Tai Chi Health Centre Association

New Website

2010-01-05T11:47:00.006Z

Hi everyone,
Our new website is up and running, you will find all future blogs at www.taichi-qigong.net and click on Blog.

See you soon.

Colin & Mitzi Orr
TCQHC Association-Principal Instructors
at www.taichi-qigong.net

Anniversary

2009-12-15T08:01:00.016Z

14 years ago the Tai Chi Qigong Health Centre (TCQHC) was born.
The club was established as an Association in 2008, becoming the most popular club in the Norfolk and Suffolk catchment areas specializing in simple but dynamic Tai Chi and Qigong along with their very own technique for relaxation.

The founders and principal Instructors Colin and Mitzi Orr encompass three inseparable elements in teaching the ancient art of Tai Chi, Qigong (pronounced Chee Kung) and Relaxation; this combination forms the main body of the TCQHC learning program. Developing awareness, well being, and how to breathe correctly are important factors toward maintaining the immune system to a natural level.
MC (Mitzi & Colin), as they are affectionately called, are sincere and dedicated in promoting alternative disciplines for a healthier longer life, with over 25 years experience and over 14 years teaching experience
Our Internet Membership with free stuff was launched in 2007 and has been very successful enrolling members from the UK and many countries throughout the World.
Our fully qualified Instructor together with six assistant instructors make up the coaching team and are an integral part of the step by step learning program ensuring that students have the fullest attention at all times, guiding and supporting individual learning needs.
Make new friends and enjoy yourself learning Tai Chi. The next 11 week Foundation Course starts on Wednesday 6^th January 2009 at Cliff Park Junior School Gorleston. Each two hour session runs from 7- 9pm. In addition the Association runs a Monday daytime session at the Methodist Church Hall Magdalen Way Gorleston.
Do you have a 2010 special occasion, festival or fete and want a display with something different? then contact us for details and availability, our very popular Taiji in Action Display Team could be available for your function, book now to avoid disappointment.

Colin and Mitzi’s aim is to continue to teach authentic Tai Chi running a vibrant happy club serving the community for many years to come.

To find out more about our learning programs telephone us on: 01493 789992 or email us at: contactus@taichi-qigong.net and do pop along to our website at: www.taichi-qigong.net
Colin & Mitzi Orr TCQHC Association-Principal Instructors at www.taichi-qigong.net

Anniversary Celebrations

2009-11-17T10:17:00.010Z

Hi Everyone,

The Club celebrated it’s 14^th Anniversary on 5^th November. Where has the time gone ! Such a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then with more than 600 students passing through our doors making our motto “we can open the door but you must walk through by yourself” very appropriate. The time was also appropriate to award two club members Moira B and Dr William with Loyalty Certificates who have been with us for 10 years now, These events brought out the Chocolate biscuits provided by another loyal member Sid B. (our longest serving member of 13 years). Thank you all for your continuing active support throughout the years.
Yours in Tai Chi & Qigong
Colin & Mitzi Orr
TCQHC Association-Principal Instructors
at www.taichi-qigong.net

Broadsword Crew

2009-10-24T11:39:00.008+01:00

Hi Everyone,
Last Wednesday's session (14th Oct) was something else, the hall was jumping with Qi energy along with yet more certificate awards and photographs. This time it was the Broadsword Group looking like a smart gang of warriors, considering they only starting learning the sword in January they did very well. The club also appreciated their achievement as when the certificates were awarded the club nearly brought the house down with applause. I was very proud of them along with Andy who took them some of the way through their training, he will be picking up his Broadsword Instructors Module in the next couple of weeks.
I have decided to use a combination of two broadsword scarves; black (courtesy of Doreen H) and red for next year's display team demonstrations. With swords flashing and scarves flowing at every slash and strike the displays should be an even better spectacle.

To see the broadsword motley crew click on photo to enlarge.

Yours in Tai Chi & Qigong
Colin & Mitzi Orr TCQHC Association-Principal Instructors
at www.taichi-qigong.net

Wild Goose Qigong completion

2009-10-16T05:34:00.021+01:00

After many weeks of learning, the Wild Goose 1st 64 Dayan Qigong group completed their training last night and were awarded the W/G Qigong competence certificate. This group showed a high review standard covering the practical and theory paper in line with the Association learning syllabus.
Well done everyone, your dedication and commitment has been rewarded by learning this powerful set of Dayan Qigong movements.
At the same time Andy achieved the Wild Goose 1st 64 Instructors module under the guidance of Mitzi Principal Qigong Instructor - fondly known as Mother Goose.
Well done everybody, you're a credit to the TCQHC Association.
Click on image to enlarge

Yours in Tai Chi & Qigong
Colin & Mitzi Orr - TCQHC Association - Principal Instructors
Tai Chi-Qigong Displays, Classes & Workshops.
Taiji in Action at www.taichi-qigong.net

MC @ the TCQHC Association

What about Tai Chi?

