Taiji and meditation in central London

is an internal style of Chinese martial art, stressing the principles of relaxation and yielding.
We offer a modern step by step training method of this traditional art.

Taiji practice in a courtyard with historic architecture

More about Taiji

The central aim and the highest purpose of Taiji (Tai Chi) practice is internal growth.

Other benefits include a healthier and looser body, greater energy flow, a strengthened immune system, some self defence ability, increased awareness and a quieter state of mind. For some, these benefits may be a large part of what initially draws them to Taiji. But in time, as our understanding deepens, the real purpose of the training - using the body to train the mind - comes more into focus, whereupon the mind to body coordination becomes more important than the body itself.

The essence of Taiji is thousands of years old. It has been refined by long chains of highly evolved old masters over hundreds of years, and the benefits verified by hundreds of thousands of practitioners.

Classes

Classes are open to everybody.

Training regularly is strongly recommended to those who wish to progress.

Classes

Tuesday, 7.45am to 9.15am
Thursday, 7.45am to 9.15am

Sunday training

Informal training together.

Sunday, 10.30am to 1pm

Location

All sessions take place in Holland Park.

Peter Howe

Peter began practicing Taiji in 2000, and has been a student of Patrick Kelly's since 2003. After fifteen years of intensive practice, Peter started teaching, whilst continuing to study under Patrick.

Contact

Teaching

Program

Huang Xingxian 5 Loosening Exercises
Zheng Manqing 37 movement Short Form
Yang Chengfu 108 movement Long Form
Huang Xingxian Quick Fist
8 Fixed-step Pushing Hands
Guided Meditation

Yang Luchan

1799–1872

Foundational figure of the Yang line. The name Taiji was first given to the art of Yang Luchan in imperial records, and he became known as Yang Wudi, Yang the Invincible.
Yang Chengfu

1883–1936

Grandson of Yang Luchan who studied with his father Yang Jianhou and his uncle Yang Banhou, then helped take Yang-style Taiji beyond family circles and created the long form.
Zheng Manqing

1901–1975

Direct disciple of Yang Chengfu who shortened the form to 37 movements to give more direct access to its ideas and principles in modern life, then carried the art into Taiwan and later the West.
Huang Xingxian

1910–1992

Began Taiji with Zheng Manqing in 1947 and became one of his most accomplished disciples. He developed the 5 loosening exercises, systematised push-hands training, and taught the quick fist widely.
Patrick Kelly

Met Huang Xingxian in 1973 and became one of his closest long-term students, continuing until Huang's death in 1992. Patrick Kelly continues to teach widely in Europe and internationally.