Tai Chi Retreats-
What you will learn
Chi Kung.
Chi Kung (qigong) is a very old series of exercises which can be traced back to before 270B.C.E. It has always been used for health reasons, as the Chinese quickly discovered the advantages of a healthy body, promoting healthy minds and very often longevity.
There are many different forms of Chi Kung (from 5 to many thousands depending
on how you categorise them), we will be studying two series of Chi Kung
exercises; ShiBaShi and Calming, Refreshing and Revitalising Chi Kung. The
two series offer different approaches to Chi Kung and yet there are many
similarities.
Tai Chi - Chi Kung ShiBaShi is a recent creation. It is traced back to 1982
to a Tai Chi Master and a Chi Kung Master who got together to create a series
of health giving exercises which would be a good first step into Tai Chi
for anybody Worldwide. Both ShiBaShi and the Calming, Refreshing and Revitalising
Chi Kung are standing exercises, with the movements coming from the Lower
Dantien (one of our three stores of energy or Chi) into the arms and legs.
It is possible to be seated for very many of these exercises if you have
problems standing for periods of time.
Although all of the Chi Kung exercises are meditative there is no pressure
to remain completely still at any point in time, that is they are not like
seated meditation. If any discomfort occurs during the sessions you are
free to move about to release the tension. There is also not a problem if
you are unable to carry out any of the movements. Students are free to miss
out exercises, either standing still for their duration or returning to
a movement that does not cause discomfort. The most important factor is
that you are relaxed as possible.
Some of the benefits of Chi Kung are:
Strengthens the body and mind
Calms yet wakes the brain and body
Helps to fight off illness
Improves muscle tone, coordination and balance.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is sometimes called "Chinese Ballet" as its slow flowing movements are in a form or dance. Although it is a Martial Art, it has long been used as a moving meditation, allowing the mind to focus on nothing but the flow of your arms and legs and the Chi within.
The origins of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan) tends to be a subject for debate,
however the most widely agreed version is that a Taoist monk called Chang
San-feng was it’s creator somewhere around the 12th Century C.E. It
is a Martial system based on the Taoist concepts of Chi and the Yin and
Yang. Tai Chi is translated as “Supreme Ultimate”.
Tai Chi Chuan uses a series of forms which can range from 6 to 240 slow
flowing movements to teach an “alphabet” of self defense actions.
Although a Martial Art, Tai Chi has many health benefits and it is possible
to ignore the fighting side of the art.
We will be studying the Yang Style 6 form which contains many of the movements
found in other forms, as well as being short enough not to be overwhelming.
We will be offering explanations of the Martial applications within the
form, but the main focus is on health and the movement of Chi. When you
have learned the form, it can then be used as a moving meditation by allowing
the mind to focus fully on the movements, rather than the outside world.
There is two person practice for Tai Chi called Push Hands and also the
use of weapons within some forms. Our retreats cover neither of these aspects.
Part of the newly planted bamboo screen to the north of the site.
What you will need for Tai Chi and Chi Kung
There is no special equipment needed, just wear loose clothing which allows
free movement of all your body. It is advisable to wear layers of clothing,
which will allow you to be comfortable with any changes of heat you feel.
Due to the terrain we suggest that trainers or Kung Fu slippers are worn
for outside practice, though in the "big tent" socks or bare feet
will be fine. If you have generally cold hands, or a circulation problems,
it is advisable that gloves are worn, especially when training outside.
There are a number of movements which some people find uncomfortable and
health constraints may mean that other exercises are not suitable. This
is not a problem and we try to tailor our retreats to make everyone feel
as comfortable as possible. Most important is allowing yourself to relax
and enjoy the experience. If you do have any medical conditions, it is advisable
to check with your G.P. before commencing any new training.