2009-09-14T08:55:00.015+01:00

What are its benefits and claims? Firstly it’s not a cure all, easy way out or short cut to getting fit. It doesn’t use ‘no pain no gain’ methods such as trampolines, rowing machines, walking or running machines or any other such equipment to work up a sweat in the name of getting ultra fit.

To practice Tai Chi you do not require any kind of apparatus, designer jog suits, special trainer footwear or anything else that will make you look good when depleting your hard earned cash. Tai Chi simply needs you as an individual person, loose clothing, flat comfortable footwear or just bare feet and a little commitment.

Tai Chi is an ancient internal martial art originally developed in China, but nowadays mostly practiced as a slow soft set of movements, sometimes called meditation in motion. The practice of these movements help to stimulate and rejuvenate the internal organs and nervous system, calming and emptying the mind of anxieties . Tai Chi will rebalance you internally as well as externally, Tai Chi will teach you to breathe again fully as you did when you were a child. It will teach you to relax correctly letting go of tension, it will rejuvenate your internal energy enabling you to be more aware and more sensitive to movement and the outside world, coordinating thought and movement.

If you think these benefits are for you then contact Colin or Mitzi Orr who are the principal instructors and founders of the Tai Chi Health Centre with 25 years of combined teaching experience between them. The club was established in 1995 and is now a Association with qualified instructors. Their popular annual 11 week introduction class starts on 7^th October at Cliff Park Junior School, Gorleston. Interested then give them a call on 01493 789992 for more details.

MC @ the TCQHC Association

What is Qigong

2009-07-14T14:20:00.012+01:00

WHAT IS QIGONG?
A brief description

The practice of QIGONG pronounced CHI KUNG is a formulated set of movements coordinated with correct breathing originating from mainland China.

QIGONG, has been around for approximately 3000 years, originally devised by the Taoist Monks because of their sedentary lives.
There are many types of Qigong methods and styles: amongst these are such flowery names as Jade Pillar, Fragrant Buddha, Zhang Zhong, Eight Strands of Silk Brocade, 18 Tai Chi-Qigong set and the Dayan Wild Goose Qigong to name but a few.

The nearest definitions of the words Qigong in broad terms are:

Qi = Internal energy or Air
(Air is the most common description because of its Oxygen content)

Gong = Exercise
So the word Qigong simplified means ‘Breathing Exercise’

The most popular Qigong sets practiced at the Tai Chi Health Centre are the Eight Strands of Silk Brocade, 1–5 Zhang Zhong postures, 18 Tai Chi Qigong and Fragrant Buddha Qigong. The 8 Strands of Silk Brocade set is practiced regularly at the Association and has proved to be the easiest for newcomers to master in this ancient art of Qigong.

Both Tai Chi and Qigong practice the same philosophy of Yin and Yang i.e. understanding the meaning of opposites and constant change, creating a balance of health and wellbeing.

As with Tai Chi these slow, external movements with co-ordinated breath help to stimulate the internal organs, by promoting the flow of internal energy called Qi.
At the association we practice Qigong in conjunction with Tai Chi as both skills are inseparable within the learning program.

The practice of Qigong as with Tai Chi is no longer restricted to the far east but practiced in many countries throughout the world and remains one of the most popular ways to exercise. Qigong helps to rejuvenate the internal organs, promotes well being, re-balances the immune system, relaxes and promotes inner calm and improves balance and posture with correct breathing.

If you would like further information on the internal arts please contact us via the blog comment or our website contact us

Buy instructional DVD's now

Club news

2009-07-08T12:11:00.003+01:00

Hi Everyone,

Hope you all had a good term break. Mitzi and I look forward to seeing you all Wednesday night 8^th July at Cliff Park High School Gym for the start of another Club term, thereafter it will be at our usual venue Cliff Park Junior (previous called the Middle School).

2^nd 3^rd group will continue under Mark Greenwood and the watchful eye of Mitzi. We have also decided to slot in three more revision weeks for the 2^nd / 3^rd group, this is additional to the standard one in the learning sequence, making it now a total of four revision weeks in the learning schedule

The Final Third group completed their induction 5 element phase last term with flying colours. They will be awarded their 5 step element certificates and badges on Wednesday. They all obtained high marks in their written and oral reviews. They now move into the seniors group for refinements and corrections; this stage now qualifies them to move onto the weapons section starting with the martial stick form scheduled to start at the beginning of next term 7^th October.

The broadsword tuition is now scheduled for completion on 16^th September – end of term, with reviews and certificates awarded on 7^th October at the start of next term.

The Wild Goose 1^st 64 will be revising in groups and working up to their review on 16^th September under the strict eye of Mitzi. Competent students will be awarded their certificates on 7^th October.

