Tai Chi for All Ages & Abilities | St Aidan's Hall

🧘‍♀️ Join our friendly Tai Chi group at St Aidan's Church Hall in Claudelands, Hamilton. We begin each session with Qi Gong preparation exercises before learning and practising forms, including the popular Yang style 24. Suitable for all fitness levels - beginners welcome! Ideal if you can stand for an hour, though chairs are available if rest or support is needed.

What to expect: A welcoming environment focused on improving balance, core strength, and coordination. Our sessions follow the teachings of Dr Paul (Bon Trong) Lam, emphasising both health benefits and martial elements of Tai Chi.

Details:

• 📍 St Aidan's Church Hall, 24 Thames Street, Claudelands
• 💲 $5 entry fee (contributes to hall costs)
• 👨‍🏫 Instructor: Rob Van Kalken (027 487 8356)
• 👕 Wear comfortable clothing and soft-soled shoes

The Benefits of Tai Chi for Kiwis

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that has evolved into a gentle form of exercise perfect for New Zealanders of all ages. The practice combines slow, deliberate movements with mindful breathing and meditation, making it particularly beneficial for those looking to improve balance, flexibility, and mental wellbeing.

Regular Tai Chi practice has been shown to:

• Improve balance and reduce fall risk
• Lower blood pressure and heart rate
• Enhance core strength and posture
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Increase energy and stamina
• Support cognitive function

The Yang style 24-form we focus on is the world's most widely practised Tai Chi sequence, offering a perfect introduction to the art. Our sessions incorporate elements from the five main family styles of Tai Chi (Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu-Hao and Sun), with special emphasis on the flowing, circular movements that characterise this gentle martial art.

Each session begins with Qi Gong exercises - ancient stretching and breathing routines similar to yoga that help prepare the body and mind. These exercises date back thousands of years and focus on cultivating internal energy or "Qi."

Unlike high-impact exercises, Tai Chi puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it accessible for people who might otherwise avoid physical activity. The emphasis is on internal strength rather than external muscles, working holistically to improve overall wellbeing through coordinated, flowing movements.

Whether you're seeking to improve your physical health, find a moment of calm in your busy life, or connect with others in a supportive environment, our Tai Chi classes offer something for everyone in the Hamilton community.