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Curriculum

About the Different T'ai Chi Classes We Teach in London

Our School offers a complete range of T'ai Chi classes, though not all of these tai chi classes are on offer in any one term in London. See Beginners and Advanced sections of Classes in London for what we have on at the moment. 

We currently teach T'ai Chi at two locations in Central London, where we hire space: 

  • St Anne's Community Hall, 55 Dean Street, W1 (Tube: Leicester Sq & Piccadilly). The St Anne's website provides more information on this historic church and community centre (note: an external link and not part of the T'ai Chi School).
  • Marylebone Dance Studio, 12 Lisson Grove, NW1 (Tube: Marylebone & Baker St).  The Marylebone Dance Studio website provides more information on this venue and the other activies there (note: an external link and not part of the T'ai Chi School).

Introductory Session

The best way to see if T'ai Chi is for you is to visit us and try it out! Introductory sessions are offered. Included is a demonstration, a short lecture on T'ai Chi, and a lesson teaching you the opening movements.

Beginning Form

The 37-posture Yang Style Short Form takes 30 hours to learn and is taught in three separate 10-hour sections called: B1, B2 and B3. Classes normally meet for one hour once a week although weekend intensive trainings are also offered. The moves of the form are thoroughly explained and practiced. Daily practice is recommended.

B1 - the First Third

In the first 10 classes you learn the moves of the First Third and the basic principles of the form. Relaxation is the key. The First Third is actually a complete form unto itself. Repeat it as often as you like or proceed with B2 and B3. (10 hours)

B2 and B3

The remaining 20 classes complete the teaching of the basic form. Each session picks up where the previous one left off—with a complete review of the previous class followed by new material. You will discover changes in your body and mind. (each is 10 hours)

Roots & Branches©: Generating Chi

This brand new course is open to all, even if you have done no T'ai Chi at all.  Roots and Branches teaches techniques that condense the T'ai Chi form into standing postures, walks and shifting movements. By integrating principle, breath and focus in the Tantien with awareness of the Five Elements, this work generates, circulates and unblocks Chi (vital energy), allowing it to nourish us at the very deepest level. Valuable work for students of all experience levels and open to complete beginners.

Advanced Classes

We offer a complete curriculum for continuing study. Emphasis is on the principles of relaxed movement which are essential to progress.

Fundamentals

In this course, we work to embody the Form at a deeper level.
As in any art, there are fundamental elements that provide a foundation on which one's practice may grow and flourish. In Fundamentals, we focus on these elements in each posture and examine how each posture or transition works our balance, our relaxation, and our awareness (usually taught in 25 hours over two terms).

Push Hands 1

In this course we introduce the work with a partner. Despite the connotation, "push hands" is taught in a non-confrontational way, focusing on our own stability, balance and ability to interact with each other in harmony. (20 hours)

Intermediate Form

In this course, we progress to a deeper and more internal understanding and practice of the form. New concepts are introduced that enable us to integrate our form and push hands practice as one body of knowledge. (20 hours)

Push Hands 2

This course is a continuation of Push Hands 1 with the introduction of a two-hand sequence and the principle of yielding. In this course we establish a clear understanding and embodiment of push hands practice, refining our technique, sensitivity and our awareness in relation to others. (30 hours)

Push Hands 3

In this advanced course we focus on both the form and push hands using various techniques to increase our awareness and release tension from specific parts of the body. (30 hours)
Intermediate Form Corrections

In this course we also use our study of the form combined with our study of push hands. The insights we've gained in Push Hands 3 are used to further refine our intermediate form practice. (20 hours)

Time in the Art

These sessions offer an in-depth exploration of any of the many aspects of T'ai Chi. The course content is chosen by the individual teacher in order to meet the needs of a specific class of students.

Apprentice Teacher Training Program

Our T'ai Chi school was founded by Patrick Watson who was given permission to teach by Professor Cheng Man-Ch'ing, who "ordered" Patrick to train teachers. Shortly after Professor Cheng's death, Patrick was also asked by Oscar Ichazo, the founder of Arica Institute, to open a T'ai Chi school.

The School of T'ai Chi Chuan continues the tradition of Professor Cheng and Oscar Ichazo by offering teacher training as an option to advanced students who have demonstrated their commitment to the art. Courses includes advanced work in the Form, Push Hands and the Sword.