Lastly a polite reminder as always that tuition fees are due on the first night of each term.

Take care and see you Wednesday night usual start time 7pm, doors open 6pm.

Yours in Tai Chi & Qigong

Colin & Mitzi

Heart to Heart by Mitzi Orr

2009-01-22T11:08:00.011Z

What has practicing Tai Chi done for me? before and after open heart surgery:
My name is Mitzi Orr and with my husband Colin run the Tai Chi Qigong Health Centre based in Gorleston. I teach and practice Tai Chi on a regular basis at the club and also at our Monday and Friday Rejuvenation Clubs. My story begins when I was just 2 years old. I caught the then prevalent disease of diphtheria, which left me with a murmur in the mitral valve of the heart. Heart disease ran in the family anyway so genetically I did not have a good start. However I got on with life, came through the war years, married and raised a family of four children. Off and on over the years I had occasion to see a heart specialist just to keep an eye on what was going on. I went through a great deal of stress in my life, especially in the later years, which added to the problem. In 1994 I had a massive heart attack with complications, brought on by stress, during which I was resuscitated twice.
During the recuperation period I began to look around for some form of exercise which would help in my recovery. I attended a holistic fair at one of the Hotels in Great Yarmouth during which I watched a demonstration of Tai Chi and Qigong. That was it! I joined the Club and from that moment on I was hooked. I learned how to breathe properly in the Qigong exercises and the beautiful soft, flowing, gentle movements of the Tai Chi form gradually healed my body and mind. I learned how to relax and free myself from stress. If I had not been a practitioner of Tai Chi and Qigong I would not be telling this story today.
However Tai Chi does not perform miracles and of course my heart was still in a bad condition. The valve began to deteriorate and I developed atrial fibrillation. I was advised by my doctors to keep up the practice of TaiChi as they believed this was helping me.
Eventually I had open heart surgery at Papworth on the 17th March 2006 when I had two valve repairs (mitral and tricuspid) and a single bypass. The surgeon, doctors and nurses were amazed at the good condition I was in and also my calm state of mind. In fact, I was so relaxed that as I left the ward for the operating theatre I was singing ‘Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye’!
The doctors advised me to get back to Tai Chi practice as soon as possible, which I did. I truly believe that Tai Chi and its related philosophy pulled me through. I’m now a young 74 years old going on for 44!

Author: Heart to Heart by Mitzi Orr – Chief Instructor at the Tai Chi-Qigong Health Centre

MC @ the TCQHC Association

Ten Year Members

2009-01-16T09:17:00.004Z

The 14th of January 2009 was a special day for two of our association club members. Dr William and Moira have been with us for ten years now and this makes them the club’s longest active serving members. Their dedication and commitment to the Tai Chi Qigong Health Centre is commended to say the least. They both walked through our doors and joined the club on 13th January 1999, since then much water has flowed under the bridge, both acquiring their yellow badge achievement with William (better known as Willy) being part of the Tai Chi in Action Display Team. Both practice along with the Yang Cheng fu Tai Chi form, various Qigong sets, the Dayan Wild Goose, Taiji Stick form and now are going through the rigours of learning the Yang Broadsword form. Even though they both have busy work schedules they have shown continued club loyalty throughout the years. Well done and thank you for continuing to promote Tai Chi with the TCQHC.

MC @ the TCQHC Association

The Hawthorn Bush

2009-01-10T09:34:00.010Z

As you can all guess by now we are great bird lovers. Our new garden is attracting various birds, so far visitors include Hedge/Tree Sparrows, Chaffinches, Black Birds, Collared Doves, a pair of white Pigeons along with their sisters the Feral Pigeon, a very timid Robin, Pied Wagtails, Gold Finches, Green Finches, Blue Tits, Wrens, Magpies, Starlings (scoundrels of the bird world as I like to call them) plus a couple of crows who occasionally pop in, the biggest of them all has been a Grey Heron.But to encourage our friendly visitors even more especially in the nesting season we plan to plant some Hawthorn Bushes, considered to be a very good habitat and supply of fruit for the cold winter months.
The Hawthorn Bush (Crataegus oxyacantha) or May bush is a beautiful tree and a useful herb in herbal medicine. There is a lot of folklore surrounding the hawthorn and it is called the fairy tree in Ireland. It is seen as bad luck to ever cut down or disturb a hawthorn tree. People in Ireland tie pieces of ribbon or other little gifts on to the tree as a part of a pagan ritual which was adapted by Irish Catholics. One would often see a may bush growing near holy wells and sacred sites, it would be these trees that people tend to decorate with "prayer" ribbons and beads.
MC @ the TCQHC Association

Pink Footed Geese & Dayan Wild Geese

2009-01-03T16:34:00.019Z

We have been blessed to be on the flight path of skein after skein of pink footed geese flying over our home in Belton, Norfolk, these beautiful birds arrive in October after traveling 800 miles from Iceland to winter in the fields and coast of East Anglia.

