What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese healing/martial art, that combines martial movements with Qi (energy) circulation, breathing and stretching techniques. It promotes the integration of mind, Qi and body. The movements are practised slowly to develop balance, flexibility, breathing capabilities, coordination and concentration – for the body and mind. While Tai Chi was originally developed for self-defence, its use of intrinsic force, or Qi, rather than relying on external muscular strength, is also effective as health-giving exercises and spiritual development.
The postures of Tai Chi are designed through intuitive experience, in accordance with body structure and mechanics, and requires the integration of the whole person – body, mind and spirit.
Tai Chi instructor Stephanie Fowler has been practising Tai Chi and other related martial arts since 1992, along with being registered as an instructor since 2002.
Stephanie has trained with many top masters from all over the world, including her primary teachers Master Wang Haijun and Master Zhou Yang (recognised Tai Chi masters), and has also travelled to China to gain experience and further her training.
A variety of Tai Chi and Martial Arts performances across Europe, Budapest, Hong Kong Day at the races at Royal Ascot, and throughout London have been done by Stephanie.
Over the last two years Stephanie has run various projects/groups on council estates in Hackney and EC1, and has taught a variety of ages, races and needs.
Stephanie has also run regular classes and events for Islington council and EC1 New Deal for the last year, as well as teaching classes for privately-run gyms and centres such as Aquaterra for four years.
In addition to being a registered and insured Tai Chi instructor, she is also a qualified massage and cranio-sacral therapist, and has a current First Aid certificate. She has been practising Zen meditation for over ten years, and has been running a regular meditation group for over two years in Hackney.
The Benefits
Tai Chi is a very good controlled exercise and regular Tai Chi practise can help children to enjoy relaxation, acquire a better consciousness of their bodies, develop their powers of self control and create a more harmonious development.
Social interaction is a vital part of schooling and is crucial for the development of cognition. Social learning and social development can support children and young people develop the skills for independent learning. (Vygotsky). The enhancement of these attributes will help children with concentration and enable them to learn more freely.
Whatever the capabilities of a child (physically – mentally), Tai Chi can help to build up the confidence to try new activities and be successful. Tai Chi is a non-competitive Martial Art, so there are no winners or losers. Tai Chi is a very good way of eradicating inner stress and unwanted negative energies.
In fact, every part of Tai Chi is trained in a playful way without showing off, or without rivalry. One doesn’t have to be strong, big or tough to succeed. To be nimble, flexible and controlled are the best attributes for this art and everyone can progress at their own rate.
Tai Chi is a Martial Art, but it is practiced in a non-violent way. The practice of working with a partner (not an adversary) plays a vital role in learning, interacting, and teaches children to work together with respect and tolerance. These skills will compliment their day to day lives in and out of school.
Over time, as children become more relaxed and comfortable within their bodies, they begin to feel more comfortable with who they are, their abilities and their peers, helping build up confidence inside them.