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Qi Gong Classes in Highbury and Islington, North LondonWe offer evening classes and workshops in Chinese movement and meditation, or qigong. Our teaching style is relaxed and fun.
The exercises we teach can be loosely gathered under the heading Qigong (also spelt Chi Gong or Chi Kung), an umbrella term for many diverse practices.
The primary aim of Qigong practice is to enhance the flow of Qi (vital energy) through the body, and comprises exercises to mobilize the joints, special walking exercises and static meditations. Qigong forms are often inspired by nature and the movements of animals. They can also relate to the vital organs and to the Chinese Five Element theory.
There are both Taoist and Buddhist traditions of Qigong, as well as specialised medical and martial arts systems. The movements are generally slow, gentle and flowing, with an emphasis on moving from the centre of the body (the "dan tien") and often coordinated with the breath and with visualisation.
Who can do it?
Qigong is generally suitable for all ages and abilities. Our classes and workshops are open to both beginners and those with previous experience. Please contact us to discuss classes if you have any concerns about its compatibility with specific medical conditions, or feel free to come along to observe and see for yourself.
What will it do for me?
Regular Qigong practice can bring many benefits:
- Improved organ function
- Deeper breathing
- Improved circulation
- Strengthened immune system
- Improved sense of balance
- Greater flexibility
- Increased strength, energy and stamina
- Inner stillness and peace of mind
What do I need to get started?
Qigong requires no special clothing or equipment, though we recommend a meditation cushion for the Daoist Yoga classes. For comfort and ease of movement it is best to wear loose-fitting clothing and flat-soled shoes (such as plimsolls or 'kung fu' slippers) although you can also go barefoot.
What is Alchemy of Baguazhang?
Baguazhang is a martial art that is based on the eight trigrams (ba = 8, gua = trigram, zhang = palm). Alchemy of Baguazhang focuses on the energetic side, i.e. alchemical, rather than the martial, working with the five internal and nine external vessels (the five viscera and the combined six major joints and three cavities respectively). This may sound arcane and complicated but it's straightforward to follow and do in class. Fundamentally, it is a subset of qigong with a specific set of practices. The essence is "circle walking". Our grounding in this practice is through Oleg Tcherne (www.inbiworld.com).
What is Daoist Yoga?
We use the name Daoist Yoga to differentiate this class from the Elemental Qigong. In the Daoist Yoga we focus on sets of seated and standing meditations that aim to open the body's internal and external vessels and both soften and strengthen the body's tissues.
What is Elemental Qigong?
In the Elemental Qigong class we very much follow the seasons and work with the Element for the time of year, based on the Chinese Five Element Theory (wu xing). We usually continue this theme in our workshops. Many of the forms are related to the movement of animals, as in the Animal Frolics, and this connects the work back to the earliest Chinese shamanic practices of pre-history. A class will generally include joint opening exercises, standing practice, Qigong walks and seated meditation. Our grounding in this practice is through the College of Elemental Chi Kung.
Your Teachers
Richard Thomas is qualified as a Qigong teacher through the College of Elemental Chi Kung and has also completed the 'Advanced' and 'Refinement' aspects of their four-year course. Richard has a keen interest in Daoist philosophy and the Yijing (I Ching) and is also a Taiji practitioner. He is currently undertaking training in the shiatsu massage and healing system.
Tom Watson has also completed the College of Elemental Chi Kung four-year Teacher Training course and has been teaching Qigong for more than six years. Tom's main interests are in Daoist alchemy, particularly the system of Ba Gua, and he enjoys exploring how Qigong can affect the emotions. Tom is also currently studying acupuncture.
Richard and Tom have been teaching together for more than three years and are both teaching faculty members with the College of Elemental Chi Kung (www.elementalchikung.com). They are also instructors for INBI (www.inbiworld.com).
Classes - what, where and when
Our regular classes and workshops are run at two locations in Highbury, North London. The evening classes are run in five week blocks, with two or three week breaks between the blocks. Our workshops are held on a Saturday or Sunday approximately once every two months and offer an opportunity to explore forms and themes in greater depth. The workshops are often over-subscribed so early booking is recommended.
Monday Class:
Daoist Yoga
Healthy Living Centre, 282-284 St Paul's Road, Highbury, N1 2LH
Tel: 0207 704 6900 (within a few minutes walk of Highbury and
Islington station)
Times: 6:45-8:00pm
Cost: £8 per class (£6.50 concessions), payable by five week block only.
Tuesday Class:
Elemental Qigong
St John's Highbury Parish Hall, Conewood Street, N5 1DL
(Within a few minutes walk of Arsenal Underground)
Times: 7:15-8:30pm
Cost: £8 per class (£6.50 concessions), payable five week by block only.
Thursday Class:
Alchemy of Baguazhang
St John's Highbury Parish Hall, Conewood Street, N5 1DL
(Within a few minutes walk of Arsenal tube station)
Times: 7:30-9:00pm
Cost: £10 per class (£8.00 concessions), payable by five week block only.
We offer a half-price, no commitment, introductory class for any of the evening classes, as well as concessionary rates.
Workshops
Workshops are also held at St John's Highbury Parish Hall, next to St John's Primary School. These are held on a Saturday or Sunday approximately once every two months. The day focuses on a particular theme.
All prices may be subject to change.
Contacts:
For more information on any of our classes or workshops please call Richard on: 07753 936 386 or Tom on: 07961 177 003 Or e-mail: uk@inbiworld.com or visit www.zhunarts.co.uk
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