Chief instructor: Simon Suckling

In 1977 I began to study Tai Chi Chuan in England aswell as Shintaido, they have a common element which I describe as natural.

Master Chu often said " The first reason to study Tai chi is good health". Over 30 years I have studied Shintaido, Yoga, sitting meditation, Bohjutsu, Bokken, Shin new) Karate. Tai Chi sword, spear and staff some Hsing-I and Pau Kua. Tai Chi with Master Chu and many years with one of his top students, Bob Coleman, a real enthusiastic practioner. My aim now is to help people find well being. The boxing in Tai Chi helps build confidence. Most progress comes through good relationships with teachers and fellow students, accepting criticism and keeping trying with a happy heart. It is tough at times and I failed plenty of times, applying oneself with enthusiasm is good. I was inspired by Egami Sensei who said " become a well rounded human being". I studied with his son Masatake Egami, an excellent human being, his favourite phrases, " Last one" followed after the "last one", by "one more", "don't give up", "practice a little each day".
Zen Buddhism related to martial arts is another area of great interest.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED

Just you in loose clothes. T-Shirts are available for those who want them!

WHO CAN LEARN TAI CHI

Everyone can learn Tai Chi. There are no limitations other than those brought to the class by the students. It is generally not suitable for minors, as they are unlikely to have the patience needed for this discipline.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BE PROFICIENT

This is very difficult question to answer. Learning the entire form is a prime marker point which most people aspire to. However Tai chi, like all Martial Art's is a self development programme and as such a longer term view is often more appropriate. you should continue to practice what you have learnt at home: as proficiency comes from practice.

YANG FAMILY TAI CHI CHUAN

Tai Chi is a martial art that emphasises relaxtion as a way to follow the Taoist philosophy of soft overcoming hard. Learning Tai chi allows students to cultivate themselves whilst exercising in a comfortable and fluid manner. Harmony and balance with a calm centre are the goals of Tai Chi, whcih when used properly can be devastating as a Martial Art. The training takes the form of learning a series of postures, and linking them together to make a continuous form of "shadow boxing". Later two person exercises allow refinement and further development of sensistivity skills, which lead to self defence applications, weapon training and internal energy work (Nei Kung).