Taiji London

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, using the body to train the mind.

Taiji (Tai Chi) practice at the opera house in Holland Park, London

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 comes more into focus: using the body to train the mind. From then on, 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 teachers 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.

Morning 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.

Pushing hands during a morning Taiji class in Holland Park, London

Classes are free and open to everyone. No special clothing is required. Before coming to your first session, please get in touch.

The meeting point changes when the opera house area of Holland Park becomes accessible again.

Peter Howe

Peter began practising 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.

Alexis Gilles

Alexis Gilles

Alexis began practising Taiji in 2012 with Frederic Gilles, one of Patrick Kelly's senior students. He now learns with both Frederic and Patrick.

Contact

Teaching

Programme

  1. Portrait of Yang Luchan

    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.

  2. Portrait of Yang Chengfu

    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.

  3. Portrait of Zheng Manqing

    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.

  4. Portrait of Huang Xingxian

    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.

  5. Portrait of Patrick Kelly

    Patrick Kelly

    Met Huang Xingxian in 1973 and trained with him until Huang's death in 1992. Patrick Kelly continues to teach widely in Europe and internationally.

    Read more about Patrick Kelly

Contact

Feel free to get in touch with any questions or queries.

Resources

Patrick Kelly's websites

Senior students of Patrick Kelly

Peter Howe