Hearing the unmistakable noise of the geese we rush outside just as if it were the first time we saw them. Every time it warms our hearts as we look up to witness these wonderful birds. It really is something to behold sending a chill up the spine as they noisily pass overhead in formation, stragglers falling in line as they make their way to or from their feeding grounds. It makes you realize how beautiful and majestic nature is. You cannot miss this marvelous sight as the unmistakable noise is tremendous as they fly overhead.

Mitzi teaches the Dayan Wilde Goose Qigong and relates to these wonderful birds as they fly over in formation, visually connecting to the ancient Chinese set of Qigong movements with the Pink Footed Geese from Iceland. There’s no better way to usher in 2009. We look forward to seeing many more skein in the future brightening the short winter days.
MC @ the TCQHC Association

2008 TCQHC Round Up

2008-12-23T10:47:00.004Z

Seasons greetings to all our readers.

What a great finale to the club year: The hall was buzzing with festive Qi, this was helped along with Sid’s now popular tin of chocolate biscuits and Mitzi’s roses chocolates.

Our special thanks to Anna for doing her Pam Ayres sketch, we thought she did really well considering the acoustics are not up to much in the hall. Also a special thanks for your appreciation of the Broadsword demonstration; your thunderous applause for both events was much appreciated. special thanks to (snaps) Ben Lynes for taking plenty of memorable photos of the club group, of Anna on stage and the Broadsword performance.

Thank you all for your Christmas cards and best wishes for the season, although two of the cards didn’t say who they came from!

All in all it’s been a very good year for both the TCQHC, now an Association, and the Monday Rejuvenation and Tai Chi club with the new Friday Rejuvenation Club being launched in Belton on 6th February 2009.

The social side of the club saw the New Year in at the Furzdown hotel, with plenty of cheer going round, this was followed by the club boat trip in September when the boat ran out of beer but not water when I thought we may have gone aground waiting for the bridge to go up. From that you can guess everybody had a great time! I still have plenty of photos of that trip to upload on the website new ‘Pictures Galore’ page. Once I’ve managed what seems a mammoth task I’ll let you all know.

MC @ the TCQHC Association

Home at last

2008-12-19T16:22:00.004Z

After many months of absence from our blog we are back on line and hope to submit regular updates on the Tai Chi-Qigong Health Centre which is now an Association; our abbreviated title is the TCQHC Association.

To say the least it has been hectic in the Orr household; moving home and settling in our new residence base in Belton Norfolk. It’s been hard work especially as we had to completely renovate and redesign the large garden. Yes we are garden lovers and one of the joys of the day is to sit at the breakfast bar in front of the large kitchen picture window and watch the many varied birds that visit the garden, a pure delight just to sit, watch and relax.

The move has been good for us, especially so as I lost some excess weight with the help of Mitzi, yes she can get the whip out when she wants to!

Last Wednesday was our last club night before the Christmas break and we shall be posting the club 2008 round up shortly.
Meanwhile have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year.

MC @ the TCQHC Association

There are only two things in life to worry about....

2008-03-29T17:26:00.017Z

There are only two things to worry about.
Either you are well or you are sick.

If you are well, then there is nothing to worry about.
But if you are sick, there are only two things to worry about.

Either you will get well or you will die.
If you get well, there is nothing to worry about.

If you die, there are only two things to worry about.
Either you will go to heaven or to hell.

If you go to heaven there is nothing to worry about.
But if you go to hell, you’ll be so damn busy shaking hands with friends you wouldn’t have time to worry!

SO WHY WORRY?
Author unknown but recollected by Mitzi

End of Term Roun up

2008-03-21T06:58:00.005Z

End of term news letter 20th March 2008

What a great end of term session last night, especially so with Colin's birthday surprise, I didn’t have a clue! Special thanks to Andy and Peter for organising the cake and card. It was a great gesture and thank you all, hope you all had a piece of the birthday cake.

The term flew past with plenty going on; Well done to the foundation group making it to the end of the first third; they will be eased into the second third after four weeks of revision on the first third section on return from the break.

The final third have also done very well and with continuous coaching from Andy will be fine in August when they cross the finishing line.

The stick are bounding along and coming along fine, this could be one of the best learning stick groups we’ve ever had and I think it’s because this group take advantage of practicing together during the free practice time before the session starts. The Wild Goose goslings are also coming along fine, not hurrying, making sure their wing movements are correct before they move on to the next flight path.

All in all well done everybody, the club is still as vibrant as ever, there is no doubt positive Qi flows in abundance at the club sessions, to see and hear students laughter during the sessions is the best reward Mitzi and I could ever have.

The club night out in February was really successful and we are encouraged to go back again either for Christmas or again after the rush, in January / February next year.

