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This
page contains a list of frequently asked questions about Gentle
River Tai Chi.
Q.
What is Tai Chi Chuan?
A. Tai Chi
Chuan is a martial art. Unlike other martial arts, it is based
around the idea of being extremely relaxed and using the body's
lifeforce, or chi, instead of speed and strength. To
develop this quality, training includes performing slow easy movements
that allow the muscles to relax and the joints to become open
and flexible.
In time, practicing in this way helps the body become very strong,
supple and healthy.
Q.
What is Gentle River Tai Chi?
A. Gentle
River Tai Chi is a style of Tai Chi that emphasises the therapeutic
nature of the traditional styles of Tai Chi Chuan. Gentle River
Tai Chi encourages smooth, light, flowing movements that allow
your body to release areas of tension simply and quickly.
Emphasis is placed on feeling the hands moving through the air
so that chi reaches right to the fingertips, enlivening
the whole body.
Q.
What are Biokinetics?
A. Biokinetics
is a system of healing movements. There are two basic sets of
movements; the Ten Pillars and the Twelve Steps.
Practicing the movements regularly will help to improve posture,
release tension, increase energy and improve all aspects of your
health.
Q.What
happens in a class?
A. My
Gentle River Tai Chi classes include a combination of warm ups,
Biokinetics movements and Tai Chi. From week to week, students
are led through the various movements in the Biokinetics sets
adn Tai Chi form so that in a comparitively short time, they have
built up a good knowledge of both systems.
Students are encouraged to practice at home to maximise the benefits
and to ensure they learn the movements as easily as possible.
Q.Who
is Gentle River Tai Chi for?
A. Gentle
River Tai Chi can be practiced by people of all ages and abilities.
Beginners classes do not require any previous experience.
Q.What
are the benefits of Gentle River Tai Chi?
A. Regular
practice of Gentle River Tai Chi and Biokinetics will have a profound
effect on your overall health and wellbeing. Here are a few specific
areas where you will benefit:
Improved posture,
improved
flexibility, improved
circulation, increased
energy, stronger
bones, better balance, better immune system, release of stress
and relief from stress related disorders.
Q.
What should I wear for Tai Chi?
A. To practise Tai Chi you need to be able
to move comfortably and be well balanced. It is best to wear loose
fitting clothes and flat soled shoes that are not too tight. Tai
Chi slippers are best.
Q.
Where can I buy Tai Chi slippers?
A.I find the best shoes to practice in are
Tai Chi (or Kung Fu) slippers. These cost about £5 a pair
and can be purchased either online from one of the following:
Tai Chi Finder:
http://www.taichifinder.co.uk/catalog/index.php?cPath=77
PlayWell:
http://www.playwell.co.uk/store/acatalog/Traditional_Footwear.html
Playwell details: 1A Neptune Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA14HY
Tel: 020 861 1996, 020 8863 4648
Or
at either of these shops:
Footsteps, 20, London Rd, Twickenham, Middlesex
TW1 3RR
Tel: 020 8892 1681
Shaolin
Way, 10 Little Newport Street, Liecester Square, WC2H
7JJ
Tel: 020 7734 6391
Q.
When are the classes?
A. For details
of all classes, click here
Q.
Where are the classes?
A. Classes are held at Meadows Hall, Church
Road, Richmond TW10 6LN. For a map, click here
