WHY TAI CHI AND QI GONG?
There is a reason why you often see pictures of Chinese people of all ages (especially seniors) in parks practicing Tai Chi and Qi Gong. It’s because these exercises have been shown to be
perfect for staying strong and healthy as you age so you can continue to do all the
activities you love!
WHAT IS TAI CHI?
Tai Chi or more accurately Tai Chi Chuan is a chinese exercise system enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Originally developed as a martial art, Tai Chi is most often practiced as a series of gentle, meditative movements designed to bring balance to the body and mind. Some of the benefits you can expect from practicing Tai Chi are:
Improved physical and mental health
Better balance, flexibility and increased strength
Less aches and pains
Deeper and more restful sleep
Stronger immune system
Better posture
Improved focus and memory
WHAT IS QI GONG?
Gi Gong can be translated as "Energy Work" or "Life Energy Cultivation". It is deeply rooted in the Chinese medical philosophical and martial art systems. It is a system of gentle coordinated movements combined with breathing and meditation techniques to improve health, calm the mind and improve physical strength and flexibility. The practical difference between Tai Chi and Qi Gong is that Qi Gong movements are typically less complex and can be practiced to address specific health issues. For example, if you suffer from asthma, there are specific exercises for increasing the health of the lungs.
HOW CAN I LEARN?
At the moment I offer a number of Tai Chi and Qi Gong group classes for beginners and experienced Tai Chi and Qi Gong students in Javea.
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Private one-on-one or small group classes are also available for both Tai Chi and Qi Gong.
JOIN A GROUP CLASS
Group classes are ideal for those people who want to learn Tai Chi or Qi Gong and also enjoy the social aspect of learning and connecting with others on a regular basis. I currently offer the following group classes.
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Classes in Javea
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Beginners Yang Style - Monday and Wednesday 11:00-12:00 in Pinosol Park in Javea
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Intermediate Tai Chi - Tuesday 11:00-12:00 (Yang Style 8 / 24 Forms and Bafa Wubu Forms) and Thursday 11:00-12:00 (Yang Style 32 Sword Form) in Pinosol Park in Javea
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Qi Gong Group Class
Friday morning at 10:00 in Pinosol Park in Javea
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PRIVATE CLASSES
Private classes are ideal for individuals or small groups who want to start or continue their journey with these two amazing forms of exercise. Perfect for those who like to learn at their own pace and enjoy the benefits of more personalised instruction. Classes come in two packages.
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Pure Tai Chi / Qi Gong
These classes will focus solely on learning these two amazing arts. Whether you are a beginner or have practiced for years I will help you develop a practice that will get you you feeling great!
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​Personalised Tai Chi / Qi Gong Program
In these classes the main focus is on learning Tai Chi and Qi Gong while also developing an accompanying program to help with other health/physical issues you may have. These health issues could be lower back pain, poor hip mobility, stress and anxiety reduction but could also include improving your golf or tennis games, running technique, etc.
For example, if you want to improve your posture, we would do a postural assessment, identify areas for improvement and develop a stretching/ strengthening program based on your specific needs. Throughout the process your progress is continually assessed so you can see the results!
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INTENSIVE COURSES
Do you want to learn Qi Gong? Don’t have time to attend weekly classes? Come and join me for a weekend course to learn. The course will be focused around learning the Qi Gong form called the 8 Silken Brocades. At the conclusion of the weekend you will have the knowledge and resources to practice Qi Gong on your own or to comfortably join my Qi Gong Class!
What is Qi Gong?
Qigong it is a system of gentle and easy movements combined with deep rhythmic breathing that produces a calm meditative state of mind and improves mental health and physical health. These gentle breathing, stretching and strengthening movements increase the Qi (energy) and blood circulation in your body, helping to stimulate your immune system, strengthen your internal organs, and give you abundant mental and physical energy. Perfect for beginners, anyone can practice these simple and effective Eight Silken Brocades exercises in only 15-30 minutes a day.
