What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is a Chinese non-competitive martial art which, whilst known for its defensive techniques, is studied more in the West for its unique health benefits.
It is considered an internal art as it emphasizes working with ones internal energy and softness, with less emphasize on muscle strength. It helps generate a strong flow of chi, it aids chi’s circulation and most importantly it works to balance chi (energy) both within ones body and with the surrounding environment.
It consists of a series of usually slow movements in a specific sequence. The movements are fluid, with natural and comfortable postures. When practiced correctly what looks soft is actually strong, and when combined with spirit and intent energy flows freely creating effortless power.
It is truly an exercise of the mind, body and spirit.
What is Qigong?
Qigong, which is closely related to Tai Chi, combines various postures with breathing techniques to strengthen and allow Qi (energy) to flow within the body.
In Qigong there may be no movement, movements may be very gentle, or at times more vigorous. Some movements are very large; others are subtler almost not seen at all. Exercises may be carried out standing or at times sitting. The deeper one practices the more you can understand the purpose of each movement and the very specific effect on body and mind.
Even a small amount of regular practice can have the most profound effects.
Both Tai Chi and Qigong are linked to the study of Acupuncture and Acupressure and the bodies Meridian lines.
Some self-massage techniques are also taught with this in mind.
Benefits
Practicing Tai Chi and Qigong has the following benefits:
- Calming and clarity of the mind
- An overall feeling of peace and tranquility
- A highly increased internal awareness and that of one’s’ surroundings
- A deep strengthening of the whole body
- Reduced stress levels
- Increased energy levels
- A rejuvenating and invigorating effect
- Improved health and general feeling of well being
- The ability to be focused and in the present
- The ability to lift ones sprit and have a brighter more balanced outlook on life
- Help with many existing health problems
Tai Chi Broadsword Form ~ 1 Week Workshop ~ Azogires Crete 2018
Learn step by step the complete Yang style Broadsword form in the beautiful location of Azorgires in Southern Crete.
The workshop is primarily aimed at people who have ideally studied some Tai Chi and want to learn a weapons form whilst enjoying the peaceful mountains and great beaches of Southern Crete. It will also include warm up Qi Gong exercises and we will be working on the general principles of Tai Chi that should help with any other forms you may already know.
A DVD of the form will be available showing the moves from different angles and at various speeds to help remember what you have learnt.
You may also find the workshop of interest if you have studied other martial arts or are used to activities that require a degree of body control such as sport or dance. Do not hesitate to contact me brian@yogatherapygreece.com if you have any queries about your suitability or matters relating to the workshop.
DATES
- Saturday 16th June to Saturday 23rd June 2018
- Saturday 24th August to 1st September 2018
All lessons in English.
On Saturday evening is the welcoming, allocation of the accommodation and dinner, while on the following Saturday morning after breakfast is the departure by 11:00.
The training takes place in the morning 8.00-10.30 and in the afternoon 17.30-20.00, starting on Sunday morning and finishing on Friday evening.
What is included:
- 30 hours of teaching (5 hours a day for 6 days)
- Use of a Broadsword
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 dinners
- 6 daily transfers to and back from the beaches/town (15 minute drive)
- Clean linen, hand and bath towels.
What is not included:
- Flights
- Airport Transfers, although we do help group people together to reduce costs
- Travel Insurance
- Lunches
- Private Yoga Therapy Sessions limited to one person per day (we advise to book in advance).
- Private Acupressure Massage Sessions
- Beach towel
The location
The Tai Chi workshop takes place in a beautiful natural retreat location in Crete, in the south region of Chania, in the small and green village of Azogires, 10 minutes drive from the picturesque small town of Palaiochora and many amazing sandy beaches.
Azogires is one of the greenest and coolest villages in Crete, located in the White Mountains. There is a small tavern which is a 2 minute walk from where you stay. Here you can buy lunch, drinks etc. Azogires is a perfect place to relax where you can take peaceful walks in the woods, visit the small monastry, the village church, explore some local caves or simply spend time in the hammock or seats listening to the stream as it flows over the rocks and through the woodland.
The Hotel in Azogires has 8 large simple double and triple rooms with balconies and amazing views over the mountains and the sea.
We train either in an indoor wooden floored practice room, a cool shaded area in the woods or in grounds of a small local Monastry. The Hotel has a big shaded (with grapevines) open air terrace overlooking the sea and the mountains for breakfast and dinners.
For breakfast you help yourself to fresh fruits, local honey, Greek yogurt, bread and jams.
It has a big communal kitchen open at all times that you can use to prepare a meal or a hot drink including medicinal Cretan mountain teas.
There is also a washing machine that can be used for a small fee.
The breakfast and dinners are traditional Cretan reputedly the healthiest food in the world, locally sourced, organic, vegetarian really tasty and cooked by a highly respected local chef.
Daily Transfers
Daily transfers to the beaches and town are included after breakfast (around 11.15am) and from the beaches and town to the hotel (around 14.45pm)
Getting there
You book a flight to Chania International Airport arriving on Saturday.
From Chania you can take a taxi to Azogires (1.5 hour drive / 90 Euros through an amazing landscape, which is arranged by us in order to take advantage of the possibility to share it with other participants) or a bus from the main bus station in Chania to Palaiochora (10 Euros) and from Palaiochora a taxi to Azogires (8 minutes 15 Euros).
Alternatively, you can take the boat to Chania from Piraeus port that departs every night at 21.00 and arrives at Chania port at around 6.00 in the morning.
Prices based on sharing a Double or Triple Room
Early Bird 650 Euros for 1 week – 250 Euros deposit by end of April
Full Price 750 Euros – subject to availability – 300 Euros deposit
Single Occupancy Supplement is 250 Euros per week.
Price for a partner not attending the training is 400 Euros – 250 Euros deposit
All deposits are refundable up to 4 weeks prior to the Training Retreats starting (minus 50 Euros administrative costs) with half refundable up to 2 weeks before the start.
Deposits to be paid by Bank Transfer either into an English Bank Account (in Pounds) or into a European Bank Account (in Euros).
Please send any Completed Booking Forms or Inquiries to Brian at brian@yogatherapygreece.com
~~~~~~~~~
General Tai Chi Lessons and Classes
No previous experience is required. People of all faiths, ages and ability, even those with disabilities, can study both arts.
Please note all classes are given in English.
Tai Chi Classes in Athens in English
Details to follow.
Regular classes
These will consist of both Tai Chi and Qigong. In particular these classes will work on the various Tai Chi sequences. These forms are based on the Alex Dong curriculum and include.
- The Long Form (Slow Form) – The main form studied
- The Sabre form
- The Advanced Sabre form
- The Straight Sword
- Fast form
- Fa Jing form
- Hao form
- Stick form
Private lessons to small groups and individuals
These are very flexible in nature depending on what aspects you wish to learn and what I believe would be of most benefit. For all class availability and prices please contact by e-mail brian@yogatherapygreece.com or by text to (+44) 7450739562.