Learn the ancient art of Tai Chi  as taught by Chee Soo  

Summer term starts Monday 30th April 7:15 - 8:45 pm at Earlsdon Primary School

What is T’ai Chi?

T’ai Chi is a gentle but powerful system of movements and exercises designed to improve wellbeing and help us to operate harmoniously with our surroundings.

What is Lee Style T’ai Chi?

Lee style was brought from China to England in the 1930s by Grand Master Chan Kam Lee. As such it was brought over before Chairman Mao’s concerted and brutal efforts to stamp out “dangerous” and traditional thinking in the 1950s and 60s (during which the study of kung fu and t’ai chi was variously not permitted and then standardised and made to conform to Communist Party doctrine). This means that Lee Style remains true to its Taoist origins. Whilst practised primarily in the West for its health benefits, when studied and practiced regularly T’ai Chi is also a powerful internal martial art.

How can T’ai Chi benefit me?

T’ai Chi can:

Reduce stress - modern life places strains on the mind and the body that they were never designed to cope with. Over time, worries and mental anguish can manifest themselves as physical symptoms.

T’ai chi helps with this in a number of ways - firstly, physical exercise in itself has been proven to be an effective treatment for illnesses such as mild to moderate depression.
Secondly, the meditative nature of T’ai Chi gives the mind a chance to rest. Meditation has been shown to actually cause growth in areas of the brain associated with attention and processing sensory input. Put these two things together and you end up with something unlike most Western forms of exercise.

Improve health - beyond reducing stress which is a significant cause of illness in Britain, regular practice of t’ai chi improves the immune system and conditions the internal organs (which are not really considered in other forms of exercise).

Improve flexibility - most of the exercises in t’ai chi focus not on building up individual sets of muscles which can lead to stiffness, fatigue and injuries in later life, but on the movement of the joints through exercises which flow from one pose to another.

Improve balance - whether in a self defence situation or just in general life, good balance can mean the difference between a trip to hospital and a normal day.

Who can do T’ai Chi?

T’ai Chi is suitable for people of all ages. Older people may find Lee Style easier than other styles as it tends not to use “deep” stances but it is also suitable for younger practitioners. In fact, the earlier you start, the greater the benefit will be to your life.

Lee style is suitable for people of all ages and beginners are always welcome.

Classes run on Monday evenings (during term time) 7:15 – 8:45 pm.

Ealsdon Primary School is located next to the library near the mini-roundabout on Earlsdon Avenue North (or if you prefer road numbers, the B4107 off the A429). To get to the hall, go down the left-hand side of the building, and through the double doors immediately after the metal gate. The hall is located on the second floor - just follow.the stairs up and you will come into the room.

If you have any queries or wish to know more, give me a ring on my mobile (number below).

Earlsdon Primary School, Earlsdon Avenue North, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV5 6FZ