Our next outing is gathering speed and we now have confirmed interest of some 40 persons. A good one for your diary of events, as we can confirm the boat is scheduled for Sunday 14th September departing Haven Bridge House Jetty, Great Yarmouth at 11:45 for a two hour trip to Reedham with a short stay over leaving Reedham for the two hour return journey back to Great Yarmouth. The bar will be open for food and drink and also when we get ashore in Reedham we will have the opportunity for something to eat then. We may be able to organise a pub meal but more on that later.

Meanwhile everybody have a relaxing time over Easter. See you all when the club returns on 9th April.

Basic principles & guidance for Tai Chi (3)

2008-03-14T08:32:00.007Z

The third is: EVENNESS & SLOWNESS. The Tai Chi Form movement should flow continuously without pause incorporating slowness, exactness, balance and concentration.
When practicing your form maintain the correct posture and imagine your movements have the resistance of moving through water, feel that resistance as you move through the movements of the form.
To achieve this level of practice you must relax i.e. apply the first basic principle of ‘Sung’. I can hear Grand Master Yang Cheng fu say: relax relax and relax again. Remember this doesn't mean collapse. more

Next time: 'Balance’

Can't find your posted comment?

2008-03-14T07:29:00.006Z

Hi Everybody,

Just to say if you have posted a comment on previous blogs and it hasn’t been published we apologies wholeheartedly. It doesn’t mean it has been turned down or blocked in any way.

Blogging is not a perfect art (not to me anyway) and comments can get lost in the blog system or my email notification. If your comment is not published then please try again. The other thing worth checking is the guidance blog titled ‘How to post a blog comment’ which has proved helpful already.

How to post a blog comment

2008-03-06T11:37:00.006Z

Guidance on how to post a blog comment:

If you wish to leave a comment click on the word ‘comment’ at the bottom of the blog post, you will also see a image of a little pencil here. A new window will open.
In the comments box type in your comment, when you have finished fill in the word verification box, then click on the radio button titled Name / URL, enter your name, this can be anything you like – your real name, your nickname or maybe just your initials. Leave the URL box blank. You also have the choice of clicking on 'anonymous' if you wish. Once your ready to leave your comment just click on ‘publish your comment’ and your done.
Your comment is then emailed to me for approval, once approved it’s published on the blog.
Thanks and good luck.

Gt Yarmouth Chinese Association display thanks

2008-03-04T10:40:00.008Z

The TAO - pronounced Dao

2008-03-01T10:18:00.015Z

Lao Tzu

The Tao is the origin of the one.

The one created the two

The two created the three

From the three came forth all life

by Lao Tzu from the Tao Te Ching - Book of Change
(Somewhere between 6th and 4th century BC) more

Club night out 23rd February 2008

2008-02-24T09:46:00.012Z

What a great club night out at the Furzedown Hotel. It isn't often you would get waited on by the Mayor of Great Yarmouth and his Lady wife!! It has been a family business since 1959 when Paul's parents bought it and he himself was actually born in room 12!! It certainly has a lovely relaxed atmosphere and the service was second to none. Many thanks to those who made it. I think you will agree the meal was great and the drink flowed. We hope you enjoyed your club complementary glass of wine .
As always Andy did a very entertaining speech without his false teeth in!!!!! The high light after the speeches was a presentation of best photo of the year of Peter and Joy for ever immortalised on the Club website > picture gallery and here on our blog site titled Peter levitating Joy!!

After the meal most moved into the bar / lounge area, that's when us old timers couldn't keep up the pace with you Tai Chi party animals, it was just about then the oldies just faded into the night. A good time was had by all. Many thanks to John for providing the background music for the evening.
We all look forward to the next get together, if possible a little different, on a pleasure cruiser on the broads in the summer months, stopping off for a pre-booked meal at a hotel. Let us know if you are interested.

Thank you all for your support.

Chinese New Year Display

2008-02-22T07:59:00.007Z

Tai Chi in Action Display 10th February 2008

The Great Yarmouth Chinese Association celebrated their new year of the Rat at the Royal Hotel this year. From the moment we arrived Rosa the Associations secretary, greeted us with a pleasant smile and immediately made us feel at home. The politeness and courtesy shown to us was outstanding from that moment on. The celebrations started with the children’s games with plenty of noisy laughter and running about, the most noticeable thing here was that the children were always under control. I didn’t hear one child cry or even get reprimanded for bad behaviour, all I heard was the magical sound of children laughing and playing, dressed for their special day in traditional Chinese wear.

