New starters @ £7.50

We offer two beginners classes in Newcastle:

1. Monday 7:00 - 8:00 PM
   - Community Hall, St Andrew's Church, Station Road, Benton, NE12 8AW
    
2. Tuesday 7:00 - 8:00 PM
   - St Teresa's Church Hall, Heaton Road, Newcastle, NE6 5HN

Doors open at 6:45 PM

25% off joining fee until end of February

If you want to try the class, there is no need to e-mail in advance. Just come along.

We welcome adults of all ages. Prior experience is not expected.

New starters are treated as beginners.

We reward long-term membership:

5 years:

1. potentially become an indoor student

7th dan:

1. train to become an instructor in our school

10 years:

1. free annual membership
2. free workshops

20 years:

1. free evening class tuition

New starters @ £7.50

We offer two beginners classes in Newcastle:

1. Monday 7:00 - 8:00 PM
   - Community Hall, St Andrew's Church, Station Road, Benton, NE12 8AW
    
2. Tuesday 7:00 - 8:00 PM
   - St Teresa's Church Hall, Heaton Road, Newcastle, NE6 5HN

Doors open at 6:45 PM

A student must reach a certain standard within a structured syllabus and prove their skill.
They demonstrate the discipline and the knowledge necessary to become an instructor.
Martial arts schools around the world ask the student to be of 3rd dan black belt level.

Not all tai chi schools have grades and belts. But they should at least have standards.

New starters @ £7.50

We offer two beginners classes in Newcastle:

1. Monday 7:00 - 8:00 PM
   - Community Hall, St Andrew's Church, Station Road, Benton, NE12 8AW
    
2. Tuesday 7:00 - 8:00 PM
   - St Teresa's Church Hall, Heaton Road, Newcastle, NE6 5HN

Doors open at 6:45 PM

Do you have what it takes?

A student may decide that they can be an instructor.
This sounds reasonable.
However, can a student assess this for themselves?

It is like a person deciding that they want to climb a mountain.
Have they researched the criteria?
Do they meet with the necessary fitness standards?
Is their skill level adequate?
Can they be trusted to do what they are required to do?

You may think that you are good enough...
So what?
You are not an instructor.
You have not climbed the mountain.
From your perspective you cannot even see how high the mountain is or understand what is involved.

Only the most arrogant person decides for themselves that they are instructor calibre.

Your instructor will assess whether or not you are fit to be a teacher.
It is not for you to decide.

What qualities does your instructor seek?
You need to be:

1. Caring
2. Reliable
3. Earnest
4. Genuine
5. Punctual
6. Motivated
7. Committed
8. Trustworthy
9. Friendly and personable
10. Interested in other people

Beyond this, you need to have actual talent.
You cannot be lazy, indifferent or emotionally unbalanced.

There are 5 levels of Tai Chi Instructor in the UK these days:

1. Health-only Tai Chi Teacher
   - 5 years experience
   - these are the majority
   
2. Tai Chi Chuan Instructor
   - equivalent of 3rd dan black belt in any martial art
   - 5 years experience
   - these people are less common
   
3. Tai Chi Expert
   - 15 years experience
   - 10,000 hours tai chi chuan practice
   - 10 years teaching experience
   - fewer to be found
   
4. Tai Chi Master
   - 25 years experience
   - 30,000 hours tai chi chuan practice
   - 20 years teaching experience
   - pretty rare
   
5. Tai Chi Grandmaster
   - extremely rare

Peter Southwood has graded Sifu Waller as being a Tai Chi Master based upon his practice quality and experience.

Plan your walk such that you have plenty of time to wander, to drift, to explore.
Find avenues that are away from the bustle and the noise. Places of quiet and calm. Relish the solitude, the integrity of being alone yet united with all things. Feel your place in the world. Enjoy the easy rhythm of your stride.
Let your body loosen as you walk. Feel the ground. Be whole