Tai Chi Chuan

Here at Mind, Body and Soul, we teach Yang Style Tai Chi under the instruction of Michael Ranft.  Michael has been practising and teaching Tai Chi and other Chinese martial arts for the last seven years, under the guidance of Sifu Derek Frearson and the International Taijiquan and Shaolin Wushu Association.  He has trained extensively throughout the UK as well as in China.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi Chuan (sometimes spelt Taijiquan) is a martial art from China that has become famous throughout the world for its many health benefits.  It is classed as an “internal martial art” because training focuses upon overcoming a great deal of force from an opponent using a fraction of the effort on the part of the practitioner.

This focus on the “internal” aspects of the body is what helps to give Tai Chi its health promoting properties.  By coordinating the breathing with the slow, relaxed movements of the Tai Chi forms, practitioners are able to focus their minds better and learn to reduce areas of tension in their bodies that can lead to future health problems.

What will classes involve?

Classes involve a moderate warm up designed to loosen the body and relieve stress and tension.  The focus then shifts to a variety of Chi Gung (sometimes spelt Qi Gong) exercises, which involve slow, deliberate movements coordinated with the breathing.  Chi Gung literally means “breathing skill” and is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat a variety of ailments, in particular to reduce stress.

The Tai Chi instruction in the classes focuses upon the Yang Family Style from China, under the tutelage of Master Ou Rong Ji in Foshan, Southern China.  This will involve students learning:

• The simplified 24 Step Yang Tai Chi Form (the most commonly taught form in Tai Chi)
• The simplified 32 Step Straight Sword Form
• The traditional 88 Step Yang Form (sometimes referred to as the Long Yang Form)

Upon completion of the above, students can then choose to learn a variety of other Tai Chi forms including the 42 Step Competition Form and the Tai Chi Sabre (broad sword).

What do I need to bring to a class?

Classes at Mind, Body and Soul are very relaxed and friendly.  We are very welcoming to newcomers.  You do not need any experience in Tai Chi or any other martial arts to get something out of the classes.

We recommend that you wear something loose and comfortable such as tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt, as well as trainers or any other light footwear.