This graceful, gentle, and meditative martial art originated in the holy mountains of ancient China. It combines deliberate flowing movements with deep breathing and mindfulness to cultivate harmony between the body and mind. Although famous for being pracitsed slowly, it should not be forgotten that the movements come from the martial arts and can also be explosive and dynamic. Often described as "meditation in motion," Tai Chi offers a unique blend of physical exercise, mental focus, and spiritual nourishment, helping to cultivate inner peace, enhance physical health, relieve chronic aches and pains, strengthen will, and improve internal focus.

Tai Chi

The above photos were taken during my travels in Asia 1999-2002

And these photos were taken here in Barmouth after my return from China. I was nineteen! So serious!

My Story

I began my study of Tai Chi while travelling in China as a teenager. I had asked a local friend to help find me a Kung Fu instructor, since I had dreams of learning from a hard as nails Shaolin monk!

Much to my initial disappointment, an older man turned up instead. Without any explanation, he dragged me outside and made me stand on one leg. Master Yao was not exactly what I had in mind – he smoked, he spat, and would encourage me to drink beer with him. But he was TOUGH, and exactly the right teacher I needed at the time. He would come to my home every day and teach me in private until he was confident enough that I could come to his morning classes without embarrassing him!

A hard task master, Master Yao would often slap my arm into the correct position, force me into painful stretches that made my tendons scream, and leave me to stand in unnatural positions for what seemed like hours. Once he felt I was ready, he would phone me every morning at 5am and shout the single word "Gōngyuán!" (Park!) down the phone, and I would sleepily make my way there to practice with the class in the early hours. That was my first exposure to Tai Chi ... not exactly the stereotypical gentle wise master from the movies, but what an experience.
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Since then I've built on that foundation from Master Yao, training with multiple instructors, most notably in Dr Yang Jwing Ming's YMAA school taught by Martin Evans, the Shaolin Wahnam school under Master Wong Kiew Kit, and Jamie Robson Kung Fu.

What you can expect

Similar to Qigong, Tai Chi practitioners enjoy enhanced mobility and flexibility, increased vitality, and a refined sense of balance, both physically and mentally.
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Unlike medical Qigong, Tai Chi has evolved directly from the martial arts, so practitioners have the added benefit of also learning martial applications and explosive force. However, this is not a combat-focused class - we are focused on health and wellbeing.

In-Person Sessions

I offer classes in Barmouth and the surrounding areas. I share upcoming sessions and special events on Facebook and Instagram as they’re scheduled, so do follow along to keep informed about what’s coming next.

FireFlow classes are made up of several practices:

  • Tai Chi forms

  • Basic steps

  • Stance Training (Zhang Zhuang)

  • Strikes and deflections​

  • Push Hands and Combat application

  • ​Chi theory and energy flow experience