About Chinese Martial Arts
There are many different styles of Chinese martial arts, and you have the opportunity to learn and enjoy the benefits of some of the most popular styles at our classes. Here’s some of what you can learn with us:
Tai Chi
Tai Chi improves muscle tone, strength, fitness, joint flexibility, balance and co-ordination. Its deep breathing exercises promote the increase of oxygen in the blood and its circulation to vital organs. The exercises are suitable for people of all ages. Each individual possesses a unique tolerance level with respect to their physical ability. With consistent practise, you can increase the tolerance and build up flexibility & strength. Click here for more information
QiGong
It can be said that “Tai Chi is like a tonic that helps to maintain general health; QiGong is like medicine which can be applied to help specific health problems.”
QiGong is an exercise system which focuses on cultivation of “Qi” (also known as Chi or bio-energy) in our bodies. In Chinese Medicine, it is understood that Qi travels in a network of meridian channels within our bodies, and can be stimulated at acupuncture points. QiGong exercises. We need to have a healthy level of Qi in our body for good health, speedier recovery from illnesses and longevity.
Qigong & Tai Chi are both effective exercise systems which benefit our health. The benefits of QiGong and Tai Chi are enhanced further when combined together in a synergistic program. For this reason, all our Tai Chi classes also include QiGong exercises. Click here for more information
KungFu Wushu
Wushu (also known as Kung Fu or Chinese Martial Arts) has developed and enriched itself through the life practice of the Chinese people into a great variety of styles, which are rich in content and diversified in form. Wushu routines incorporate kicking, beating, throwing, seizing, striking and thrusting into set routine exercise using various combinations of attack and defense, advance and retreat, dynamic and static states, quickness and slowness, toughness and solidity. Click here for more information
Internal Kung Fu
Internal Kung Fu focuses on martial applications and cultivation of internal health and power. Bagua Zhang is one of the most popular Internal Kung Fu styles. The original name of Ba Gua Zhang was Zhuan Zhang, which means "Turning Palms". Based on the "I Ching", Ba Gua is one of the most exotic the Chinese Martial Arts. Other popular styles of Internal Kung fu include XingYi Quan (Mind & Form Boxing) and Baji Quan (8 Extremities Boxing) Click here for more information
Internal Kung Fu - XingYi Quan
XingYi Quan (or Form & Mind Boxing) is characterised by aggressive, seemingly linear movements and explosive power. Xingyi Quan involves using coordinated movements to generate bursts of power intended to overwhelm the opponent, simultaneously attacking and defending. The linear nature of Xingyi Quan hints at both the military origins and the influence of spear technique alluded to in its mythology. Despite its hard, angular appearance, cultivating “soft” internal strength or Qi is essential to achieving power in Xingyi Quan.
In the martial context, the goal of the Xingyi Quan practitioner is to reach the opponent quickly and drive powerfully through them in a single burst — the analogy with spear fighting is useful here. This is achieved by coordinating one's body as a single unit and the intense focusing of one's Qi. Click here for more information