Bristol Tai Chi is a prominent school belonging to the Heaven Mountain Taijiquan school. The school was founded by Paul Brewer under the guidance and instruction of Dr. Shen Hongxun when he resided in Bristol during 1996/7. For the past two decades, Bristol Tai Chi has provided a wide range of courses and workshops on various Taiji practises, including Taiji 37 Standing Postures, Heaven Mountain Taiji 37 Form, Yang Style Long Form, Taijiwuxigong, Yang Style Sword Form, EMei Qigong, and other specialised Taiji-related workshops.
The school emphasises understanding and management of change within and outside oneself, as change is seen as a universal constant occurring throughout our lives. Tai Chi and QiGong are considered unparalleled methods for achieving such understanding and management. Through these practises, individuals benefit from the four levels of existence and authentic Taiji study, which encompass the body, energy, mind, and spirit.
As a senior member of the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain, Bristol Tai Chi has been renowned for providing quality teaching for more than 25 years. They offer intensive weekend workshops in Bristol with specialist themes, covering various aspects of Taiji practise. These workshops provide an opportunity for individuals to deepen their understanding and further their practise.
The school's primary venue for classes and workshops in Bristol is the Main Hall at Ashton Park School, located on Blackmoors Lane in Bower Ashton. However, due to prevailing circumstances and concerns, all classes and workshops have been temporarily cancelled until further notice.
Tai Chi, also known as Taijiquan, originated from the martial arts of China and has evolved to become one of the most widely practised health exercise systems globally. It is characterised by slow, graceful, flowing, and controlled movements that combine standing postures with movement, stretching, relaxation, and meditation.
Taiji exercises are designed to improve the physical structure by focusing on body posture, balance, coordination, and mobility. Additionally, these exercises aim to develop the energy system, awaken and activate the Dantian (energy centre), and cultivate Taijijin (Taiji forces). These forces include vibration force, spontaneous movement force, and mental force, which play a crucial role in opening energy channels and expelling negative Qi, thereby enhancing and revitalising the internal energy systems used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
While Taijiquan was originally a martial art, it has shifted towards a more health-oriented purpose in modern times. However, the forces used in combat, such as dantian force, continue to be incorporated into the practise. Skilled practitioners can project this force out of their bodies and even utilise it to fight opponents.
To sum up, Bristol Tai Chi is a distinguished school that offers comprehensive Taiji courses and workshops, catering to individuals interested in the physical, energetic, mental, and spiritual aspects of Taiji practise. With a focus on promoting understanding and management of change, the school aims to empower individuals to cultivate their internal energies and enhance overall wellbeing.