![A close up of someone's hands outstretched in a Tai Chi pose](https://mac-birmingham.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Learning-and-Participation/2024/Courses/WB03-_-Tai-Chi-Improvers.png?w=760&h=504&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1713960219&s=f73140bb09ea51ccd637ac80380902fa)
About Tai Chi Improvers (WB03 Spring)
Deepen your practice and understanding of Tai Chi with internal exercises to develop concentration and focus in this course designed for improvers.
What will you learn on this course?
Tai Chi is a Chinese exercise system and martial art. It has been called meditation in movement, and people come to Tai Chi for a variety of reasons including relaxation and to improve balance and health.
There are different styles of Tai Chi. On this course, you will learn the Chen Man-Ch’ing form, a sequence of 37 moves, which was adapted from the Yang Form of 108 moves, in order to meet the needs of people in the West who had less time to commit to practice.
You will continue to learn Tai Chi stances and exercises and the tutor will guide you on how to practice these using safe and effective posture and technique in a relaxed manner. Most classes will start with loosening exercises and will finish with some Chi Gung breathing exercises. You may also do some individual and partnered exercises including Tai Chi walking and push hands.
As an improver, you will use your developing knowledge and feedback from the tutor to ensure correct alignment in your stances. You will learn about external aspects of movement, position, angle, posture and timing. The tutor will introduce the concept of internal disciple and teach you how to apply concentration and focus to the Tai Chi exercises.
Tai Chi has a number of health benefits including improved:
- Flexibility
- Posture
- Co-ordination
- Stamina and cardiovascular health
- Balance
- Blood pressure levels
- Body awareness
- Use of intrinsic strength
On completion of this course, participants will have learnt the last two thirds of the Chen Man-Ch’ing form (the first third is taught in the beginners class).
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for adults aged 18+. It is suitable for improvers; you may have completed the Tai Chi Beginners course at MAC or attended a similar level course elsewhere.
At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support.
You should avoid having a meal during the 2 hours before the class. All students should inform the tutor of any ongoing health problems.
Do you need to bring anything?
Please wear comfortable clothes that allow free movement.
Are there any additional costs?
There are no additional costs.
Who teaches this course?
Phil Shelton