Tai Chi & Qi Gong at the Community Hall, Broomhall Green.
Tai Chi & Qi Gong are rich and deep practices with very many benefits. Our starter sessions and courses mean you can try Tai Chi & Qi Gong to see if they are for you. We hope they will give you a good feel for the practice and whether you are ready to join the programme for regular sessions.
At Movement in Mind we offer a range of approaches. Whether you are looking for an immersive experience of mindful movement for mental wellbeing, or a gentle way to strengthen and mobilise the body there will be a session to suit you. If you like to learn and develop a new skill, we have a class for that. And if you want to explore the deeper aspects at an individual level, we can do that too. Start the journey by booking into one of our summer courses and we’ll guide you from there.
Introduction to Tai Chi & Qi Gong
Tai Chi originated in ancient China as a martial art. It has evolved into a mindful movement practice which helps to strengthen the body and improve balance.
Qi Gong is an ancient practice that can benefit the mind, body, and spirit. It derives from Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore balance by combining deep breathing with a series of ‘energy exercises’ which help to strengthen the body, boost immunity and calm the mind.
This course consists of the Classic Baduanjn (8 Treasures), which is a classic health Qi Gong, and Yang 10 (adapted form) which introduces the basic movements of the popular Yang Style Tai Chi.
Introduction to Tai Chi & Qi Gong
Tai Chi originated in ancient China as a martial art. It has evolved into a mindful movement practice which helps to strengthen the body and improve balance.
Qi Gong is an ancient practice that can benefit the mind, body, and spirit. It derives from Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore balance by combining deep breathing with a series of ‘energy exercises’ which help to strengthen the body, boost immunity and calm the mind.
This course consists of the Classic Baduanjn (8 Treasures), which is a classic health Qi Gong, and the Basic 6 movements of Sun Style Tai Chi which is known for training agility and balance
Slow Down with Tai Chi & Qi Gong
Tai Chi is often described as meditation in motion. This is because it promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements. The movements are accompanied by deep, slow breathing. Each posture flows into the next and the body is constantly moving. The slow, flowing movement and body awareness brings focus. It also helps to combat tension.
Qi Gong is an internal practice which underlies the execution of Tai Chi, that is to say the mind leads the body. It is slow, soft, steady, stable, and silent, which has a calming effect on tension and anxiety.
Sun Style Tai Chi
Sun Style Tai Chi is characterized by agile footwork and is sometimes known as ‘lively stepping’ Tai Chi. Emphasis on the circulation of qi and health benefits make it a very popular style . The unique footwork promotes agility, strength and balance. Sun Style is gentle, smooth, and soft, movements are fluid. It focuses on using mind (yi) to lead the qi (energy) and use qi to move the body. Movements are led by intent rather than physical force.
Yang Style Tai Chi
Yang Style has become the most popular of the tai chi styles practiced today. The appeal of the form is the large sweeping, graceful and slow movements. Yang style allows people of all ages and fitness levels to start easily and continue to practice it safely to improve their health.
The Yang short forms can be easy to memorize, but it can always be refined and practiced with a deeper feeling. Over time, the practitioner is encouraged to focus more intensely on the internal aspects of tai chi.
Free Taster Session
If you’re curious about Tai Chi and Qi Gong, but don’t know what to expect, this recorded session will give you a taste of what and how we teach. We invite you to follow along.and try the movements for yourself. Then, if you would like to learn more, you can book a place on one of our introductory courses. If there is not a course currently running, get in touch and we will guide you to the best session to join.
Chair-full Moves
Uplifting chair-based dance movement class for mature movers.
In this therapeutic dance movement session you will be guided to find freedom in moving your body your way. You don’t have to use a chair for all or any of the session – but the option is there.
It is not a technique class or a fitness workout, although the principles of exercise, movement and dance underpin the sessions. I will lead you through a range of movements using a variety of rhythm and music. At times the session is upbeat, at others – gentle and flowing. You are always encouraged to stay within comfort and go at your own pace. The session ends with a time of mindful relaxation.
Body Moves
Free flowing, feelgood activity for mature movers.
In this therapeutic dance movement session you will be guided to find freedom in moving your body your way.
It is not a technique class or a fitness workout, although the principles of exercise, movement and dance underpin the sessions. There is no choreography to learn and no steps to remember. Instead, I will guide you to explore your own movement vocabulary and find freedom in the body.
Using your body in this way develops balance, flexibility and confidence. It also helps to lift the spirits.
There is no right or wrong way to do this. If you feel you lack co-ordination it really doesn’t matter. There is no judgement here, only encouragement. You go at your own pace and the energy level is up to you. Being in the spirit of the moment, enjoying the connection with self and others are the main focus. It’s just about being curious, having fun and supporting each other in playfulness.
Introduction to Tai Chi & Qi Gong
Tai Chi originated in ancient China as a martial art. It has evolved into a mindful movement practice which helps to strengthen the body and improve balance.
Qi Gong is an ancient practice that can benefit the mind, body, and spirit. It derives from Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims to restore balance by combining deep breathing with a series of ‘energy exercises’ which help to strengthen the body, boost immunity and calm the mind.
This course consists of the Classic Baduanjn (8 Treasures), which is a classic health Qi Gong, and the Basic 6 movements of Sun Style Tai Chi which is known for training agility and balance
Learn Yang Style Tai Chi
Yang Style has become the most popular of the tai chi styles practiced today. The appeal of the form is the large sweeping, graceful and slow movements. Yang style allows people of all ages and fitness levels to start easily and continue to practice it safely to improve their health.
The Yang short forms can be easy to memorize, but it can always be refined and practiced with a deeper feeling. Over time, the practitioner is encouraged to focus more intensely on the internal aspects of tai chi.
Sun Style Tai Chi
Sun Style Tai Chi is characterized by agile footwork and is sometimes known as ‘lively stepping’ Tai Chi. Emphasis on the circulation of qi and health benefits make it a very popular style . The unique footwork promotes agility, strength and balance. Sun Style is gentle, smooth, and soft, movements are fluid. It focuses on using mind (yi) to lead the qi (energy) and use qi to move the body. Movements are led by intent rather than physical force.
This is a Movement Psychotherapy group using a mind/body intervention for adults who experiencing depressive symptoms and/or anxiety.
The session will be guided, using somatic and movement therapy combined with simple Tai Chi and Qi Gong movements which are chosen for their therapeutic affect. This is not a class, we will use the movements for their therapeutic benefit but not focus on form or technique.
Research suggests that Tai Chi and Qi Gong may help improve your mood if you are depressed or anxious. It’s also believed that the slow, mindful breaths and movements have a positive effect on the nervous system and mood-regulating hormones.
This is a Dance Movement Psychotherapy group for adults wishing to explore thoughts and feelings in psychotherapy. Creative and mindful movement is a way of processing emotions and unsticking patterns held in the mind and body.
The session is guided, but the movement will come from the participants. Sometimes we’ll use music and at others we may not. Discussion and sharing may happen, but only by choice. Participation is always by invitation rather than expectation.
While many welcome the opportunity to engage in movement and creativity, the prospect can also create apprehension. In this group all felt experiences are welcome and useful. Participants are supported to explore their inner world with curiosity and compassion.