How many times have you heard people say that they will have to start doing some sort of exercise on a regular basis? Today there are a great number of methods on offer and our only problem is choosing which one we think will be suitable. Whatever our choice the only way forward is by commitment to regular practice.
Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese martial art which is becoming very popular and is suitable for all ages. Its health giving benefits are known throughout the world. Regular practice will help to strengthen all the internal working organs, reduce stress and tension, co-ordinate the mind and body and give a general feeling of well being.
Unlike Tai Chi Chuan, many forms of exercise are not suitable for everyone as they can be very strenuous. This means the length of time practised depends on the individual's stamina, as they have to stop at set intervals to recharge their batteries in order to continue the exercises.
During the practice of Tai Chi Chuan the mind is exercised as well as the body. The Hand Forms appear as slow, smooth flowing and relaxed movements meaning the length of time taken by the person performing the movements does not depend on their stamina but on how long they choose to practise.
Accreditation
It is important when practising any kind of martial art, whether for health and fitness or for the martial aspects, that the school you are in is accredited by the appropriate governing body. This is so that you have piece of mind in the unlikely event that something should happen to you, which allows you to focus fully on what you are doing.
For Tai Chi Chuan there is only one governing body, The British Council for Chinese Martial Arts. Our school is fully accredited with the BCCMA, and all our instructors are registered there, having sat safeguarding, coaching and first aid courses which are refreshed every three years.
Principal Instructor
In 1968, James Connachan started in the martial arts, practising Wado Ryu karate, which he continued until 1975. It was about this time the martial arts started to blossom in that there were a number of different styles of martial art appearing in the West. One of these was Tai Chi Chuan. James's practice in this Chinese martial art started in 1977 and he has been teaching since 1983. In 1989, James became qualified to teach all five aspects of tai chi chuan.
In addition, James is qualified to teach Immortal Family Baduanjin Qigong and the Eight Strands of Brocade.
James devised the Tai Chi Chuan syllabus for the Duke Of Edinburgh Award Scheme at Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels. Over the years he has had a number of articles published on Tai Chi Chuan.
James is a registered instructor with The Hong Kong Tai Chi Institute, The British Council for Chinese Martial Arts, and The Tai Chi Union for Great Britain.
Classes
| Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 1300 - 1430 | The Royal Commonwealth Pool (book) |
| Wednesday | 1030 - 1200 | Drumbrae Leisure Centre (book) |
| 1315 - 1445 | The Royal Commonwealth Pool (book) | |
| Thursday | 1830 - 2030 | Beeslack High School (no need to book) |
Festive Holidays
| Location | Last Class | Next Class |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Pool | 18th December | 7th January |
| Drumbrae | 18th December | 8th January |
Events Timetable 2025
| Date | Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat. 27th January (TBC) | 1900 - 2200 | Chinese New Year Banquet | Edinburgh Rendezvous |
| Sat. 8th March | 1000 - 1630 | Workshop | Beeslack High School |
| Sat. 26th April | 1000 - 1300 | World Tai Chi Day | Beeslack High School |
| Mon. 30th June - Fri. 4th July | 1000 - 1600 | Summer Course | Beeslack High School |
| Sat. 25th October | 1000 - 1630 | Workshop | Beeslack High School |