About T'ai Chi
T’ai Chi is is a gentle exercise which benefits mind body and spirit. It has a rich grounding in symbolism and ancient Chinese philosophy. More than just a “dance,” this martial art is reputed to -
Strengthen the body, whilst relaxing and focussing the mind.
Develop a sense of good posture, balance & co-ordination
Improve stamina, flexibility & strength
Combat stress, depression & help manage pain
Improve quality of breathing & sleep
Relax & develop clarity of mind
Help older people to build & maintain strength, minimising trips & falls
Nurture a general sense of wellbeing & vitality
T’ai Chi can be practised by all ages. Students are always encouraged to work within the limitations of their own body. In T’ai Chi we never stretch more than 70% of our maximum.
When practised well, T’ai Chi can nurture a state of mind which is alert and agile yet relaxed, providing a certain clarity of thought. And applying the principles of T’ai Chi to everyday life can provide a warm, balanced, open-hearted approach to living and wellbeing.
Helen teaches the T’ai Chi Chu’uan Yang Long Form.
About Helen
Helen has been teaching T’ai Chi in Witney since 2006; and previously in North London at the Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute. Helen was fortunate enough to have learnt the T’ai Chi Yang Long Form from the talented Laila de Lys, who was in turn a student of the late Gerda “Pytt” Geddes. In fact, with a little help from her friends*, Helen has traced her T’ai Chi “ancestors” as far back as 1771, to Master Ch’en Chang-hsing!
*Thanks & acknowledgments go to Ian Mac, who introduced himself to Helen as a co-ordinator of a group of ex-students of the late Gerda Geddes.
As a busy working mum of three, Helen knows very well what it means to have a busy pressured life at times. Helen is keen to share T’ai Chi’s relaxing benefits with those in need of some quiet time and relaxation. Helen is careful to create a warm, relaxed, friendly & inviting atmosphere in her classes.
Helen is appreciative of her regular T’ai Chi classes, since they have provided a super opportunity to connect with like-minded, warm, generous-hearted, accepting people – of all ages & backgrounds.
Rich heritage – T’ai Chi Yang Long Form
The T’ai Chi Chu’uan Yang Long Form takes its name from the Yang family. There’s a long history, which can be traced back to Yang Lu-ch’an, who as a young apprentice in the Chen household would “spy” on the Chen family during their T’ai Chi lessons – until then, the Chen style was very much kept as a family secret! The young Yang Lu-ch’an mastered this Form well, and adapted the movements, creating his own “Yang” style.
It’s incredible to know that my students are now part of such a long T’ai Chi lineage. Here’s my “T’ai Chi Family Tree”
Ch’en Chang-hsing (1771 – 1828)
Yang Lu-Ch’an
Yang Chen Hou
Yang Cheng Fu (also taught Cheng Man Ch’ing)
Choy Hak Fung
Choy Kam Man
Gerda “Pytt” Geddes (brought T’ai Chi to the UK)
Laila De Lys
Helen Blantz