Ba Duan Jin Health Qigong offers a rare combination of accessibility, depth, and measurable impact on whole body health. It’s gentle enough for beginners, yet profound enough to shift long standing patterns of tension, stress, and system imbalance. For many students, they find it becomes a foundational practice once they see the changes it produces in their mental and physical health.At its core, Ba Duan Jin teaches people how to move with intention, breathe with awareness, and cultivate internal balance ...  read more

The Wǔ (武) symbol sits at the heart of Chinese martial arts (Wǔshù), and its significance runs far deeper than its direct translation of “martial” or “military.” The character embraces the philosophy that underpins all that is important to our arts and our lives.The Meaning Encoded in the Character 武 (Wǔ)At first glance, 武 is often translated as “martial,” but the character is a fusion of two ancient components:•止 (zhǐ) — to stop, halt, or bring something to a standstill•戈 ...  read more

Chinese New Year and the Year of the Fire Horse are nearly upon us. The New Year commences on 17 February and will be a dynamic year that reflects the Horse's inherent traits of energy and passion with the intensity of the Fire element. It is seen as a year of dynamism, bold moves, passion, and a strong drive for success and innovation.The Horse earned its distinguished place in the Chinese Zodiac through its legendary speed and unwavering endurance. Historically, ...  read more

People come to Tai Chi and Qigong for a variety of reasons and in the process of performing these joyous arts, we are nourishing our bodies and our minds. However, one thing Tai Chi and Qigong can’t do is help with what we put into and onto our bodies.My sister made me aware of a free app to download on my phone called YUKA. The app assists in understanding more about what we eat and what we apply to our ...  read more

I had the great privilege of training in Taijiquan at Beijing Sports University (BSU) for two weeks in September this year as part of JinLi’s two-yearly study program organized by Shifu Tara Brayshaw. I had trained there in 2017 and was very much looking forward to going back for the exceptional quality of training not to mention the stunning beauty of the university itself.Our training program for 2025 was focused on the 13 Taijiquan primary techniques – Bafa Wubu (see ...  read more

In the bustling modern world where stress seems constant and disconnection from our bodies common, ancient practices like Qigong offer a pathway back to balance. Yet many newcomers to this practice quickly discover that “Qigong” isn’t just one thing—it’s a rich tapestry of traditions, each with its own focus and benefits.This guide explores the diverse landscape of Qigong practices, helping you understand the unique characteristics and purposes of each major type. Whether you’re seeking better health, spiritual growth, or martial ...  read more

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is China’s most important festival with a rich history spanning approximately 3,500 years. Its origins are believed to trace back to the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BC), when people held sacrificial ceremonies in honour of gods and ancestors at the beginning/end of each year.In 2025, we celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake. The snake is often affectionately referred to as the ‘little dragon’, the snake follows the dragon ...  read more

Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is a martial art transcending physical movement. It is a holistic practice that weaves together the internal and external aspects of the human experience to cultivate balance, harmony, and inner strength. Central to this practice are the internal and external harmonies, which guide practitioners in aligning their mind, energy, and body.The internal harmonies—Shen, Yi, Qi and Jin —focus on the inner workings of the spirit, intention, and energy. These principles teach us to cultivate a calm and ...  read more

How often do we see videos of Champion Tai Chi Performers or “Masters” and say, “If only I could do that but I’m… too {uncoordinated} {big} {short} {old} {insert another issue here}, have {arthritis} {bad knees} {a neurological condition} {insert another issue here}, don’t have {flexibility} {balance} {strength} {insert another issue here}.” If you think that way, then you are very wrong. Real Tai Chi isn’t about having the highest kick, the lowest stance or the greatest endurance. It’s about ...  read more

On April 14th, Ultimate Fighting Champion 300 unfolded—a historic combat sports event that left an indelible mark. Twelve current and former champions from various divisions and promotions converged, setting records for ticket sales and pay-per-view. At the heart of it all was Zhang Weili, a two-time strawweight champion, trailblazer in women’s MMA, and devoted Tai Chi practitioner.Weili’s roots trace back to Hanan in Hebei Province, a cradle of Tai Chi culture. It’s where Yang Lu Chan (founder of Yang Style ...  read more