● No previous martial arts, Tai Chi or Qigong experience necessary. This class welcomes beginners.

● Most exercises are carried out standing up, and will include walking and stepping movements, including standing on one leg. ● The majority of Tai Chi and Qigong movements can be adapted for all abilities.

● Loose fitting and comfortable clothing e.g. tracksuit bottoms, t-shirt, sweatshirt. ● Please bring a water bottle to keep hydrated.

● Tai Chi and Qigong are done standing and moving, or seated.

● Flat shoes are required - flexible, thin soled trainers or martial arts shoes are best.

● The word 'set' describes a series of movements e.g. Shibashi Qigong has 18 movements in the set. ● Each movement will have a short sequence that is usually repeated 2 - 8 times on both sides of the body for symmetry. ● Each movement can be practised individually or can be put together as a whole routine. ● Each movement will relate to a specific function in Traditional Chinese Medicine e.g. to stimulate the lung meridian. ● Generally Qigong is easier to learn than Tai Chi.

● The Tai Chi form is a series of choreographed movements. ● The word 'form' describes a series of martial Qigong movements put together in a continuous pattern or choreography, performed in a slow and focused manner. ● The form is broken down into named movements e.g. “Lazily Tying Coat Tails”. ● Each form will have a number of movements/steps e.g. Sun Style 73 form ● Each movement can be practised and repeated individually or the whole form can be performed as one unit. ● Tai Chi is complex to learn, involving both the mind and body.

● Qigong is an ancient Taoist exercise practice (formally known as Dao-yin) used as a preventative and restorative exercise health system for mind, body and spirit. ● Tai Chi uses the principles of Qigong movement as a basis for an internal martial art, practised today mainly for health benefits.

● Each student works within their own range of motion and capabilities. ● The movements can be deceptively demanding. Please always work within your own ability and range of motion. ● I am happy to accommodate all abilities and encourage beginners who have not exercised in a while to try and do what they can within a class and take a break when needed.

● The class begins with warm up exercises performed either seated or standing. These incorporate many of the Tai Chi principles, whilst gently warming up the joints and getting our circulation (“qi”) flowing. ● The class will practise the Tai Chi form by standing in lines and following the instructor through the set of movements. ● We learn a new movement, or revisit a movement to do some indepth practise ● There is often a seated break for a quick drink of water and then some relaxing seated exercise. ● Class is often finished by following the instructor through a qigong set and finally some cool down exercises.