Resources for 24 step and 88 step Yang style forms

Although the best way to learn and improve on tai chi is always to go to classes it can be helpful to have guides to remind you when you are at home. There are plenty of videos on YouTube - above is Master Faye Li Yip doing the 24 step form. You can also get books and dvds for more detailed information.

Professor Li is the authority on the 24 step form and I recommend his book "Tàijíquán" which gives comprehensive instructions with pictures for the 24 step form as well as the 81 and 42 step forms, and the 42 and 32 step sword forms. It comes with a dvd showing demonstrations of these forms.

He has also produced teaching videos on the 24 step and 88 step forms amongst others. You can buy both book and dvds from the Tai Chi Link website. They are also sometimes available on Amazon.

Leigh Carnival 2018

We were on stage at the Leigh Carnival today doing some tai chi and qigong. Well done to everyone who took part - you were amazing!

You can see more pictures here or on the A Higher Porpoise Facebook page.

Back from training

Just got back from another excellent qigong instructor course at the BHQA. The training was as ever top standard. We all worked hard and in spite of floods had lots of fun too.

Joanne in the news

It's nice to see Joanne making the news and spreading the word about the wonderful health benefits of tai chi. You can read the article here.

In other news, I will be putting in an order for class polo shirts next week, so let me know by next Wednesday if you want one. You can get them in navy blue or light blue.

There will be no classes on Bank Holiday Monday so enjoy the sunshine and maybe do some outdoor tai chi instead.

World Tai Chi and Qigong Day

This Saturday is World Tai Chi and Qigong Day. There will be events all around the country and all around the world. Come and join me at our event in Liverpool at St John's Community Centre, Steble Street, Liverpool L8 6QH.

The event is free but we are raising money for Sport Relief. You can sponsor someone, make a donation on the day or donate via our Sport Relief Giving page here.

The programme is as follows. There will be a prompt 10am start.

10am start warm ups and qigong
10.30-11.30 Taiji Qigong Stick and Tai Chi walk and 24 step
11.45 - 12.45 Classic Eight Treasures Qigong and Body Conditioning
1 - 2 Seated Daoyin 12 Qigong and Taiji Sword/sabre
2.15 - 2.45 Finish with gentle qigong to warm down and conclude the day.

Looking for...

Does anyone have a dropside van they could lend us? I would love to bring tai chi and qigong to the Leigh Carnival parade but don't have the budget to hire one.

Upcoming events

April is always a good time for tai chi events and this year is no exception.

I was going to let you know about the Deyin Taijiquan Institute Spring Wellbeing Bootcamp in Telford on 21 April, but unfortunately it is already booked up. It's always worth booking early for these workshops.

You don't need to book for our World Tai Chi and Qigong Day event on 28 April though - you can just turn up. Our event is taking place again this year at St John's Centre, Steble Street, Liverpool L8 6QH and everyone is invited to attend from beginners to masters! There will be eight instructors (maybe more) delivering one hour sessions throughout the day on various aspects of tai Chi and qigong. A fabulous opportunity and it's FREE! This year we are going to combine the event with Sports Relief and hold a taichiqigongathon.

There are different ways you can get involved:
1. Be sponsored for as many hours as you wish to do (5 hours in total). You can download a sponsorship form here.
2. Make a donation - collection tins available on the day.
3. Donate online at https://my.sportrelief.com/sponsor/taichiqigongathon.