Shaolin Tai Chi: Testimonials

Paul's experience
Andrea’s encouragement and pragmatic approach brings out the best in all of us. We can feel ourselves getting better each session, and since starting as a novice early last year, I now feel much more relaxed and flexible in both body and mind. Her in depth knowledge of the history and practice of Tai Chi is also neatly balanced with the individual sense of humour she brings each week – learning is fun

Jean: Lots of fun to train outdoors - you can really experience the seasons in our Advanced class under the trees!

Thelma's insights:
​The Beginner's Course is excellent.  Andrea is a great teacher, patient and always willing to explain things and repeat the movements more slowly if one needs. 
To have the connection with martial arts explained is a useful insight. Partner work was novel to me, as this was not done in a Tai Chi course, I did some years ago. 
Having now moved from the beginners course to the regular class,  I have experienced the more senior members as friendly, helpful and encouraging. 
If a set of movements is challenging, I write down the process in my own words and then regularly visualise myself doing the moves, as well as practising them as often as possible.  This helps me fix them in my mind and in time they become more fluid.
I would highly recommend this course to anyone wishing to take up Tai Chi.  It allows you to forget about everything else for the duration of the class and I find I am more relaxed in mind and more energised in body afterwards

​Elna's view:
Many years ago, I went to Tai Chi classes but gave up when the teacher left. Now returning at almost 86 I am enjoying the benefits of the exercise, meditation and learning new technique. (Even self-defence!) It helps to keep me fit and improve my memory as well as making new friends. Andrea is very encouraging, inspiring and patient.

Jane's voice:
​Since retiring, I wanted to find something I could do to help improve my mobility and balance, but it had to be low impact. As I had practised Tai Chi over 15 years ago, I looked for a class that would suit me and found the Shaolin Tai Chi beginners class, specifically aimed at those over a certain age. 
Each session starts with Chi Gong, a form of meditation, movement and breathing, which Andrea leads you through and then each week, you start to learn various parts of the Tai Chi form. Andrea is very encouraging and knowledgeable and explains the meaning of the moves in relation to their martial art purpose.
Four months on, I have found Tai Chi to be a great stress-buster, as a relaxing form of meditation through movement and I am also gradually improving my posture and balance. I just wish I had started it earlier.

Susan's feedback
I’ve long been intrigued about Tai Chi from seeing how beautiful and calming it looks when watching films of those doing it. It looks so different from the Pilates, weights and cardio work I normally do. So, I finally decided to enrol. I thoroughly enjoyed the Beginners class with Andrea. She is a great teacher and I appreciated her insights into the history and philosophy behind Shaolin Tai Chi, as well as her expertise and encouragement. It is indeed very different from ‘normal’ Western approaches to exercise! It is also deceptive. It looks so gentle and easy but is neither. It is challenging to achieve, and you really feel you have worked hard after a class, but it is very enjoyable. Because of changed family commitments I can’t continue beyond Beginners at the moment, but I hope I can do so in the near future.

Althea's take aways
I joined the Tai Chi class three years ago. The group is friendly and welcoming, and Andrea is an inspirational teacher. Some of the many positive things I have benefitted from are that I have become more relaxed and focussed, my muscles have strengthened and my balance has improved. 

Tai Chi:  Student Interview

Ken attends our 50+ class and the Advance class outdoors.

Ken, you have attended the Silverwing Shaolin school for almost two years now. Why did you start Tai Chi Chuan?
I started Tai Chi Chuan because I had practiced various styles of martial arts (and I still do): Shotokan, Tae Kwon Do and Wu Shu Kwan. 
I have always been interested in Tai Chi Chuan as a more 'internal' style; It is soft and flowing, but a very strong system. When I saw the Silver Wing flyer, I thought I would "give it a go".
 
Can you remember how you felt at the beginning? How was it to start?
Of course when you start anything new there is always a sense of uncertainty, of not knowing what to expect. However, that disappeared as soon as I got started. It is a very friendly group and you can work at your own pace. It is intense and focused, but there is no pressure whatsoever. I have made new friends... not only in the classes but also on the social side.

"Tai Chi is not to fight, but to discipline your mind and body, it is the story of the spirit."

What do you get out of it?
I like learning a new style martial art and get a lot out of learning the "forms" and practicing foundation techniques. There is also the spiritual side which I find very calming. And I also appreciate the chance for me to pass on my (limited) knowledge to new students. Tai Chi is not to fight but to discipline your mind and body, it is the story of the spirit.
 
What do you like about the class?
I like the chance to practice Tai Chi with distinguished instructors. Everything is clear with a lot of explanations and practical instruction. You can work at your own pace and aptitude, as they say: you only get out what you put in. The social side to the group is a bonus: good conversations and regular social gatherings.