It was now the turn of the traditional Lion dance accompanied by much drumming and symbol clashing chasing evil spirits away for the new year. The only thing missing for me was the fire crackers that seemed to be part of the traditional lion dance celebrations that I remember from my time in Hong Kong. After much photo taking it was our turn to take to the ballroom floor which was designated for the displays. The audience virtually flooded in to watch us and at one time we found it difficult to keep a clear safety zone,

At the end of each demonstration the applause was tumultuous, at one point I could hardly hear myself on our PA system announcing the next sections of the display. I think one of the highlights had to be when, after demonstrating the Baduanjin Eight Strands of Silk Brocade, we invited the audience, grown ups and children to run through this Qigong set with the display team; the response was extremely good but one cute little girl who couldn’t have been more than two stole the act when she joined in next to me following every move, delighting the audience. We then demonstrated the Yang Tai Chi form which drew much applause, This followed by the very popular Taiji Stick Form, a routine which for obvious reasons could be dangerous if spectators did not keep a safe distance, it seemed the display area was shrinking by the minute, this meant the routine had some unscheduled moves for the sake of audience safety when the byword was adaptation! But nevertheless everybody applauded the demonstration with much appreciation once again.

It was now the turn of various local acts that included a demonstration of Kung fu by a class of very young boys and was followed by a superb solo demonstration by their teacher.
The final demonstration was by many school children and their teachers waving red silk streamers coordinated to music; it was fascinating to see these youngsters all working together as one.

With the closing display the TCQHC team with family and friends were invited to a New Year Chinese buffet, with so much delicious food to choose from it was difficult to select any one particular dish as there was so much on the menu, it was all delicious and I think we all had our fill.
The celebrations closed with a raffle with the top prize of £300. The draw resembled a day at the London stock market with much shouting and waving of hands but also much bantering and laughter until the last ticket was drawn.
We left the Royal Hotel after a memorable fun day. We will always remember our host as being happy, friendly and generous, thank you for inviting us.

The next Tai Chi in Action Display is scheduled for the 15th March at the Great Yarmouth Marina Centre. more

Basic principles & guidance for Tai Chi (2)

2008-02-09T06:34:00.001Z

At the TCQHC we have a total of eight basic guideline principles for good Tai Chi and Qigong practice. These principles will be published at regular intervals under the label of 'a theme for everyday' so that all eight will be compiled for future reference.

The second is: EMPTINESS & FULLNESS. There must be an interchange of movement from left to right, front to back and likewise your weight should be constantly variable but not completely one sided, i.e., when the right foot is forward and your weight is on that foot, there should be a distribution of 70% of weight on that foot, at that point your right foot is termed yang and opposing your left foot will be 30% weighted and termed Yin. More Yin & Yang

Next time: 'Evenness & Slowness'

Something called courtesy

2008-02-02T16:15:00.000Z

All things on earth and the universe have a beginning and an end. We are born and given the gift of life but then that life must end; a natural occurrence. Whatever we do in life has a beginning and an end and this is the same for the Tai Chi form as well, as the session must have a beginning and naturally an end.
Always open the session by greeting each other (teacher/student) politely, which means we should close the session politely by thanking each other i.e. by exchanging gratitude. This is a mindful exchange of saying hello and at the close goodbye and thank you for participating in the evening's learning. This is why it is good etiquette to bow, not because we are trying to be a martial artist but to be respectful to each other. In other words a session has a beginning and an end. Without the end the session has not closed mentally or physically.
If a Tai Chi practitioner should not close his/her practice in the formal manner then the learning is incomplete i.e. has no conclusion or end. One of the many basic aims in learning Tai Chi is to integrate yin and yang (opening and closing) to balance mind and body in our daily lives even just by saying hello and goodbye.

This also goes for student practitioners who choose to leave a practice session without informing the chief instructor they are leaving; the learning is incomplete if it is not closed formally.
Nowadays, for some reason, it’s considered somewhat old fashioned to perhaps hold a door open for a person or stand up to give your seat on a bus to somebody who needs that seat more than you. This is called good old fashioned courtesy. I remember my father used to touch his cap when passing a lady for a polite hello. I can’t remember when I saw that last, nor have I seen a gentleman remove his cap and stand still out of respect when a Hearse should pass by.

Good old fashioned courtesy or just plain politeness in todays community is just as important now as when it was yesteryear. Tai Chi is a worldwide community and I would like to think we haven’t forgotten politeness or courtesy during our everyday lives as well as during our practice sessions. Courtesy doesn’t cost a thing but its worth its weight in gold.
TCQHC - Chief Instructors

Flying Wild Geese

2008-01-24T17:43:00.002Z

23rd January 2008

Another great session last night with the hall packed out with vibrant members enjoying their learning. It was the Dayan Wild Goose Qigong group’s turn this week with Mitzi demonstrating the 2nd 64 set of movements with a thunderous applause at the end, completing the pre natal set of movements. Some members remarked that they could feel the Qi being omitted from Mitzi as she majestically moved through the form. When asked what she felt when practicing the Wild Goose she replied ‘like a wild goose in flight’ feeling the flow of Qi rising and falling and circulating the body. Mitzi is currently teaching with help from Andy Trohear who is working through the wild goose instructors module, While he is nestled under her wing Mitzi makes sure that the TCQHC high standard in teaching is adhered to ensuring that all students fully learn and experience this powerful Qigong.

