Tai Chi with Stan

Move slowly. Feel stronger. Leave calmer.

Every Thursday Commencing 19th March 2026 ( 7.00pm - 8.00pm )

What is Tai Chi

Tai Chi (Taijiquan) is a moving meditation — a practice of slow, precise movements paired with relaxed breathing and steady attention. It’s gentle on the body, but it isn’t “nothing.” Done well, it builds balance, coordination, posture, and calm strength.

If your mind is busy, your shoulders are tight, or your body feels like it’s living in a permanent rush… Tai Chi is one of the few practices that trains you to downshift without switching off.

About Stan

Stan has practised Tai Chi since 1993 and has trained across multiple forms and styles, including the widely taught 24-step Tai Chi form as well as competition forms, sword and sabre forms, and Chen style Tai Chi.

He has competed at a high level — including being British National Champion (multiple years) and earning medals at international championships — and he’s also a medical professional who has researched Tai Chi’s health benefits, particularly its effects on mental wellbeing.

Translation: you’re learning from someone with deep experience, clear standards, and a genuine interest in how this practice supports real human health — not just how it looks.

Why People Love it (Benefits)

People often come for one reason — stress, stiffness, fitness, recovery — and stay because it works on multiple levels:

  • Builds leg strength and stability without high impact

  • Improves balance, coordination, and posture

  • Helps regulate the nervous system (less “wired”, more steady)

  • Supports focus and mental clarity

  • Encourages smoother breathing and body awareness

  • A sustainable practice you can keep for life

Who It’s For

This class is designed to welcome a wide range of people — especially those who think they “won’t be the type” to do Tai Chi.

  • Beginners who want a calm, structured introduction

  • People in their 30s–50s carrying work stress and constant mental load

  • Anyone wanting strength and mobility without pounding joints

  • Those returning to movement after a break

  • Older practitioners who want steadiness, confidence, and flow

  • Anyone curious about a practice that’s both grounding and energising

No flexibility required. No prior experience required.

What Happens in a Typical Class

Each session is taught in a way that’s clear, progressive, and friendly:

  1. Arrival + settling (breath, posture, grounding)

  2. Warm-up movements to loosen joints and build alignment

  3. Core Tai Chi practice (learning and refining key movements/forms)

  4. Closing (quiet integration so you leave feeling steady)

You’ll be guided step-by-step. No one is expected to “keep up perfectly.”

Give What You Can

This class runs on a give-what-you-can basis, with a suggested donation of £5 per class.

If you can give more, it helps keep community classes accessible.

If money is tight, you’re still welcome — no one is turned away.

(Designer note: include donation options: cash box + website link + card if available.)

What to Wear / Bring

  • Comfortable clothing you can move in (no special kit needed)

  • Flat, flexible shoes or clean indoor trainers (or practise in socks if suitable)

  • Water bottle

  • Arrive 5–10 minutes early if it’s your first time

Accessibility / Modifications

Movements are gentle and can be adapted. If you have an injury, health condition, or you’d like a chair option, let us know — we’ll do our best to support you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Beginners are genuinely welcome.

  • No. Tai Chi is often ideal for people who feel stiff or out of shape because it builds mobility gradually.

  • Please tell the teacher at the start. Movements can often be modified, but follow your own limits.

  • Try to arrive on time. If you’re late, enter quietly and join in when it feels natural.

  • Anything comfortable. You don’t need special Tai Chi clothing.

  • Suggested donation is £6. Give what feels realistic for you. No pressure.

  • The centre parking is able to accommodate up to 20 cars. please park mindfully so we are able to make best use of the space available.

  • Yes — come once and see how it feels.

Ready to try it?

Join us Thursdays 7–8 PM, starting 19 March, at the Dhamma Centre, Colchester.

Give what you can (suggested £6)

Reserve your
seat today…