Our classes

Tai Chi classes are held every Monday evening in Lewes, East Sussex at the All Saints Centre in Friars Walk.

* Beginners classes are 6.00-7.00pm every Monday
* Intermediate classes are 7.00-8.00pm every Monday
* Advanced classes (for students who have completed the Short Form) are also available.
* Outdoor classes 6.30-7.30pm every Monday in July (current/previous students only).

* We also run Carers classes at 11.30am every Friday in Newhaven, at the Hillcrest Centre in Hillcrest Rd.

Our classes are co-operative rather than competitive - there are no grades or belts to achieve in Tai Chi, and the emphasis is on small amounts of regular practice.

A new 'posture' is learned every week - in Tai Chi this is a series of fluid, flowing movements rather than a static pose. We repeat the posture the following week, and when everyone feels comfortable with it, we add another.

What will I learn?

By the end of the first term you will have learned the first section of the Short Form. For some students this will be adequate, and will certainly be a useful introduction to the art of Tai Chi. Others may wish to learn more - normally the Short Form is taught in four terms.

There are extra opportunities for revision classes, outdoor classes in the park, private tuition and learning aids for students of all levels.

How will I benefit?

Although Tai Chi can eventually be used in self-defence, and our classes incorporate some of the practical applications, it is initially practiced for its health-giving benefits.

It is particularly useful for calming the mind and body, increasing alertness and body awareness, and for developing concentration and sensitivity. Tai Chi helps with balance and posture, and most students report a greater sense of 'groundedness'.

People of all ages and abilities can benefit from Tai Chi. No special equipment or uniform is needed, just wear loose, comfortable clothing to the first class, and flat-soled shoes if you have them (not trainers) although Tai Chi can be performed in socks or bare feet.

Students will find that a couple of minutes daily practice at home greatly enhances appreciation of the weekly classes. The entire short form takes about 12 minutes to practice.

What if I have special needs?

All our classes are fully wheelchair accessible, and we teach people with seriously impaired vision (including students registered blind), with seriously impaired hearing (including students registered deaf, although regrettably we are unable to teach in sign language) and with mild learning difficulties. Please inform us beforehand if you have particular needs, and we will be glad to accommodate you.

For people with Acquired Brain Injury, there is a special class at Headway Hurstwood Park, Newick, every Wednesday from 10.30am-12.30pm. For information about joining this class please call 01825 724323. For all other classes, please see below.

When does the next Tai Chi course begin?

Terms begin in January, April and September – prior booking is essential.

Lewes classes from Monday 13th September 2010 (10 weeks)
Beginners 6.00-7.00pm Buy now
Improvers 7.00-8.00pm Buy now

Newhaven classes (all levels) from Friday 10th September 2010 (7 weeks) 11.30am-12.30pm Buy now

Ringmer classes (with horses) begin on Monday 12th July 2010 11.00am-12noon (4 weeks)

Lewes Advanced Class: by invitation

Private lessons: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday afternoons

External courses: by arrangement

How much does a Tai Chi course cost?

Monday evening classes: £75 per 10 week term 6.00pm and 7.00pm

Friday morning classes: £70 per 10 week term (£60 Carers/Concs) 11.30am

All terms incorporate a half-term break.
Terms begin each January, April and September.

Private lessons: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday Booking now
£40 (60mins) £25 (30mins) - pay on the day

External courses: by arrangement

Which class should I attend?

Lewes: Complete Beginners are welcome to attend the first level class at 6.00pm.

Beginners with at least 20 hours tuition / experience and Improvers should attend the second level class at 7.00pm.

And finally, the third class of the evening is at 8.00pm, for Advanced level students who have progressed to the end of the Short Form.

Newhaven: All levels are welcome to attend the Mixed Level Class at 11.30am.

Ringmer: Both riders and non-riders are welcome to attend the classes with horses.

How do I register for classes?

Please call 01273 470955 or click the links below:

Lewes 6.00pm Mondays Lewes 7.00pm Mondays Newhaven 11.30am Fridays

Alternatively, please send a cheque or postal order (made payable to 'Equilibrium Health Centre') to:

Equilibrium Health Centre
16 Station St
Lewes
East Sussex BN7 2DB

A deposit of 50% is payable at the time of booking, with the balance due 7 days prior to the start of your course.

Bookings can be made by post or at our reception desk (cheque or cash). In order to keep prices to the minimum, we regret that we cannot accept credit or debit card payments.

For telephone bookings (01273 470955), we will reserve your place for up to 72 hours until we receive payment.

Please state your name, address, telephone number, email address and preferred class.

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We hope you enjoy your Tai Chi. We aim to provide quality teaching in a safe, comfortable and peaceful environment. We hope that you find us approachable and friendly, and that you come to share our enthusiasm for this tranquil yet powerful martial art.

If you miss a class, don't worry - we always repeat the move the following week before moving on. If you prefer, we can arrange a private lesson to catch up on any missed classes. Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.