The club usually have an end of year get together but at the last Assistant Instructors meeting they voted to hold it during January / February of this year. Last night it was announced that we should have it at the end of February; the response and interest has been enormous, anymore and we shall have to hire the Albert Hall! If you’re interested let us know as the door will be closing to finalise the numbers.

It was cold but great

2008-01-17T12:42:00.000Z

16th January 2008

Another great session last night; you could feel the energy generated by everybody. Although it was freezing cold last night the Tai Chi stick learning group elected to practice outside. On completion they made their way back into the main hall looking radiant and beaming saying it was a great practice in the arctic cold! After practicing the martial stick form in the cold and then returning to a warm main hall the group created a natural balance of yin and yang or hot and cold, no wonder they looked and felt radiant and joyful.

One of the foundation group felt a little woozy and somewhat dizzy at the beginning of the session. This soon passed however and it turned out to be a newcomers common fault in not making sure they have ‘something to eat’, ideally about half an hour before the session. I know some students have to rush in from work or even come straight from work to start a two hour intensive Tai Chi learning session! But always, always ensure you have something to eat, preferably something light. Never have a large meal because this can also have an adverse effect. Mitzi and I always have a bowl of cereal with milk and a banana before we leave for the session. The rule is always get something inside you and always drink plenty of water during the session. If you keep to this rule you will always enjoy your two hours learning.

Many newcomers to Tai Chi say that once they get home they can never remember what they have been taught. The main thing is not to worry about your learning progress, but to alleviate that natural concern follow this TCQHC proven routine:

When you arrive home practice two or three times the small section of the form you have been taught. When you get up in the morning straight away run over the same section, then practice your eight stands of Silk brocade Qigong, then run through the complete section of the form you have been learning up to the section you learnt the night before. For the rest of the week leading up to your next session at the club, practice the above every day following the first morning routine at whichever time suits your life style, my favourite time is early in the morning.

This week we were invited to put on our Tai Ch Display - Tai Chi in Action for the Great Yarmouth Chinese Association to celebrate the year of the Rat. We were more than pleased to accept their invitation and afterwards stay for their Chinese buffet. We feel very proud that the Chinese Association should invite the Tai Chi Qigong Health Centre to join in their celebrations on Sunday 10th February - Gung Hay Fat Choy! - Happy new Year.

First night back after Christmas break

2008-01-10T17:32:00.002Z

9th January 2008

Our first club night back after the Christmas break was great with a good intake of newcomers for the foundation course. Our established members helped to make them feel at home and by the time we closed they were all smiling and pleasantly surprised to find Tai Chi can be fun.
Many thanks to Ben Lynes for another great job on capturing our annual club photo and also the photos of the Egyptian Dance group who put on a selection of dances for us on the last night before the break. What with Mitzi and Anna locking their costumes in a side room, and the alarms going off in the adjoining offices I thought they did well! Mitzi is a member of the Egyptian Dance club; she took part in the demonstration making the club proud that Mother Goose can do more than just Tai Chi. The dancers invited club members to have a go and thought Ben captured some really good photos. I hope to show you some of these with others on our blog slideshow, that is as soon as I find out how to do it! And of course paste some on the website picture gallery; I have much catching up to do in that department and with DVD productions.

Synchronisation of blog times and dates

2008-01-06T06:47:00.000Z

Hi,
Some visitors may have noticed that the existing comments look as though they have been published on the same day around the same time, this is because I have had to copy from my ftp blog website site over to this new blogspot.com host, this is to make publishing much easier. For further info; and advice see our first post 'Getting Started'.
As from now on all blogs will be Synchronised to the date and time published.

4th January Display Summery

2008-01-05T11:57:00.000Z

Re: Tai Chi in Action Display 4th January in Great Yarmouth:

Many thanks to those who did the scheduled Priory Centre display. As it turned out we had very little room for a full display, which meant that the stick form was left out for the sake of safety, otherwise we would have had a fleet of ambulances outside waiting to take away the battered audience! Even though space was at a premium everybody enjoyed our display as without a doubt we were the most popular and professional looking, this included the part where I started the inner orbit breath as if it were the start of the form! I didn’t even realize this until after we had finished and to boot was told it wasn’t the first time! I can only guess the old CRAFT syndrome (Can't Remember a Flipping Thing) is kicking in more and more, but things can only get better!Joking aside, overall the display demonstration was an extremely good Tai Chi form discipline, especially in such a confined space. This is always good experience, as one display area is never the same as the next. It's very rare to find the ideal demonstration arena; a couple of display areas last year went from very small to huge, which was like demonstrating in the middle of a field! However a professional team should be able to adapt to any situation. Size really doesn’t matter in this instance as the main message is to spread the word of Tai Chi and it's benefits. All in all it was a good warm up for the 2008 display season. Once again well done everybody.

