We practise Tai Chi & Qigong (pronounced ‘Chi’ gong) for health & fitness, not as any form of martial art for self-defence. The activity involves slow, coordinated movements synchronised with one’s breathing to promote flexibility in joints, good balance, physical coordination, improved muscle strength & cultivate a relaxed & peaceful state of mind.
Members also find that Tai Chi & Qigong are also good for helping their concentration, memory, reducing stress & can be practised by anyone of any age and in any state of health. For example, if members have any difficulty standing many movements coordinated with breathing can be performed whilst seated.
The origins of Tai Chi & Qigong are complex, closely linked & sometimes disputed by Historians. Very briefly, Qigong is thought to have originated in China over 4000 years ago, based on copying the movements of various animals & birds, & closely related to ‘Traditional Chinese Medicine’ (TCM). We practise ‘Health Qigong’, but another branch is ‘Medical Qigong’ where TCM & Qigong practitioners prescribe exercises to help people with various ailments.
Tai Chi is also based on a animal movements, but younger than Qigong & thought to have developed with the growth of Buddhism 500-200 BC as a martial art for self-defence for monks & closely linked with ‘Kung Fu’. However, the earliest recorded ‘Forms’ (set movements) of Tai Chi appear around 17th Century (Chen style). We practise ‘Tai Chi for Health’ which is gentle & involves slow walking movement as opposed to Qigong often done on the same spot. Learning the various Tai Chi forms involves concentration, stimulates the memory & similar to learning dance steps, but without a partner!
At present, there are two groups.
GROUP A (Beginners, less experienced & members attending part or full-time)
GROUP B demonstrating Fan Form (Experienced members, attending weekly, full-time)
The two groups run one after the other:
GROUP A: 1-2pm GROUP B: 2-3pm VENUE: Saltash Social Club, Fore St. DAY: Mondays, weekly
Special clothing is not required, just something loose & comfortable with flat shoes.
If you are interested in joining at any time in the year, please contact taichiqigong@saltashu3a.org.uk to arrange for a free taster session. If you have never done any Tai Chi or Qigong before or have not practised for some time, you are advised to start with the Beginners group. We are a friendly group and would be happy to see you.
Should you wish to get a flavour of Tai Chi & Qigong before you have a taster, you can view videos on You Tube; look for the ‘Deyin Tai Chi Institute’ with whom our Instructor, Les Law, trained.