Nine Circles Tai Chi
Health, Strength & Flexibility
Tai Chi & Chi Kung Classes in Highams Park, London
Get in touch: info@ninecirclestaichi.com
Class times and prices
All sessions are held outdoors and cost £10.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
6:00 – 7:15 pm
Tuesday & Thursday
7:15 – 8:30 am
Saturday
Free drop-in 9:00 – 11:00 am for anyone attending 2+ classes a week
What classes cover
Each class covers a range of exercises that build flexibility, tendon strength, and the ability to unify the body's structure through the fascia. The exercises are drawn from the three internal arts (Tai Chi, Xing Yi and Bagua).
Classes are split between the exercises and exploring the Tai
Chi form, with a focus on understanding how we can use the form to improve our body's posture, balance, coordination, and connectivity.
The class format provides practical micro-training techniques that don't require equipment or a long dedicated training session each day. Many of the techniques can be practiced without needing a warm up - in that few minutes between meetings, or a 15 minute tea / coffee break.
What level of experience do I need?
None. If you have experience in any of martial arts, that's great, but it's not required.
What should I wear?
Weather appropriate, loose clothing that allows for easy movement is ideal.
What should I bring?
Bring some water or your drink of preference to stay hydrated. Snacks are fine too.
Will we do any martial arts?
No, this class is not focused on combat. We cover fighting applications of the form, only to understand the forces we want to be able to generate from the movements.
Is there any partner work?
Partner work is entirely optional. We use it to test the tendon and fascia structure with exercises that push and pull from a contact position on the forearm or wrist.
Back Story
Over 20 years ago, following a serious road traffic accident, I turned to Tai Chi to help with my rehabilitation.
I was fortunate to find a class taught by a retired black cab driver called Phil (affectionately known as Loz). He and his students helped me regain a level of movement and flexibility I thought I’d lost.
Following his guidance which included Daoist meditation and Dao-In (a system of gentle stretching and breath work), I found lasting relief from chronic pain.
Unfortunately — and ironically for someone who doesn't have a driving license — I was later involved in a second traffic accident. Phil’s school had closed and I turned to gym training to recover.
I had a great trainer, but one bench press too far resulted in a new injury that forced me to stop training altogether.
Fast forward to a few years ago, I had the good fortune to meet Darren Rose (he's the one on the right) and restarted practicing Tai Chi under his instruction.
Darren’s deep clinical and martial expertise have helped me get a new level of control over correcting the various skeletal and muscular imbalances I’ve accumulated over the years.
I created this class to pass on these practical methods to our local community. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing daily aches, looking for a low-impact way to stay fit, or seeking a deeper dimension to your existing martial arts practice — you are very welcome to join us.