Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at hmebexleyheath@gmail.com / 07989106645 if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that involves slow, continuous, mindful movements. It is practised for its health, martial or spiritual benefits, leading to reduced stress, improved balance, coordination, flexibility and cognitive function.
We teach Yang style Taijiquan, focusing primarily on the teachings of Huang Sheng Shyan (Huang Xing Xian) which serves as a great doorway into the internal arts. See 'About HME Tai Chi' for more information.
The benefits of Taijiquan are many. In our Bexleyheath classes, you will learn how to...
- Release mental stress / anxiety & tension
- Enhance mental focus & develop mindfulness
- Correct poor posture, reduce bodily aches & pains and promote your body's own healing
- Build awareness, sensitivity & co-ordination
- Increase flexibility, mobility & balance
- Develop internal Taijiquan power...
There are many different styles of Tai Chi, the main widely recognised family styles being Yang, Wu, Chen, Sun and Hao. Within each style there are many different lineages, organisations and independent teachers. Over time, some original teachings have endured, some have evolved, and some practices have been lost. Further, there are some classes that focus on health, some that focus on martial elements and some on spiritual development. Therefore, whilst there may be some similarities, no two Tai Chi classes are completely alike, and a person may need time to decide which Tai Chi style, lineage or teacher suits their needs.
Our system is based on traditional Yang style teachings, offering insight and development into all aspects of this system. We offer a unique perspective in that the secret teachings of the Yang Tai Chi masters are taught from day one. There is no holding back of information as often happens within certain traditions, and each attendee is given the tools and blueprint to begin their journey of discovery in the internal arts. NB. Our teachings are pure teachings from well respected Tai Chi Masters and therefore may not align directly to how Tai Chi is perceived in the media. However, if you would like real results in health, spiritual and/or martial components, then in this we can help you. We look forward to sharing this deep and illustrious art with you...
It all depends on how much benefit you'd like to derive from the practice. We believe in the motto of 'train well, live easy'. Like with any pastime or vocation, the more effort you put it in, the more benefit you get out. Our classes teach how to remove tension and correct poor bodily alignment which are mainly taught through standing based stretches and mindful movements, and which are all purposefully and skillfully tailored to the capabilities of the attendees. Please see the Reviews section for attendees' positive experiences.
You do not need any special equipment to practise Tai Chi. For our classes, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes, and also recommend bringing along a bottle of water.
We recommend that authentic Tai Chi is practised by adults looking to pursue health, martial and/or spiritual pursuits. For children and young adults, we recommend that they partake in traditional sports and martial arts in their formative years and take up Tai Chi once they have reached adulthood.
Our classes are located in Bexleyheath Academy in the centre of Bexleyheath every Wednesday from 7:30pm. We have free parking available for people travelling by car and are located close to central Bexleyheath bus stops and Bexleyheath train station for those travelling by public transport. Our location is convenient to a number of local and surrounding areas*, but we welcome anyone able to travel to our class from any location.
*Eg. Bexley, Welling, Shooters Hill, Chislehurst, Sidcup, Erith, Woolwich, Abbey Wood, Dartford, Falconwood, Blackfen, Eltham, Thamesmead, Crayford, Belvedere, Plumstead, Blackheath, Greenwich, etc.