Tai Chi: Chen Style Taijiquan for All Comers

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When & Where

23 April 2025 - 2 July 2025 ( 20 hours, 10 weeks )
Evening, Wednesday
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Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Laura Ichajapanich
Course Code W24SCIO10C
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Unwind by learning this soft/internal martial art. Taijiquan, literally translated as 'Supreme Ultimate Fist', was developed around 400 years ago by Chen Wangting, a martial arts master and retired general who developed a form or sequence of movements to maintain health. Taiji originated in Chen village and the style taught in this course is Chen style. The tutor has studied in Chen village and learnt from Chen Xiaowang, a descendant of the creator of taijiquan. This is a complete exercise system or discipline for the body and mind that develops the flow of energy or ‘qi’ around the body and promotes internal strength with physical, mental and spiritual balance. This discipline requires regular practice in order to improve focus, awareness, co-ordination and posture. The aim of the course is to introduce taiji or a meditative practice into your daily life.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Feel the sensation of Qi or functional energy in the body
Remember and practice warm-up exercises
Practice ZhanZhuang for at least 10 minutes
Remember and perform part of Chen Lao Jia or 19 form
Relax and calm the mind through breathing, ZhanZuang and Taiji

Cost

Full fee

£185

Concession fee

£140

Click here for information on Fees, Funding and Concessions (including financial support)

Class format and activities

Weekly timetabled class in college with social distancing. The class will be predominantly taught face-to-face in Morley College with the option of joining online. Students will need to have online access using a computer, tablet or smart phone with wifi access. To access additional resources such as notes and videos and homework you will need to use the College’s virtual learning environment, Moodle. Do not worry if you are not internet savvy, Morley College can help you with getting online. Learning is through following the tutor and practicing in small practice groups with space for questions, practice and exploration. The class format is: Warm-up and stretch exercises Standing qigong (zhanzhuang) Silk reeling (Chansigong) Chen style 19 Form and Xinjia (advanced students only) Closing exercise Daily home practice To help you progress on your course, you will have regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive learning environment.

Entry requirements

This class is open to all. Experience of movement classes or exercise is helpful.

What you need to know before you enrol

This course is for all levels and all ages and abilities. However, you MUST practice at home. What you get out is what you put in, therefore in order to improve your health you need to incorporate these exercises into your daily life. It is important to work to your own level, work to your limit and not beyond. Please inform the tutor if you have any fitness, mobility, stamina or health issues.

What you need

Wear loose clothing and flat, comfortable shoes. Only INDOOR shoes are permitted in the studio. In order to access online resources for your course, you will need the following: smartphone or laptop/tablet with wifi.

What you can do next

The following moves or sections of Chen 19 and LaoJia Taiji form will be taught in the next Taiji course. Students are encouraged to attend the next term to improve their level of practice (zhanzhuang, chansigong, 19 Form, LaoJia). Qigong is also available at Morley College. Each term students can learn a new Qigong set of exercises based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory (i.e. Heart, Liver, Tendons, Yin/Yang, 6 Healing Sounds etc) to improve Qi flow (functional energy).

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