Self Defence


 

Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old; seek what they sought.

 (Basho)

Classes

Our school offers a comprehensive system of health, meditation and tai chi self defence.

We teach classes in Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland.
Adults of all ages are welcome - just come along.
You are encouraged to work at your own pace.

The syllabus caters for all ability levels:

  1. Beginners

  2. Intermediate

  3. Experienced

  4. Advanced

  5. Teacher training

We have over 30 years martial arts experience. The last 20 years were spent practicing tai chi.

Health

We put health first.

The exercises improve joint mobility, balance, stamina, strength, suppleness, awareness and flexibility.
Wellbeing is encouraged.

The learning process is gentle, progressive and significant.
Internal strength is cultivated without undue effort or strain. Nothing is forced.


Internal strength

We teach certain basic skills:

  1. How to connect the limbs to the torso

  2. How to yield

  3. How to create space

  4. How to be flexible

  5. How to work without tensing-up

  6. How to be composed

  7. How to move your whole body

  8. How to be loose and heavy

  9. How to go with the flow

  10. How to respond without thinking

These skills are accomplished by using the body in a very different way. The larger muscles of the torso and legs do most of the work.

This way of moving was designed to amplify the effect of your actions whilst reducing the effort involved.
The network of connected body parts creates a relaxed framework of strength.


Meditation

Tai chi represents an excellent break from the stresses of modern living.
The training is gentle and natural. There is no pressure at all.

A number of the exercises are performed slowly.
The smooth, flowing movements calm the mind and relax the nervous system.

Presence, clarity and ease enable you to slow down and cope.

Emotional composure emerges during partner work.
You learn how to remain relaxed and comfortable at all times.


Self defence

Personal safety is important.
We live in a culture where people are sometimes attacked by:

  1. An individual

  2. A gang of youths

  3. People who carry knives

Self defence is not the same as fighting.
You have only one aim in self defence: escape without being injured.

Our lessons teach a very thorough tai chi self defence syllabus.
Students learn how to cope with an increasingly challenging range of attacks.

In class, we cultivate an atmosphere of playful exploration and fun.

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Website last updated 05 May 2008. This site.