as spaces are limited. Saturday 29th April, 10-12 pm at Haughton Village Hall.

ITQPA members £6. Non members £9.

With Paul, we will be practising the Dragon a compact Qigong exercise. Focusing on the function of the spine, lymphatic circulation, Qi circulation and influence of the major organs.

With Debbie, we will be revisiting the Yuttari seated exercises.

And yes, there will be cake and refreshments!

Please do take this opportunity to join us, it’s always great seeing you.

A Note from Paul, 19th March 2023

Hello everybody.
The following sword exercises have been selected from the full form.
1 Beginning style 1
2 Embrace the Moon 27
3 Pierce the heart 28
4 single whip 79
5 Advance reverse cut, from sword over right shoulder 64
6 Hanging the bell 12
7 Dot between the eyes 34
8 Support the beam 88
9 Needle pointing south 89
10 Tai chi in unity and Completion
Hope you find this helpful.
See you soon.
Paul.

Wudang France YouTube video, complete sword form with names.

Important Information Friday’s Class

The weatherman says snow is on the way. Staying safe than being sorry, there will be no Tai Chi class at Littleworth Community Centre on Friday 10th March.

A note from Paul, Hello everybody.
Thank you Debbie for the notification regarding the cancellation of this coming Friday class. It is better to safe than sorry, please forward this information to all concerned.
See you all next week when the weather improves

Rolling Panda