Book Online

Qi Gong (Chi Kung)

Thought to have been created in China over 2,000 years Qigong is considered a collective
term for a long-established system of exercise which generally promote health and well-
being.

Qigong exercises can help individuals deal with a variety of particular issues,
whether related to health, mobility, fitness or calming the mind and spirit.
The two types of Qigong taught at CHC are from the Li system of health and martial arts
and are known as K’ai Men and Tao Yin.

 

K’ai Men (Open Door) exercises are sometimes called Taoist yoga and are a soft and
gentle exercise system. K’ai Men exercises are performed by coordinating movements
with the breath, by doing so the body is never put under any controlled stress. This in turn
allows the joints to open and flexibility to increase without strain. K’ai Men exercises
strengthen muscles, tendons, ligaments & bones, improves circulation, and also promotes
relaxation and well-being throughout the body.
There are about 400 K’ai Men exercises each having 5 variations so that each exercise
can tailored to improve the health and well being of the individual student. The Li system
has the most extensive collection of K’ai Men of any family system.

 

Tao Yin (Secret Island) is translated as Respiration Therapy. Performed in a similar way
to K’ai Men exercises Tao Yin have been used for centuries as therapeutic breathing
exercises designed to benefit specific ailments and to create and maintain harmony in the
organs of the body. The practise of Tao Yin can enhance the autonomic nervous system,
increase mental capacity & concentration, increase perception & intuition and lead to a
tranquil mind.

 

Qigong exercises can be adapted to suit the ability of the practitioner, even those with
significant disabilities. Their action creates a gentle improvement in the range of
movement without any stress or straining. As such they are beneficial for all age groups
and ability levels and, when properly adapted, particularly suitable for those for whom high
impact or aerobic exercise would not be recommended.


Renée Pryce

About Renée:

I have been training in all aspects of the Li-Style Family Martial Arts system for over 10 years, under Master Tony Swanson, Technical Director of the Taoist Arts Organisation.  I am a Black Jacket (Black Belt) Instructor in both Tai Chi and Sanshou (Sanda). 

I have been training in Martial Arts for 20 years, previously training in Shotokan Karate before discovering the Li-Style system.

 

I was immediately drawn to the breadth, depth, beauty and power of the Li-style internal Martial Arts and Health system, and continue to experience its benefits in my everyday life.

Tai Chi can help develop the quality of your movements, emotions and interactions with others, bringing a sense of tranquility and joy.

– There is always more to discover! 

 

I compete at National and European championships in Tai Chi, Tui Shou, Qingda, and Sanshou and currently hold British and European championship titles in these. 

I am a trained and qualified Martial Arts Coach with the BCCMA in accordance with  Sport England Martial Arts Coaching standards through my National Governing Body, the BCCMA.  I am fully compliant with Sport England Martial Arts Safeguarding Code. I regularly attend training and residential courses with the Taoist Arts Organisation to continually develop. 

I feel lucky to be able to coach and help my students develop and achieve their personal goals.

Class Information: 

Your first class is free!

This class covers Tai Chi and Qi Gong breathing and movement exercises (Kai Men and Tao Yin). The main focus is on improving and maintaining good health.

Class starts with a Tai Chi warm-up followed by work on Tai Chi principles, posture, alignment, balance and flexibility, incorporated into Tai Chi Form and Qi Gong. Students have opportunities to test posture and understand martial applications.

All are welcome, whatever your ability or experience, whether aiming to boost health and wellbeing, train towards Forms competitions or self-defence training.

Please wear loose trousers and clothing and flexible flat non-slip footwear. Home practice is encouraged to help increase the benefits and your understanding of Tai Chi.

 

** This class is currently on hold due to Covid19 restrictions **


Sally Grinhey

I’ve always had a fascination with body mechanics and movement and as a teenager began my martial arts journey.  I initially dabbled in a few months of Judo lessons before taking up Shotokan Karate.  I gained a 3rd Dan black belt over the next 10 years or so before I attended my first T’ai Chi class.

 

The Tai Chi absolutely blew my mind and it wasn’t long before I gave up Karate to concentrate solely on my Tai Chi training.  The classes involved using Qigong (Chi Kung) exercises at the beginning and end of each class as the warm up and cool down sessions.  This was over 30 years ago and I am still as excited and intrigued with body movement as I was then.

 

I have continually trained with the same instructor, Mr Tony Swanson, for that time and have hardly ever seen the same exercise taught more than once which is quite remarkable !

 

Come and join me in this wonderful journey of discovery.

 

 

Classes are taught by a Taoist Arts Organisation (TAO) Senior Instructor.  The TAO is a ‘not for profit’ organisation which provides ongoing tuition and support for it’s instructors and students.  It can only do this by setting an annual membership fee.  This fee is usually payable within a couple of weeks of training but during these difficult times it will be payable on the 8th training session.

Online sessions during COVID-19 lockdown

Timing :    08:00 – 08:40

Price :        £5

To comply with the terms of our insurance cover please note that –

  • Participation in online sessions is totally at your own risk.  Please ensure that you have adequate, uncluttered non-slip flooring space in order to practice. 
  • Each session will be recorded.