“What type of clothing and footwear should I wear?”
Loose clothing and thin-soled, flat shoes are best. Most students wear jogging bottoms and trainers.

“How long are the classes, and how often are they held?”
The classes are weekly one-hour sessions on Monday evenings.

“What is the cost of the classes, and are there any discounts available?”
Each session costs £10.00 (contactless card payments only). Beginners can purchase a 10-week block, which equates to a £20 reduction in price; this can be bought either via the booking page on this website or in person when attending the class. Advanced students have the option to buy a 4-week block booking, which equates to one free week in four.

“Is there a beginner’s class, and what level of fitness is required?”
Yes, there’s a beginner’s class on Mondays at 7:00 PM (pre-booking required). Minimal fitness is needed—if you can remain standing for one hour, that will suffice.

“Are there changing facilities available?”
There are toilet facilities but no changing rooms.

“What happens if I miss a class?”
I teach students at their own pace, so missing the occasional class isn’t an issue, but regular absences will slow your learning progress.

“Do you offer any trial classes or introductory sessions?”
No, I do not.

“Where are the classes held?”
The All Saints Centre, New Road, Hackbridge, CR4 4JN.

“How many students are typically in a class?”
Between 5 and 15.

“Is there parking available?”
Yes, there’s a small free car park to the rear of the centre, and street parking is usually available. 

“What are the health benefits of tai chi?”
A list of benefits can be found on the homepage of this website.

“Can tai chi help with specific health conditions, e.g., arthritis, balance, or stress?”
Some people experience significant improvements in their health conditions. Several studies available online suggest that tai chi can improve certain conditions, such as reducing the risk of falls.

“Is tai chi suitable for all ages and fitness levels?”
Tai chi isn’t generally suitable for children, but there’s no upper age limit. Health-wise, students need to be able to stand for an hour and have a degree of mobility in all limbs to follow the movements.

“How long before I might notice any benefits?”
It’s quite subjective, as everyone is different—it could be days or months. Learning the hand form for home practice is the goal, which can take a year for most people, so full benefits may take significant time.

“Does tai chi help with flexibility, strength, or balance?”
Yes, definitely.

“Is tai chi a good form of exercise for cardiovascular health?”
The hand form isn’t aerobic, but weapons forms provide a good cardio workout. 

“What style of tai chi do you teach (e.g., Yang, Chen, Wu, Sun)?”
Our style is called Wudang, named after the mountain range, where tai chi is thought to have originated. Our Wudang style has been known as such for over 100 years and shouldn’t be confused with the more recent Wudang Quan style emerging from the Wudang Mountains. It also shares some similarities with Wu style.

“What is the difference between the different styles of tai chi?”
There are stylistic differences between Yang, Wu, and Sun, but Chen is fundamentally different.

“How long have you been teaching tai chi?”
I’ve been teaching since 1990.

“What is your training background and qualifications?”
I trained in Rose Li-style tai chi for 2 years and Wudang style since 1986. I hold a teaching certificate for Wudang Tai Chi.

“What is the focus of your teaching (e.g., health, martial arts, meditation)?”
Predominantly health, but I also teach the martial arts aspect as an add-on class.

“Do you emphasise the martial aspects of tai chi?”
I normally explain the martial characteristics of the movements and occasionally demonstrate their use, if appropriate.

“Do you teach any qigong exercises?”
We do a few qigong exercises as a warm-up at the beginning of class. Advanced students can learn Nei Gong exercises.

“Do you incorporate any meditation or breathing techniques?”
Yes, but not with beginners.

“What is your teaching philosophy?”
Casual and friendly.

“Can I observe a class before I decide to join?”
You can, but it’s better to get involved, as it’s hard to understand what’s happening without trying it.

“Do you teach the short form or the long form?”
I teach both short and long forms.

“Do you teach weapons forms?”
Yes—sabre, sword, and spear forms.