WHAT IS TAI CHI?
Tai Chi (also spelled Taiji) is a slow exercise from China based on martial
art principles. There are several different styles of Tai Chi, the most commonly
found traditional ones being Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun styles. Although these each
give a different flavour and feeling, the basic principles involved are the same
no matter which style you are practising. It is how the movements are done which
is important. As a beginner you will learn a sequence of movements known as a (hand)
form. Most styles now offer very short introductory forms as well as the longer
more traditional forms.
Although the martial origins of most traditional Tai Chi movements can be demonstrated, the contemporary focus is usually on its health benefits as a mindful exercise. Tai Chi can specifically improve your focus, body awareness, relaxation, and balance, as well as all the more usual benefits of exercise. The aim is for all movement to be done efficiently and mindfully using the whole body.
In addition to the hand forms, more advanced Tai Chi training includes forms done with a Sword or Fan, and Push Hands a two person exercise which adds an external dimension to your internal focus. Tai Chi can be followed to competition level.
However, many people like to come for the sense of well being and relaxation which can be experienced even by beginners.
WHAT IS QIGONG?
Qigong (also spelled Chi Kung) is a health based exercise originating in China.
There are very many different forms of qigong, which can vary from stillness,
through gentle movement, to some which are physically challenging. Based on
ancient exercises, many of these have been updated or introduced in the last
fifty years. Qigong movements often relate to aspects of Traditional Chinese
Medicine such as the meridians used in acupuncture, but others may reflect the
natural world eg in imitating the movements of animals.
An important part of qigong is mental focus and coordinating the exercise
with relaxed and slow breathing.
FINDING A TEACHER
Tai Chi and Qigong overlap. Qigong can be done without Tai Chi, but Tai Chi
cannot be done without Qigong.
There is no regulation of instructors.
Tai Chi Teachers:
The Tai Chi Union
offers some assurance of competence as any instructor listed by them has to have
been recommended by another teacher member. However there may be good teachers who belong to alternative organisations. Qigong Teachers:
In depth training is available through a variety of different organisations eg
The British Health Qigong Association which trains instructors in forms
introduced by the Chinese Health Qigong Association (currently 9 different
forms).
Wild Goose Qigong is a complete system which has several longer forms.
Simple qigong is increasingly offered by therapists and other professionals
such as yoga teachers. Their level of knowledge may vary.
Terri Owen
I am a Tai Chi Union Registered Tai Chi Instructor, trained by Deyin Institute and I can teach you Tai Chi principles, short Yang and Sun
style forms, Yang style sword and basic Pushing Hands.
I am an instructor member of British Health Qigong Association and can teach you simple qigong, and three of the BHQA qigong forms.