Philosophy & description of the TCQHC Centre Identity

2008-01-04T16:48:00.000Z

What's This? It's the TCQHC club Logo & Motto

The TCQHC logo badge construction consists of a black and white Yin / Yang symbol: a perfect circle divided by two equal curving halves, depicting the duality and opposing aspects of nature, this symbol is over laid by the two Chinese characters from the I-Ching Book of Change No: 1 Hexagram, defined as Creative Energy and coloured red. The colour changes within the 5 Element Step achievement stages. The philosophical logo is then encompassed by the Centre name: TAI-CHI-QIGONG-HEALTH-CENTRE.The centre motto Creative Energy is inscribed in Latin and positioned at the foot of the logo and reads Creatrix Impigritas.

2007 Club round up

2008-01-04T16:28:00.000Z

2007 TCQHC round up, a club blog to end the year.

Well done everybody for making the club once again a success throughout 2007, We hope our 12th year in 2008 goes as well as 2007.
The summer came and went bringing the advantage of practicing outside. The Tai Chi in Action Display Team had their first full year demonstrating at various venues proving themselves popular, so much so that bookings are already coming in for 2008. Our first will be at the Priory Centre in Great Yarmouth starting at 12:00 on 4th January.The new Dayan Wild Goose first 64 and the continuation second 64 Qigong program commenced in 2007 and is now going very well. The new TaiChi Stick Form also got under way and is progressing extremely well. After much hard work and commitment Andy Trohear; one of our senior members was awarded his instructors badge and certificate. His group completed their 2nd/3rd section of the Yang Cheng fu form and will be starting on the Final section on their return from Christmas break.With the start of the New Year a new term. We are looking forward to welcoming our annual intake of newcomers on the 9th January. Our theme for this year was 'Make New Friends learning Tai Chi' so do make them feel at home by just saying 'hello' on their first night, I think I must say that every year!I shall be adding to our own interactive Tai Chi in Action 'Blog' on a regular basis and hope visitors will interact by leaving a comment or just leave a message anonymously if they so wish.I shall be publishing the occasional club photo along with many more images that can be viewed on our website picture gallery.That's about it for 2007, Mitzi and I as always would like to thank you for all your support throughout the year, we both look forward to seeing you all in the new year.Have a Happy & Healthy New Year to you all.

Take care and be aware.

Colin & Mitzi

Tai Chi-Qigong Health Centre

Preface to the Tai Chi- Qigong Health Centre

2008-01-04T10:27:00.000Z

We reside at http://www.taichi-qigong.net in the United Kingdom.

In 1994 We felt there was a requirement to introduce a good quality and sincere health-promoting programme based on the practice of the internal arts of Taichi and Qigong, subsequently in 1995 the TaiChi-Qigong Health Centre was conceived to promote TaiChi within the Norfolk and Suffolk catchment areas and further-a-field with our new worldwide Internet Total Learning Program.The TCQHC teaching encompasses three inseparable elements, which are: Qigong, Relaxation and TaiChi. This combination forms the main body of the TCQHC learning program; embracing the Yang Cheng-fu and Yang Lu Chan forms as its main TaiChi foundation. Specializing in simple but dynamic TaiChi and Qigong exercises, developing awareness, well being, learning to relax and to breathe correctly. Building the immune system to a natural level to cope with those persistent minor ailments most people suffer from. To fond out more click here.

Getting Started

2008-01-03T06:39:00.000Z

It's good to arrive after a dodgy landing. Setting up our first blog hasn't been easy (what is in this computer world!) but the struggle is worth while once the boundaries of problematic false starts and constant refreshing, that is if you decided to publish via your own ftp website, I found many pitfalls many of them very deep, there just didn't seem to be logic to some of the problems. I spent about a week going round in circles.
Here are some tips:
1. Re post problems: check you have selected the compose option as 'yes' in settings.
2. Down load images before starting the text layout.
3. When using the ftp template you will have to go into the coding to customise the side bar title, profile etc; avoid this like the plague, it can work but you will find the side bar keeps reverting back to it's default settings every time a new post is downloaded! even after pasting specific code in as advised to solve this problem.

The answer for me was to go over to the blogspot.com server, this template has none of the above problems and is much more friendlier to the amateur blogger such as myself and of course you can link with your own site what ever server you use.
We hope the above has been of some help in trouble shooting your first blog set up, Good luck and best wishes. Colin & Mitzi Orr TCQHC Chief Instructors Co Directors
http://www.taichi-qigong.net/