If you have not done Tai Chi Chuan before, the experience you face will probably be new and initially quite alien. However, in time you will become more familiar with the Tai Chi way of moving as will you become accustomed to the effects of Chi flowing within the body. It is also helpful to always remember to approach Tai Chi in a relaxed way, and let your interest and involvement develop at its own natural pace. Try not to learn any new postures until you are fully confident with those that you have learnt previously. Work at your own rate and bear in mind that not everything has to be learnt in the first session – quality is always better than quantity.

Anyone of good character and attitude can come to the classes. Health problems can normally be worked around and must always be declared to the instructor before you start training. Children under the age of 16 must train with a parent or guardian.

Anything loose and comfortable is fine. You can wear flat shoes or trainers if you wish. Official JDIATCC uniforms are available.

A typical lesson consists of:

• Breathing exercises to calm and relax the body and mind (Chi kung)
• Warm up exercises
• The foundation form and long form
• Exploration of the 'principles and concepts'
• Breathing exercises to cool the body down.

The format of the class is a mixture of group practice and personal training time, which gives the opportunity for individual attention. You will be given the opportunity to ask questions and most importantly the time to absorb what is being taught. JDA Instructors are approachable and realistic as to what can be imparted within a session. You will also be supported by the friendly community of students that are drawn to training Tai Chi.

No, in fact within JDIATCC our students range from as young as 16 to those in their sixties and beyond. Tai Chi is not exclusive to any race, gender or age. It is practised by millions across the globe.

At a basic level Tai Chi is a soft flowing low impact exercise uniquely applicable to everybody regardless of age, sex or health. People have achieved great results by using Tai Chi to rebuild mental and physical strength, relieve the effects of muscle/joint disorders, lower blood pressure, manage stress and many other conditions. At more advanced levels the training can be quite vigorous and, should you want, martial. Therefore the opportunity is there to increase the scope of what you do as your strength and health improves.

The literal translation is 'Energy Work'. Within our Yang style Tai Chi Chuan, the Chi Kung consists of a series of standing postures that you hold for a period of time whilst meditating on clearing and centering the mind and body. We use this training to increase our Yi (the mind's intention) and our Chi (internal energy). The mental attitude whilst holding the postures creates a relaxed combination of stillness and strength in mind and body that begins to change the energy patterns in the body, releasing blockages and stengthening the whole system.

Tai Chi Chuan is a martial art which at high levels works by using internal energy alone. To help us to concentrate on training internal energy concepts the initial training is slow, relaxed and to do with building a strong foundation for functioning the art at higher speeds and intensities, should we wish. Tai Chi has become popular the world over as a superlative health exercise for mind, body and spirit.

Yes, many of our students come from a range of backgrounds including Shiatsu, reflexology, yoga, Reiki etc. Tai Chi can help you gain greater insight into many different disciplines.

Tai Chi Chuan can be done at any time of the day or night, although it is better to pick a quiet time to go through your Tai Chi Chuan routine. Some choose to practise in the early hours of the morning when the world around them is at its quietest, and the air is at its freshest. Some use it to refresh themselves after a hard day’s work. Tai Chi Chuan is flexible, and should you decide to a give it a little time each day, the rewards it brings are worth all the time and effort you put in.

People start Tai Chi for a variety of reasons ranging from social to keeping fit. We support all students in whatever their endeavours may be which may include a spiritual development of oneself. However, the practices of the School have no religious connotations.

Yes, this is taught to students who show an interest. Martial applications are an inherent part of learning tai chi and students are encouraged to explore all aspects of JDIATCC tai chi in order to reap the full benefits.