Tai Chi for Health and Relaxation

Week for our Tai Chi Chuan classes, focusing on the Chen Style Laojia Yi Lu Form. The classes are led by Alma Lopez-Tolman, a Senior CIAA Instructor trained under the 20th Generation disciples of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang, Karel and Eva Koskuba.

Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese Internal Martial Art that is not only designed for self-defence but also has great benefits on health and relaxation. The exercises are slow, gentle, and calm, with a focus on stillness and movement. Practising Tai Chi Chuan improves balance, strength, coordination, suppleness, and can help reduce back pain. It also stimulates circulation and promotes general wellbeing.

In our classes, we start with a gentle warm-up session that addresses all the joints thoroughly. We then move on to standing or Zhan Zhuang exercises and end with Flowing Arms exercises, Silk Reeling, or Tai Chi walk. Soft Pushing Hands can also be practised with a partner. After a short break, we dedicate the second section of the class to learning and practising the Chen Style Laojia Yi Lu Form.

Comfortable clothing and secure flat, non-slippery shoes are recommended for our classes. Although Tai Chi Chuan may be considered “easy” by some, when practised correctly, it is a very strong technique that benefits everyone. All abilities are welcome, and we strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment.

In addition to regular classes, we also offer specialised sessions for senior citizens in residential homes. These sessions are tailored to their needs, with exercises that are slower and gentler to address balance through weight transfer exercises, joints, and stimulate circulation.

Our classes take place at John Rankin Infant School Hall on Monday evenings and at the Royal British Legion in Hungerford on Tuesday mornings. We offer 7 weekly terms for 100 or 6 weekly terms for 70 (participants share hall hire cost). Individual lessons are also available by arrangement for 40 per hour.

For a visual representation of our Tai Chi Chuan classes, you can view photos on our website. For any inquiries or to get in touch with Alma, you can contact her at taijiforhealthwestberks@gmail. Com or 07766 713 919. You can also visit her Facebook page.

Thank you for your interest in Tai Chi for Health and Relaxation.