T’ai Chi Ch’uan (aka Tai Chi or Taijiquan) is a moving meditation, a martial art, and an embodiment of Taoist principles. Whilst learning the set forms and deeper techniques can take many years, exploring the underlying principles of softness, connection and relaxation can give more immediate benefits. Ess teaches in an LGBTQ+-centering way without the gendered language that is sometimes used in teaching this artform.
Ess (any pronouns) has been a student of Yang style T’ai Chi for over 12 years, training with Master Mark Raudva, whose teaching has a direct lineage to Dr. Chi Chiang Tao, and Professor Cheng Man-ch’ing, some of the first T’ai Chi masters to open teaching up to Europeans and Americans. You can find out more about Mark’s teaching and lineage, and T’ai Chi practice generally, here: https://thetaichicentre.co.uk/about
WHAT TO EXPECT
In this taster session, we’ll explore some of the first principles of T’ai Chi via an exercise called ‘sticking’ which involves very light physical connection to each other via the palm on the back of a hand or wrist. We will also learn the Front Heart Salutation, part of Dr John Kells’ Heartwork, opening us up to beyond-the-horizons in a gentle moving meditation that should leave you feeling pretty blissful :)
The session will involve very gentle movement from a relaxed standing position. The heartwork involves some soft, expansive arm movements. If standing is not an option, both exercises can be adapted for anyone who needs to remain seated.
WHAT TO BRING
Wear relaxed, comfortable clothing. You might prefer to be barefoot, or in warm socks, soft flat shoes or trainers.
WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED
2:00pm | Welcome and Introductions
2:15pm | Sticking
2:45pm | Heartwork
3:15pm | Reflection & Tea Break
3:30pm | Farewells
ACCESSIBILITY
The Space: This offering is currently booked in a first floor studio and not wheel chair accessible, however efforts will be made to accommodate specific accessibility needs if brought to our attention, we may be able to offer online slots or move to the ground floor studio in some cases. There is on street parking nearby and a short journey down a cobbled street is required to access the studio. We have mats and bolsters for seating as well as chairs available upon request. There are two gender neutral restrooms in the building one on the same floor and one on the ground floor. There is also a treatment room which can be used as a break out space. There is gas and infrared heating, fans for when it’s warm, as well as tea making facilities on site. The studio has dimmable warm lighting. The studio & equipment is regularly aired and sanitised, however please be considerate of others health and spacial needs when in the space. Do not attend if you are feeling unwell, have symptoms or could be COVID positive. If you have any queries or requests, please contact us here.
ABOUT OUR FEES/DONATIONS
For all our offerings we have a tiered suggestion of donations. Supporter Rate (cost of you and another), Sustainer Rate (base cost/just you), Community Rate and Pay What You Can. These donations help cover any expenses for our gatherings, cover facilitator fees with any excess donated to fundraisers & mutual aid. Please consider your available resources and financial privilege when selecting what to donate as spaces are limited. You can find out more about sliding scale pricing here.