“Water is the softest thing, yet it can penetrate mountains and earth. This clearly shows the principles of softness overcoming hardness”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
Tai chi is an internal martial art, for the most part it is performed gently and slowly, improving relaxation, balance, coordination, increasing energy levels, flexibility, body awareness, lowering levels of stress and anxiety…. The list could go on.
There are so many benefits to regular tai chi practice, and one of the things we like best about it at WCA is that it’s the perfect antidote to the fast-paced, busy, and stressful lives that so many people lead.
It teaches you to slow down, understand your body, improve your breathing, calm your mind – the only input you need is regular practice and a willingness to learn. Tai chi can be practiced almost anywhere and you don’t need any special equipment, just a little bit of time and dedication.
Whilst tai chi is in its origins a martial art, nowadays it is mostly practiced for the amazing health benefits that come with time and practice. However, for those who do wish to learn the martial elements of the art, we also teach those.
Styles Taught at WCA
At WCA we predominantly teach two styles of tai chi.
Firstly, as you would expect, you can learn the White Crane internal arts, beginning with the 66 moves of ‘Frost and Sun White Crane Gentle Art’. You also have the opportunity to learn the weapons of White Crane tai chi, including the straight sword, fan, and double fan.
We also teach Chen style tai chi, starting with the introductory 18 move form, before progressing onto Lao Jia Yi Lu (74 moves), fan, broadsword, straight sword, Lao Jia Er Lu (42 moves), Chen 56 competition form, and the Guandao.
To help deepen your understanding of tai chi and help with relaxation and body awareness, the Yang 24 form is also taught, as are many qigong forms including Eight Pieces of Brocade, 5 Animals Qigong, Yi Jing Jing, and several Shibashi sequences.
Give it a Try
If all of that sounds a bit overwhelming for now… don’t worry, the principles and benefits of tai chi are pretty much the same, whatever class(es) you decide to join, and you will always be taught with patience, respect, and a good dose of humour.
The best thing to do is to give a class a try!
At White Crane Academy, we always ensure that new students are made to feel welcome. We understand that starting a tai chi class can sometimes feel rather daunting, especially as a complete beginner but what you should always keep in mind is that the whole class, including your instructor, was a beginner once, so everyone knows how you will be feeling.
You can join classes in both the Haywards Heath and Horsham areas. Click here to view the full timetable of classes.
Call Mark on 07834 375776 or email mark.stevenson@whitecraneacademy.com for more details
You can also learn tai chi online with us at White Crane Online.
Testimonial from tai chi student Carol
On the advice of my doctor because of balance problems I joined Mark’s Tai Chi classes. I was quite nervous at first not knowing what to expect but I can honestly say I have not looked back. Mark is an excellent teacher. My balance has improved and I look forward to each lesson. I would recommend his classes.
Carol, Haywards Heath
Testimonial from tai chi student Dilys
I have been learning the White Crane Tai Chi form with Mark for just over a year. During that time my health has improved in a number of ways, which has been a very pleasant surprise. I try to attend three classes a week and really enjoy the Qigong as well as the Tai Chi.
Before starting the classes I had problems with my left knee, it just did not move properly and there was constant pain – all better now! My sense of balance has improved so much and I’ve also lost two inches off my waist!
The most wonderful thing is that the tinnitus which I have had for about twenty years has calmed down so much that I am hardly aware of it.
All the benefits have made me so much stronger mentally and physically. I look forward to improving my under standing of this art of Tai Chi.
Dilys, Haywards Heath