Do you run a service where clients might benefit from Tai Chi sessions? I specialise in providing Tai Chi for the over 50’s, and disability groups. The following are examples of formats of classes:
Over 50s Tai Chi
A beginners course usually runs for 12 weeks of one hour sessions. This is a complete beginners class which includes a very short Tai Chi form (sequence) called “Tai Chi for Arthritis” devised by Australian physician Dr Paul Lam, which also incorporates a safe and gentle warm-up routine. In addition I include elements of Qigong - gentle exercises which focus on breathing and relaxation. Students are always encouraged to work within their own range of movement.
Although the basic movements of the form can be learnt in 12 weeks, it does of course take much longer to develop awareness and understanding of the Tai Chi principles involved. Beyond the first 12 weeks, students can benefit from revision of the form and Tai Chi principles, learning the 12 moves in the reverse direction which gives a more balanced form, and adding a further 9 moves.
Taiji QiGong or “Shibashi”
This consists of 18 movements each done several times and accompanied by breathing exercises. It is easier to follow than a Tai Chi form and is therefore more suitable for classes where there is less continuity and where some participants may join in only occasionally. Shorter length sessions of 45 minutes may also be an option. The benefits for people practicing regularly are similar to those gained from the Tai Chi class but there is more focus on breathing and less on co-ordination.
This Qigong, largely based on movements from Yang style Tai Chi, was first introduced in China in 1979 as an aid to improving general health and wellbeing. It is growing in popularity and is now practiced around the world by over 10 million people.
Adapted or Seated Tai Chi
Activities are selected depending on the client group. They will incorporate a selection of warm-up exercises, moves from Shibashi or other QiGong sets, and may include short sequences of moves adapted from “Tai Chi for Arthritis” or other Tai Chi forms.