We will work with your pace and skill level and help you set goals that reflect your current abilities and future aspirations. Extend your level of exertion only as your body adapts.

◦We will work on specifics that you feel you need help on.

◦We’ll mix a variety of your requirements into each class, so you don’t get bored.

◦Improve on your achievements through regular classes, i.e. Passed grading, etc.

◦You’ll always get feedback from the instructor, with points to work on in lessons to come, whether private or regular classes.

◦In some cases you will touch upon the syllabus above your current level, work on the next level / rank grading syllabus.

◦You will get a more rigorous and personal training regime customised to your ability and goals, and expert evaluation of your skill level, fitness and flexibility and overall progress assessed.

“Tao has no path. Tao is empty.”

Kung Fu is a way to focus on Tao, Chi Kung is a way to cultivate the Chi and Tai Chi is a way to discipline the Chi with joy and independence. Leads to improved fitness, health and improved confidence.

Yoga from 7.15-8.45pm

Why not let the stress of winter wither away.

Relax, rejuvenate and rest with our holistic evening.

Free to all members training multiple times a week

£8 lesson for non members and once a week students.

Why not purchase a voucher for 5 lessons as a gift for a friend or family member 5 sessions at £40

see our yoga link for more details.

Relax - take a break - Feel like you are on the top of the world

Qigong is a branch of learning concerning the exercise of qi. Here the word qi has several meanings. First, it refers to the air breathed in and out by man. It exists in the universe and has direct bearings on the functions of the human body. Second, it it is the medium by which the various parts of the body, including the organs and tissues, are connected and interact with one another. Its importance maybe seen from the old saying: “A man is alive when his qi grows but he ceases to live when his qi disappears.” Third, it is a kind of infinitely small substance existing in the human body. Unlike skin, bones, blood and air, qi is invisible to the eye but forms the very essence of human life. Qigong exercises contribute to the growth of this important substance, thus adding to one’s life force and delaying the process of ageing.

Although qigong exercises vary widely in form and function, they all have one thing in common: work of the mind. According to Lin Zhongpeng, Director of the Institute for Advanced Studies of Chinese Qigong, qigong may be defined as a kind of self-training for improving physical and mental health through the power of the mind. Here we have a definition with three-fold meaning.

The first meaning is about guiding principle, that is, the use of the power of the mind. Of course, qigong exercises also involve physical movements and control of breathing, but these are far less important than the use of the power of the mind, which sets qigong apart from other sports. In ordinary sports, physical work plays the dominant role while regulation of the mind and regulation of breathing only serve to keep the body in form so as to ensure good athletic performance.

The second meaning is about the purpose of qi gong, which is to improve physical and mental health. This is what distinguishes it from yingqigong (hard qigong) a kind of performing art resembling acrobatic feats. Such as thrusting a sharp spear at one’s throat, breaking a stone slab by knocking ones head against it, supporting one’s body on the point of a fork, taking hammer-blows while lying on a b ed sharp knives, and so on. All of which have little to do with health keeping.

The third meaning is about the method of exercise, with emphasis laid on self-training. Although the method of self-training has been advocated by qigong experts at all times, many people unfortunately failed to understand this and they vainly look for what they consider easier ways to keep fit. In ancient times not a few people have lost their lives after taking “elixirs” peddled by quacks for the supposed purpose of prolonged life. Such harmful substances caused the deaths of more than half of the 21 emperors of the Tang Dynasty. Superstitious practices of this kind are quite rare today. But there are still people who, in their pursuit of health, have relied too much on the help of qigong therapists, instead of persisting in doing exercises by themselves. It is true that many qigong masters hae done well to cure ailments with waiqi (out flowing vital energy) ejected from their bodies but they could done even better by teaching others ho to mobilise their own internal qi to prevent and cure diseases. To treat someone with waiqi is to give him a fish. To teach him qigong is to give him a fishnet with which he will make a fine catch once he has learned how to cast it.

By Master Andrew Sofos