Course description
This course aims to
Introduce some of the basic principles of Chi Kung using the ‘8 Brocades of Silk’ system. It will also introduce relaxation techniques as well as introducing Taoist-breathing to relax and revitalise your mind and body.
Who is this course is for?
The course is suitable for complete beginners or for those with some experience. It is ideal for participants of any age or ability.
What will I be able to do by the end of the course?
• Explain 10 of the most basic principles of Chi Kung
• Explain ‘Abdominal’, ‘Effortless’ and ‘Ocean’ Breathing
• Explain the ‘Complete’ breath
• Demonstrate the ‘8 Brocades of Silk’ Medical Chi Kung series
• Demonstrate some of the more common variations
What materials will I need?
There is no special clothing required but please wear loose-fitting comfortable clothing and flat shoes (or Tai Chi shoes if you have them). For safety reasons the minimum amount of jewellery should be worn.
Roughly how much will they cost?
N/A
How will I know I am making progress?
Each week we will work our way through the ten principles in detail, and take one of the 8 movements and study it in more depth. Then the 8 exercises will be repeated at the end of each session. We will study how to apply each of these Chi Kung principles to every posture and each student will develop a greater understanding of Chi Kung in general as well as a greater understanding of this Chi Kung series.
Is there any extra study outside the class?
Feel free to do as little or as much practice outside of the class as you like. I advise that a realistic goal is to practise for one or perhaps two minutes per day. If one day you wish to practise for longer then feel free to do so. Simple ‘standing’ exercises, or movement principles can be practised whilst waiting for the kettle, the bus or whilst in the supermarket queue. Using this method you can slowly introduce practice into your everyday life without the additional stress of sticking to stricter practice regimes. Other aspects of your training including breathing or relaxation techniques can be practised anywhere at anytime. Of course the more repetitions of your actual Chi Kung movements you practise the faster you will improve. Accurate, mindful repetition is the only way I have discovered of improving at anything.
Who is the tutor?
Mat has been training in Asian martial arts since 1982 and in Tai Chi and Chi Kung since 1997. He is fully insured, a qualified first aider and is a registered instructor with the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain. Mat teaches in a down-to-earth and professional manner and offers unique, personal guidance to all his students. There is nothing esoteric or mysterious and everything is taught in a scientific way. Absolutely anyone can learn this wonderful art and teach themselves practical self-help skills to relax and enrich their everyday lives.
What next?
There is a possibility of furthering your Chi Kung understanding with a future improver’s course or to study the related art of Tai Chi Chuan after this course both offered at Friends Centre.
Student Support
At the Friends Centre we are committed to meeting the learning needs of all our students.
We would like to know if you have a disability or impairment such as partially sighted, deaf or hearing impaired, mobility problems or wheelchair user, a mental health difficulty such as depression or anxiety, or a medical condition such as epilepsy or ME. We would also like to know if you are dyslexic, dyscalculic, or dyspraxic. This way we can work with you to make sure you have the support you need while you are studying with us. We also offer classes and support in literacy, maths and IT for anyone who thinks they need some help in those areas. To arrange a confidential interview with our Advice and Guidance Officer, Pat Rosine please call 01273 810210 or email p.rosine@friendscentre.org
Closure of courses
All courses that do not reach minimum numbers will be closed. Before we close a course, providing numbers are reasonable, we discuss with the tutor, and students if the course has started, if there are any ways we could continue. These can include an increased fee, a shorter class time or running for fewer weeks.
Refunds
Refunds are made automatically if the Centre cancels a course. Partial refunds will be made if a course is cancelled before the end of term. Otherwise fees are not refunded, except in very exceptional personal circumstances. Requests for a refund should be made in writing to the Friends Centre. If your attendance is prevented by illness we will be sympathetic but a medical certificate will be required.
Kinsella Hardship Fund
We have a small fund available to help students who have a problem paying fees. Please apply in writing to the Friends Centre, in complete confidence, explaining the reasons for your application. We may be able to offer a reduction of up to half the reduced fee or allow you to pay in instalments over a longer period than usual.
Contact details for this course
Please contact GAE to enrol on this course or for more information.
Contact name
Support Officer Oliver Fisher
Post
Brighton Junction,
Isetta Square,
Brighton,
BN1 4GQ
Telephone
01273 810210
