JOetaiji
Please read this before scrolling down to fees etc
3 Types of Taiji.
There is genuine traditional true Taiji that we teach, and then there is
'healing' type Taiji or 'gymnastic' Taiji.
We teach the deep aspects of traditional Taiji ensuring that students progress through a long serious training, which produces true inner evolution, a deep well-being and some ability at self-defense based on sensitivity and internal power rather than external strength and speed.
The sublime experience of the past great practitioners is passed down, which requires effort from both students and teachers. The teachers have themselves been through such long training previously, with their own genuine teachers.
However,
much more commonly, you will come across "healing" Taiji where people practice lightly to feel outwardly better for the brief time that they are in the class and recover from the pressure of work and daily life. Like modern 'Yoga", there is some external value in this but it does not lead to internal refinement.
And thirdly you may see "gymnastic" or purely martial Taiji where all esoteric training is scorned and either beautiful "wushu" postures, or rough fighting movements are trained, often with silk uniforms, sometimes for competition. This Taiji was officially promoted over the last 60-70 years but has mostly lost the refined subtlety of the original art.
These last 2 methods are typically taught merely as a means of making a living. The lightly trained instructors, easily create new movements and systems which propagate their own simple ideas. These methods increase attachment to and identification with the body (consolidating the ego).
This is a long way from the great purpose of the deep and subtle art of true Traditional Taiji that we teach that we teach.
I suggest you think twice before investing your time in these last 2 - ask yourself what is really important in your life, then stay true to that and make your choice.
HOW TO START:
Beginners classes - 1hr - Pay as you go.
Just come along and join in, or sit and watch a class, and ask your questions.
Intermediate classes - 1.5hr - Monthly fee - Training twice a week or more.
We accept highly motivated, strongly interested people, and those who are progressing from the beginners classes.
If you are unsure it's better to join the beginners classes and start from there.
Please Note: We don't teach seated Taiji, so you have to be able to stand and move around for the duration of the class.
By far the best value is to pay the monthly fee, training twice a week or more for the same fee. Included in your monthly fee is a series of instructional step by step video lessons to help your early learning.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
FEES, HOW MUCH?
Beginners Classes - 1hr - £8 per class - 'try for five'
Try your first 2 classes at £5 per class. Come and see if it's for you.
These classes give you a chance to experience what we do.
The expectation is that after the 'ease in' period gaining familiarity with the 5 Loosening exercises, First section of the Short Form, and introduction to Daoist Meditation, you will be ready to join the intermediate classes training twice a week or more. See the article on training twice a week under the 'More' / 'Articles' tab.
Intermediate Classes - Twice a week or more.
Monthly Payment of £60 per month (best value by far) means you can train at as many classes as you choose and mix and match to suit your weekly diary.
(or £12 per class but with the proviso you train twice a week, or £20 / week in advance)
Ideally you will have gained some experience in the beginners classes.
Additionally, it gives you the 5th week in a five week month free,
and access to the instructional video reference material specially designed to support your early learning.
We know from extensive experience that twice a week training is a minimum to ensure progress - Think of learning a language or musical instrument.
Advanced students
attend the regular bimonthly multi day seminars to enhance their practice and deepen understanding of the principles.
Note: there are some free resources on my Joetaiji Youtube channel that anyone can access.
search Youtube: JOetaiji@joetaiji8375
Of course you may wish jump straight in after just a few classes decide to commit to training twice a week on your transformational journey. Discuss your suitability with JOe.
Please remember, in our school there are no additional charges to sneak up on you. No contracts, No uniforms, No belts, No T shirts, you just just pay for the classes and that's it!
We offer classes taught by a long trained highly experienced instructor. Even the class assistants will have years of experience. When comparing classes always ask about the experience and qualifications of the instructor.
True Taiji
"Taiji as a moving art trains intention, awareness and intelligence, within the energies of the lower dantian (body and etheric level).
On every level there is an external and an internal aspect.
The external aspect is based in the physical body while the internal aspect is based in the etheric energy field."
Think of learning to play a musical instrument or a new language, if only training once a week you go back to near zero by the time the next lesson comes round.
Financial Difficulty: Talk to me please.
What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes. or trainers.
Do I need equipement?
No.
Am I fit enough?
You will need to be able to stand and move around for the duration of the class. We don't offer seated classes.
If you have specific concerns please consult your doctor before beginning the training.
Taiji is a 'soft' internal art practiced using gentle waves of rhythmic movements and partner exercises. It is suitable for both men and women of all ages and fitness levels.
What happens as I progress?
You will be gaining understanding and experience and starting to refine the 5 Loosening exercises, Short Form, and set Pattern partner exercises.
Each class you will release muscular tension & align the joints more, adding new postures and deepening subtleties Step by Step.
A series of videos are included in your monthly training fee to ensure smooth progress.
There is much more to learn than just the outer shape and sequence of movements, but that's where we all begin. So, relax and enjoy experiencing and new found sense of relaxation and inner calm. You'll be putting in place a smooth, relaxed, aligned, co-ordinated mind and body as you deepen towards your inner transformational journey.
Trained before?
It's not necessary to have done so of course, but we also wholeheartedly welcome those who have trained in Taiji, Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, QiGong, or any other martial art and wish to deepen their understanding and explore the depths of this profoundly deep internal art.
Don't expect it to be the same as what you've done in the past, it almost certainly won't be!
Please come with an open mind!
Ours is a deep, long lineage of teachings, passed down through generations of intelligent masters of the art. Look up Huang Xingxian, and Patrick A Kelly.
We aim for the higher aspects of the art as did the knowledgeable old masters.
Our teaching is completely aligned with the Taiji principles outlined in the Taiji Classics.
BOOKS
By Patrick Kelly (my teacher)
Student Prices - available for students through Joe at the school
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Spiritual Reality £18
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Relax, Deep Mind £27
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Infinite Dao £37
Purchase Patrick's books online with free worldwide shipping at
or see Links page.
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Spiritual Reality
A concise model of the spiritual reality of life, containing necessary and sufficient methods for self-realisation, thereby escaping the otherwise incessant rounds of lives and deaths.
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Infinite Dao
A 35 year account of Patrick Kelly's experiences under the guidance of Daoist, Sufi and Yogi sages. It reveals their essential principles and practices, coloured by the natures of these remarkable sages.
Quality cloth bound flexi cover. 300+ pages.
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RelaxDeepMind
Taiji principles explained, with detailed photographs of the 5 loosening exercises of Master Huang Xingxian and his Taiji Form (based on the 37 move Form of Zheng ManQing)
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Purchase or read more of the books at:
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