Tai Chi for Health Newsletter
Tai Chi news and views - for Tai Chi students in East Sussex
A very warm welcome to all new students and
readers this month.
For existing students, I hope you've enjoyed your Tai Chi practice over the summer break - even though there weren't many opportunities to feel the warmth of the sun on your back whilst you practised the Form!
For new students, I look forward to meeting you, and to sharing the relaxed joy of this wonderful martial art. Tai Chi acts an
ideal antidote to all the stress and strains of a 'normal' day - just taking 10 minutes out
for yourself to practice occasionally can have the most positive effect!
Our classes
start on Friday 9th September in Newhaven and on Monday 12th September in Lewes, so please call 01273
470955 (we are now able to accept credit/debit cards) or book directly
online if it's easier.
Details of all courses are below...the
Beginners
Course is filling rapidly, so please get your
skates on if
you'd like a place.
If you have any suggestions, or questions
about Tai
Chi or
our classes, please feel free to send them
in or ring
Paul, Katie or Marcus on 01273
470955. And if you'd like to
contribute to
future editions of this newsletter, we'd love
to hear
from you.
Whether you are a new student, a continuing
student or a student returning
after some time off, we look forward to
seeing you at one of our classes in the
coming term.
Warm wishes,
Paul
(TCUGB Registered Instructor)
Tai Chi updates
All Tai Chi updates can now be
'followed' on
Twitter - it's very simple: just click here.
You'll
then automatically receive all the latest
updates and offers, within minutes. Once you
register to 'follow' us, you'll get all the
latest up-to-date news & you can add your own
comments too!
Tai Chi may lessen Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms
Practicing Tai Chi on a regular basis may significantly improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
There have been a number of studies demonstrating the benefits of Tai Chi for the symptoms of osteoarthritis including joint pain, stiffness and weakness.
A recent medical study demonstrated that the benefits of Tai Chi extend beyond simply reducing symptoms.
The Barefoot Doctor speaks...
A Tai Chi message from the Barefoot Doctor
The power of presence...
"Doing Tai Chi is like acting out a metaphor for life in general, through
slow graceful, effortless movements, emphasizing calm balance and
inner poise, that flow like a river, at the other end of which you
feel refreshed, energized and recharged, ready again to live, love
and ride life for all it's worth. That is when you're present during
practice. Because of course the tendency, even for masters, is for
the monkey mind to busy itself with thoughts and worries about past
or future or both, even while in the midst of practicing this powerful
meditative art.
And though that will still have beneficial effects on the body and energy flow and eventually even on the mind, it certainly doesn't give you the full hit.
On the other hand, when you surrender fully to the movement and remain focused
via the sensations in the body on the present moment, allowing
thoughts of past or future or both to subside, you experience
such power and recharge factor, it'll give you all the power you
need to handle whatever life throws your way.
And it's no different in everyday life. All of life is Tai Chi - the name
actually means supreme ultimate reality in any case and that includes
just about everything.
Be present in the moment - allow the past to subside into history where it will resolve itself and the future to remain in the latent state where it will take care of itself - and you'll be with such power from moment to moment that nothing could stand in your way.
Love, Doc"
Students with special needs
Many classes are fully accessible
Students with special needs
Many of our
classes are
open to all. Most are suitable
for anyone who has difficulty in standing or
walking. Students with mild learning difficulties are
also welcome. Carers of students with special
needs who attend the class to support that student
receive a free place.
Unfortunately the Monday evening classes are situated on the first floor at the new Cliffe High Street studio, and are therefore unsuitable for wheelchair users or any student unable to climb stairs. We regret the inconvenience to students with disabilities - please choose one of the other class options.
The Hillcrest Centre has full
access for
people
with disabilities. Parking is available
directly outside the
venue,
and is free
The next term at
the Hillcrest Centre
begins on Friday 9th September at 11.30am.
This special daytime class in
Newhaven (see below)
is primarily, though not exclusively, for carers.
We also run a special class in Newick for
people with acquired brain injury on
Wednesday mornings. Please contact Paul on
01273 470955 if you know anyone who has suffered a brain
injury who may be able to benefit from a
special Tai Chi class.
Tai Chi classes in Lewes
New term begins Monday 12th September
New term enrolling now
Our next series of classes in Lewes
begins on
Monday 12th September at the Equilibrium Studio, 33 Cliffe High St, Lewes.
Beginners classes take place from
6.00-7.00pm;
Improvers and Advanced from 7.00-8.00pm.
Complete beginners are very welcome to come along to the 6.00pm class.
Students with
some experience may wish to join the Improver
class (7.00pm) - please call for
more details. At the time of writing, there
are still places
left
for each level.
Enrolling for the next Beginners or Improvers Course is simple:
1. You can call in to
Equilibrium, 16 Station St, Lewes BN7 2DB
during normal working hours; or
2. Send a
cheque
(payable to Equilibrium Health
Centre, £75 for 10 weeks); or
3. Phone with a credit/debit card - call 01273 470955.
4. Book online using
the links here.
(If you have already booked there is no need to re-contact - this newsletter
is being sent to all current and previous students)
Just loose comfortable clothing is all
you really
need
to start Tai Chi. Eventually, however, you
may like to
obtain the canvas-soled Tai Chi shoes that we
wear
in class. They are fairly inexpensive, and
can be worn
comfortably around the house as well as when
practising. The Costume Store at 16 Station St,
Lewes (above Equilibrium Health Centre) sells
them, at £7.50 a pair. They can also be found at
Yum
Yum's
supermarket in the North Laines, Brighton for
£10.50
a pair.
If you are planning a trip to London, there are shops in Chinatown which
sell them for £6.95 a pair (turn left out of Leicester Square tube
and head into Little Newport St). Occasionally they can be picked
up at street markets for even less than this (though they tend to
be seasonal). Make sure you try them on first if possible, as sizing
is not always 100% accurate.
Tai Chi training shoes are also available online at shops such as Wushu Direct
- please see link below. Please ensure you request non-rubber
soles (canvas is best). If you find another local retailer selling
Tai Chi shoes, please tell us and we'll include details in the
next edition.
