Tai Chi / Qi Gong

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi Chuan is a holistic martial art seeking to use internal energy (‘Chi’) for good health, self-development and self-defence. To help realise the famous soft power of internal energy, the initial training concentrates on slow, relaxed, flowing movement. This makes it adaptable to many levels of health and fitness. Through this inclusive approach, Tai Chi has become regarded the world over as a fun and effective way to strengthen mind, body and spirit for young and old alike.

Tai-Chi exercises and routines become like moving meditation allowing practitioners to increase their awareness and well being. Water is a great Tai Chi example – it always flows, it always looks for depth, it always sinks, when facing obstructions, it never forces them, but instead finds its alternative course softly, gently and in a round shape.

What can it do for me?

Tai Chi is renowned as a stress-buster: a way to harmonise mind, body and spirit; rebuild core mental and physical strength; and learn a strong centred approach to life. Those busy with the daily pressures of work and home find that regular practice creates the balance, strength and robustness to enjoy the moment and relax within what seems to be an ever-more complex and demanding life. Studies have found that even moderate amounts of Tai Chi practice can, amongst other things, reduce blood pressure, increase bone density, increase strength and range of motion in joints, improve immune function, improve many muscle/joint disorders, aid recovery from injury and lighten your mood.

At more advanced levels the training can be quite vigorous and, should you want, martial and provide an excellent method of self defence. So as you deepen your experience you can broaden your skill base. As it is a practical, grounded tool for investigating how Chi works we find interest from practitioners of disciplines such as Yoga, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Acupuncture, or Reiki who seek a deeper understanding of their own arts. It is for these same reasons that we find many external martial artists looking into a study of internal energy in order to take the next step of their particular journeys as well.

Where and when can I learn?

Beginners classes are Thursdays 6.15pm-7:45pm in Oscailt. Beginner’s classes start regularly.

Please ring or email to find the next start date and to book a place in the class:

markbrady77@gmail.com
Mark at 086 3555369

You can find more details of the class at http://blacktortoisetaichi.com

Are the classes suitable for beginners?

The class is suitable for any adult and no previous experience is needed. No level of fitness is required however please inform the instructor of any conditions or injures that you have.

How much does it cost?

Beginners need to book a place in the class before coming down and the cost is €15 per night however if you pay for 7 classes up front (€105) then you will get your eighth class for free.

What do I need to practice?

All you need are comfortable loose fitting clothes and indoor shoes or socks. Socks are fine to start with and if you decide to practice Tai Chi for the long term then we can supply you with Tai Chi slippers for €20.

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Wu Style Tai Chi (with Grandmaster Sam Lee)
(Mondays & Thursdays 1-2pm)

This style of Tai Chi is easy to learn. It is very calming and restorative to the body. It is excellent for dealing with stress, increases energy and helps to detoxify the body through the gentle massage of the kidneys and other vital organs. Regular practice leads to an increased sense of wellbeing and a clear,healthy complexion. It is extremely useful in rehabilitation as the movements are slow, gentle and open up the joints, bringing increased blood flow, Qi and nutrients to all parts of the body. It is suitable for all ages.

10 classes €100/drop in €12

Qigong for Health (with Grandmaster Sam Lee)

(Thursdays 3-4:30pm)
This ancient Chinese system of exercises builds up health by massaging the internal organs and opening up the joints to allow the free flow of ‘Qi’ (energy) within the
body. In this class Grandmaster Lee will explain the Chinese concept of Qi and how it relates to the body. He will also show students how to:

•tune up their Qi
•function their Qi
•move their Qi
•build up their energy system

It will be of benefit to those recovering from serious illness such as surgery, physical injury, chemotherapy etc or those seeking renewed vitality and health. It is a
gentle class suitable for all ages.

10 classes €120/drop in €15

Tai Chi / Qi Gong class also starting Wednesdays  8-9.30pm

For bookings & further information please contact:
Sam Lee: 086-2423063
David Lowe: 086-8831753
Joan Reidy: 086-3850041
Email: samleetaichi@gmail.com

Testimonials

‘I knew very quickly how lucky I was tohave such a brilliant teacher, as by the fourth class I could see a marked improvement in my health. Prior to going to Sam`s class, I had asked my doctor, was I always going to have pain like this ? He said, this is as good as it get`s !’
Sile

‘I found him to be an excellentinstructor and I believe the exercisesand his support played a considerablepart in my recovery and good health and energy’
Edward

‘I had been studying Chi Kung withSam Lee for 6 months following my tumor surgery. I decided to try this as I
had felt very weak. I felt a total lack of internal energy. We would meet twicea week. Soon after we had startedtraining I felt my energy begin to fill my body again. Sam`s professional attitude as well as his precious remarks and positive energy helped me recover very quickly”
Danguole
‘Sam is an unique individual, very warm and keen to share his knowledge. He is an amazing teacher and inspires his students.’
David

Biography
Grandmaster Sam Lee

Grandmasters Lee’s education in the martial arts started at the age of 6 in Hong Kong with Wu style Tai Chi, followed by Hung Gar (Kung Fu) then Hung Sing Choy Li Fut (Buddha style, Kung Fu) . He is head of the Tai Chi /Kung Fu section of IMAC (Irish Martial Arts Commission) and has been granted 9th Dan status by the Chin Wu Traditional Martial Arts Association, China. He was granted ‘Grandmaster’ status, by the International Kenpo Karate Association. Grandmaster Lee is a level 3 coach under the Sports Councils National Development Programme and holds the advanced certificate of Sports Tutor awarded by the University of Limerick. He is particularly interested in the self healing aspects of Tai Chi and Qigong.