Tai Chi

Tai chi is a Chinese martial art practised as a series of slow, flowing movements, linked together with calm, steady breathing. Each movement melts into the next, so the whole sequence looks a bit like a dance in slow motion. It's often described as meditation in motion. Today most people practise it for relaxation, balance and focus rather than for fighting.

There are several family styles of tai chi, each named after the family that developed it. Chen style is known as the oldest, and mixes slow movements with sudden bursts of speed and power. Yang style is the most widely practised, with large, even, graceful movements that suit beginners. Wu style uses smaller, more compact movements with a slight forward lean, and Sun style is known for its light, lively steps. Whatever the style, the idea is the same: soft, relaxed and rooted.

A form is a set sequence of tai chi movements performed from start to finish. Traditional forms can be long and take a while to learn, so many people start with a shorter, simplified form.

The moves have wonderfully poetic names. Wave hands like clouds is a gentle side-step with the arms drifting past the face. White crane spreads its wings lifts one hand high while the other presses down. Grasp the bird's tail and single whip are classic sequences found in many forms. There's also push hands, a partner exercise where two people keep light contact and feel each other's balance.

Yes. You don't need to be fit, flexible or remotely zen. Your Activity Leader starts with the basic stance, feet about shoulder-width apart, knees soft and shoulders relaxed, then shows each movement slowly while you follow along. You'll focus on shifting your weight smoothly, breathing steadily and letting your arms move from the centre of your body. Don't worry about remembering everything. The joy is in the flow, not in getting it perfect.

Loose, comfortable clothing that lets you move and bend your knees easily. Flat shoes with thin, flexible soles are ideal, as they help you feel the ground under your feet.

You might also like Qigong, Mindfulness and Self Defence.

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