What is qigong and how does it work?
Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being. Qigong has both psychological and physical components and involves the regulation of the mind, breath, and body’s movement and posture.
In most forms of qigong:
- Breath is slow, long, and deep. Breath patterns may switch from abdominal breathing to breathing combined with speech sounds.
- Movements are typically gentle and smooth, aimed for relaxation.
- Mind regulation includes focusing one’s attention and visualization.
Dynamic (active) qigong techniques primarily focus on body movements, especially movements of the whole body or arms and legs. Meditative (passive) qigong techniques can be practiced in any posture that can be maintained over time and involve breath and mind exercises, with almost no body movement.
Is qigong the same as tai chi?
Tai chi originated as an ancient martial art, but over the years it has become more focused on health promotion and rehabilitation. When tai chi is performed for health, it is considered a form of qigong and involves integrated physical postures, focused attention, and controlled breathing. Tai chi is one of the hundreds of forms of qigong exercises that was developed in China. Other forms of qigong include Baduanjin, Liuzijue, Hu Yue Xian, Yijin Jing, and medical qigong
The History of Chen Tai Ji
In 1920, Chen Fa Ke wanted to bring the Tai Ji technic to the world. So he came to Beijing from his home town Chen village and started teaching. Quickly he became very popular because of his high standard and powerful strength. Tai Ji became well known by Chinese people and is practised widely across China. Nowadays, it is the most popular exercise for maintaining a healthy body in the world. Chen Fa Ke's grandson Chen Xiao Wang continues to share his family treasure with people all over the world by travelling and teaching.
Chen Style Tai Chi is a simple and beneficial fitness regime has been practised for hundreds of years. It is a familiar sight in the parks across China as people practise this ancient art early in the morning.
Tai Chi exercises consist of slow, continuous and flowing movements in a calm manner with unhurried breathing. Tai Chi trains the mind and body together to achieve a relaxed and effortless power. Practicing the exercises can improve mental and physical balance and reduce stress. It can also increase spatial awareness, coordination, energy levels and health. For these reasons and many more, Tai Chi is now practised in every corner of the world.
All Tai Chi exercises are performed standing. Gentle, slow, soft and contemplative, they are suitable for all ages and abilities.
Our Online Classes
In 1920, Chen Fa Ke wanted to bring the Tai Ji technic to the world. So he came to Beijing from his home town Chen village and started teaching. Quickly he became very popular because of his high standard and powerful strength. Tai Ji became well known by Chinese people and is practised widely across China. Nowadays, it is the most popular exercise for maintaining a healthy body in the world. Chen Fa Ke's grandson Chen Xiao Wang continues to share his family treasure with people all over the world by travelling and teaching.
Chen Style Tai Chi is a simple and beneficial fitness regime has been practised for hundreds of years. It is a familiar sight in the parks across China as people practise this ancient art early in the morning.
Tai Chi exercises consist of slow, continuous and flowing movements in a calm manner with unhurried breathing. Tai Chi trains the mind and body together to achieve a relaxed and effortless power. Practicing the exercises can improve mental and physical balance and reduce stress. It can also increase spatial awareness, coordination, energy levels and health. For these reasons and many more, Tai Chi is now practised in every corner of the world.
All Tai Chi exercises are performed standing. Gentle, slow, soft and contemplative, they are suitable for all ages and abilities.
Group Classes
In 1920, Chen Fa Ke wanted to bring the Tai Ji technic to the world. So he came to Beijing from his home town Chen village and started teaching. Quickly he became very popular because of his high standard and powerful strength. Tai Ji became well known by Chinese people and is practised widely across China. Nowadays, it is the most popular exercise for maintaining a healthy body in the world. Chen Fa Ke's grandson Chen Xiao Wang continues to share his family treasure with people all over the world by travelling and teaching.
Chen Style Tai Chi is a simple and beneficial fitness regime has been practised for hundreds of years. It is a familiar sight in the parks across China as people practise this ancient art early in the morning.
Tai Chi exercises consist of slow, continuous and flowing movements in a calm manner with unhurried breathing. Tai Chi trains the mind and body together to achieve a relaxed and effortless power. Practicing the exercises can improve mental and physical balance and reduce stress. It can also increase spatial awareness, coordination, energy levels and health. For these reasons and many more, Tai Chi is now practised in every corner of the world.
All Tai Chi exercises are performed standing. Gentle, slow, soft and contemplative, they are suitable for all ages and abilities.
- Balance body & mind
- Healthy daily life
- Meditation practice
- Mobility Improvements
- Self Defense
- Coordination
Tom Sapsed has practiced Chen Tai Ji since 1985. He studies with Karl Kosbuba at the Chinese Internal Arts Association in Reading and has obtained a certificate of teaching from them. Tom has travelled to Beijing China many times, practicing Chen Tai Ji with the senior Chinese teachers there.
He studied with Chen Fa Ke’s student, Yang Dehou, who is the Chairman of Beijing Chen Tai Ji Association. This has helped Tom to achieve a deep feeling for the spirit of Tai Ji. He is also a student of Chen Xiao Wang and practises with him when he comes to the UK. Chen Xiao Wang is the 19th generation lineage holder of Chen-style taijiquan. Tom Sapsed is also a member of The Beijing Chen Tai Ji Association.
- Within 1 month 1 classes of any direction
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- Up to 10 people in groups
- Within 1 month 4 classes of any direction
- Convenient training schedule
- One training 60 minutes
- Pay per lesson
- Access to the program library
- Chat with participants and trainer
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