Tai Chi Classes in Farnham
Beginner Chen-style Tai Chi, every Wednesday at 5pm. Your first session is free.
We would like to welcome you to our Tai Chi Fundamentals class at Farnham Leisure Centre. This class is designed for anyone who would like to try Tai Chi and develop coordination, balance and functional strength. Whether you are looking for an additional form of training on your recovery days or simply want to explore Tai Chi, the class will give you new ideas and ways to support your overall fitness and wellbeing.
WHERE
Farnham Leisure Centre, Dogflud Way, GU9 7UD
WHEN
Wednesdays,
5pm to 6pm
LEVEL
Beginners and those looking to deepen their practice
COST
£11 per class.
First session free.
BRING
Comfortable clothes, flat soft-soled shoes, water
What happens in a Class?
Our approach is to build a solid foundation of movement, balance, coordination and strength.
A key part of our classes is working on joint mobility and functional strength. We also explore different movement patterns, relaxation, coordination and balance.
The exercises can be adapted to different abilities and experience levels, with simpler versions available if you are completely new to Tai Chi.
Some of the exercises come directly from the Chen Tai Chi Lao Jia form, while others are drawn from Qigong and Yiquan.
As you become more comfortable with the basics, we gradually begin to learn sequences of movement and bring them together as part of the Lao Jia form of Chen-style Tai Chi.
Tai Chi has a lot of depth and works with different aspects of physical and mental fitness. The term neurofitness is sometimes used to describe the connection between the brain and movement, and this is one of the things Tai Chi naturally encourages — learning, coordinating and refining movement while staying aware of the body.
About Chen-style Tai Chi?
Chen is the original family style of Tai Chi, from which the better-known Yang style developed. It combines slow, flowing movement with occasional bursts of power and a distinctive spiralling "silk reeling" quality.
That makes it gentle enough for beginners but with plenty of depth to keep you interested for years.
The story of Chen-style Tai Chi
The most widely accepted view is that Taijiquan originated in Chenjiagou, a village in Wen County, Henan Province, China. The story begins with Chen Bu, the family patriarch, who lived during the reign of the Hongwu Emperor, the first emperor of the Ming dynasty (1368–1398).
Chen Bu was highly skilled in martial arts and well respected by the local community. The village where he settled became known as Chen Bu Zhuang - “Chen Bu’s village” - and over time the Chen family gave the village its modern name, Chenjiagou.
Today, Chenjiagou remains an important centre for the study and practice of Chen-style Taijiquan. Over the 18th and 19th centuries, Chen masters continued to develop and refine the forms and training methods of the style. One of the most important forms was developed by Chen Changxing and became known as Lao Jia, meaning “Old Frame”.
Lao Jia is traditionally one of the first forms studied in Chen-style Tai Chi. Learning the movements gradually and building a good foundation takes time, but reaching the first few sections of the form can be a very satisfying milestone.
Who the Farnham Class
Suits
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Anyone curious about Tai Chi who has never tried it
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Busy professionals who need an hour to switch off, with a 5pm start that fits the end of the working day
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Runners, cyclists, tennis players and golfers looking for a recovery practice that builds control and flexibility
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People wanting better balance, posture and joint mobility
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This class is suitable for those who already have some experience of Tai Chi and would like to improve their movement and gradually explore the Lao Jia form in more depth.
Your instructor Alla Bennett
Alla has practised Tai Chi and Qigong since 1998. She has studied Chen-style Tai Chi since 2014 with Karel and Eva Koskuba of the Chinese Internal Arts Association, and regularly trains with Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang and his son Chen Ying Jun.
She is a member of the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain and has taught her own classes since 2019. Alla has a particular interest in Qigong for women's health and for injury recovery, and as a keen tennis player, cyclist and swimmer, she understands what active bodies need.
Practising since 1998
Tai Chi Union for Great Britain
Teaching since 2019
Getting to the Class
Farnham Leisure Centre is a short walk from the town centre, with parking on site.
It's easy to reach from Wrecclesham, Rowledge, Badshot Lea, Hale, Weybourne and Tilford, and about 10 minutes' drive from Ash and Aldershot.
Farnham Leisure Centre
Dogflud Way, Farnham GU9 7UD
Questions about the Farnham Class
Do I need any experience?
No. The Wednesday class is for complete beginners, and every movement is taught step by step.
How fit do I need to be?
If you can stand and walk comfortably for an hour, you can do Tai Chi. Movements are adapted to suit you.
What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable clothes and flat, soft-soled shoes or trainers.
Is the first session really free?
Yes. Book your free trial, come along, and only pay if you decide to continue.
What's the difference between Tai Chi and Qigong?
Qigong is a set of simpler breathing and movement exercises; Tai Chi links movements into a longer flowing sequence. Every class includes both.
Is there parking at Farnham Leisure Centre?
Yes there is more than enough paid parking at the Leisure Centre.
Can I join part way through the term?
Yes there is more than possibe. Your fees would be prorated.
Other Revive Tai Chi classes nearby
Cant make Wednesdays? Try one of these.
Ash Saturday 8:45AM
Outdoor improvers Class
Tai Chi in Ash and Aldershot
Mixed abilities
Church Crookham - Monday 7:45PM
Tai Chi in Fleet
Sunningdale Mon 6pm & Wed 12:30pm
Beginners & Mixed
Tai Chi in Sunningdale