Some beautiful tai chi

Just saw this on YouTube. It's rather more athletic than the style we do, but there are some moves which are identical. See if you can recognise the moves you know.

More on the new class

I know the stance of the week hasn't been weekly of late. I still have a few that I want to blog about in time, but at the moment I'm more excited about the new class starting on 1 August and wanted to post about that.

I've been thinking about the fee structure - boring I know, but someone has to. I want to give discounts to students who attend regularly but maybe the simple 5-week discount isn't flexible enough, so how about this: you can book the next 3 weeks for £13.50, the next 5 weeks for £20 or the next 10 weeks for £35. That means if you pay for 10 weeks you are still getting a bargain even if you miss two of them. I will do something soon about putting Paypal buttons on my website, but you can pay me in class if you prefer. And of course if that all sounds too complicated you can still just pay me £5 on the night.

I don't know yet if we can have the room on the August bank holiday. If I can get it, I will. I'll let you know once I find out.

I've been wanting to do a private class for a while. It's going to be great - so come along and bring your friends!

New class starting

As the current beginners's course at Lowton High School is coming to an end along with the school term, I will be starting a private class in the same place on the same night. Because it will no longer be subsidised, it does mean the price will go up. It will be £5 per session or £20 for five weeks. Because it is a private class, there will be no need to fill in forms or do coursework or assessments, but I will still make you practise on your own, because it helps you to learn!

The new private class will start on 1 August and will be from 8pm to 9.30pm. We will probably continue with the 24 step to start off with.

To join the class, send me an email or put your name on the form that I will bring to tonight's class.

Stance of the week: dúlìbù (one-legged stance stance)

Here is a picture of Golden Rooster Stands on One Leg as it is done in the fan form. The stance is dúlìbù, or one-legged stance. The leg you are standing on should be straight but not locked, with the toes turned out 30-45 degrees. On the leg that is lifted, the knee should be pointing forwards and the foot and calf angled in slightly towards your standing leg. The foot that is off the ground should be relaxed and hang naturally with the toe pointing down. To maintain your balance in this stance, keep good tai chi posture. Above all, stay relaxed! Back and neck should be straight, with bottom tucked under so the spine is as straight as possible. Head is upright. Shoulders are relaxed. Don't lean. Sink your energy into your dantian centre.