What you will learn:
The 8 Silken Brocades Qi Gong Form
Detailed instruction on how to properly complete each exercise
Theory on how each exercise effects your health and energy
How to breathe properly with your diaphragm
You will also be provided with a booklet explaining the benefits of each movement and a video that you can follow along to while you develop your skills.
When: October 21st and 22nd
Saturday 10:00-14:30h
Sunday 10:00-14:30h
Location: TBD in Javea (weather dependant)
Price: 120 Euros
We will take breaks often and for those of you with some physical limitations please know that all of the Qi Gong exercises can be practiced sitting or standing. So if you need to sit, you can still participate in the course! Snacks and refreshments will also be provided for the morning break.
The course will be limited to 15 people so please reserve your space. A 50% non refundable deposit will be required to hold your space.
Thanks and hope to see you there!
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TESTIMONIALS
Since starting Tai chi with Jai a year ago I can honestly say it has made a huge difference to me not just health wise but my outlook on life is more positive and I am a more confident person. I suffer with Arthritis and have found since doing Tai chi I have more movement in my joints, less pain and have found that my balance has improved. I would say to anybody thinking of taking up Tai chi....go for it. It is fun, relaxing and good for you. I am so pleased I joined Jai’s class.
Karen J
I started Qi Gong as a way to help keep me fit during the 1st lockdown knowing nothing about it. It was challenging at first, but didn't take me long for me to really start enjoying it. It is very gentle and calm. I have various health issues and over the last year I have become fitter, more flexible and am no longer the anxious and angry person I have been for my adult life. This year was the first year in a long time that I could work in my garden again! The daily classes have given me stability and purpose and have become an important part of my life.
Eileen D
All my life, I have played different sports and I thought that Tai Chi was for older people when you couldn’t play physical sports anymore, I was so wrong! In the past year, Tai chi has taught me to focus within and has given me a greater awareness and understanding of how my body moves, not only during Tai chi practise, but in the everyday simple tasks I do. I no longer suffer from stiffness in my neck, shoulders and lower back which has made swimming more enjoyable and my better balance and ease of movement has definitely improved my golf swing. I wish I had started Tai Chi sooner!
Karen R
Learning Tai Chi with Jai was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My back was stiff, my flexibility was restricted and I had various aches and pains. Over two years Jai has transformed my body to a point where I wake up in admiration of the renewed capabilities of my body. Tai Chi is also a calming and meditative activity and being around Jai is very calming as well! Two pieces of advice: First is to start the classes! And Second is to be committed and practice between classes to fully get the benefits. If you do your body will thank you and you will feel 10 years younger in no time!
Len W
WHO IS JAI?
Originally from Canada, I have been living in Spain since 2010. I have always been interested in healthy living and began practicing martial arts in 2004. Over the years I have had the privilege of studying and learning from different masters. Yearly trips to China have allowed me to continue my studies.
In 2020 I was formally asked to become a "Tu-Di / Di-Zi" or disciple to one of my teachers, Master Luo Mei Juan. This is a rare honour and formally recognised me as one of the inheritors and successors of her lineage. Master Luo Mei Juan is a 7th Duan Tai Chi Master of the Chinese Wushu Association and is taught by 19th Generation Grandmaster Chen Zheng Lei who is recognized by the government as one of the ten great martial arts masters of China. While in China I have also had the fortune of studying another internal martial arts style called Liu He Ba Fa with Master Zhang Xiao Yuan.
Here in Spain I continue to study with amazing Tai Chi Master, Lester Heath. While he will tell you he is not a “master", I am fortunate to continually learn from him!
I also have an extensive background in massage, physio, mindfulness and other natural healing modalities and philosophies and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Natural Medicine.
My studies and experiences have been extremely influential in how I understand the inner workings of Tai Chi and Qi Gong and in turn how I teach and communicate them to my students.