Yin-Yang sign
September 2011
 
 
Tai Chi for Health Newsletter
Tai Chi news and views - for Tai Chi students in East Sussex

Tai Chi silhouette pic

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,

Yin-Yang sign

Paul
(TCUGB Registered Instructor)

Follow us on Twitter

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 in the News

Tai Chi helps dizziness, balance

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...
Barefoot Doctor pic

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
The Carers Tai Chi Group, Newhaven

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
Tai Chi classes in Lewes

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)

Learning Aids - Books & DVDs
Tai Chi book

Full colour paperback & hardback editions of the Tai Chi form are available, with a little history & theory of Tai Chi plus warm-up exercises and the form explained in detail (£4.95, though currently out of print).
Try Waterstones, or otherwise Amazon or eBay for a second-hand (or even pre-used!) copy.

We also offer a DVD of the Short Form (£14.95), showing the form in its entirety from both front and back, then divided into 3 sections with teaching narrative - an ideal learning aid.

All items are obtainable by mail order (+ £2.50 p&p ) or you can obtain them at your class. Members receive 20% discount on these prices.

Tai Chi shoes
Where to find your pair
Tai Chi shoes

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.

Useful links

We look forward to seeing you soon. Enjoy your practice!
Meanwhile, here are some useful links for keeping in touch or finding out more about Tai Chi.

phone: +44 (0)1273 470955

Don't forget - membership is only £20 per year and entitles you to great discounts, priority booking and many other benefits!

 
-
-
Five Pounds off your personal Tai Chi lesson!

Simply print out this coupon, bring it with you to your first one-hour private Tai Chi lesson, and we will deduct five pounds from the normal fee.

Tell your friends and family that they can subscribe and receive a discount too - everyone can benefit!

-
Enjoy by: 31st October 2011
-


Tai Chi for Health | 16 Station Street | Lewes | East Sussex | BN7 2DB | UK