“The means for achieving health, happiness and wellbeing should be for everyone.”
Grandmaster
Li Li Qun
Our Association is committed to sharing the health and therapeutic practices of Taiji and Qi Gong throughout our local communities, and particularly among older residents, people living with long-term health conditions, and those who have become isolated or vulnerable.
As gentle, low impact forms of exercise that can be tailored to individual needs, they are an ideal way to maintain our health and wellbeing as we get older and help us manage a range of physical, mental and emotional conditions. When practised in a group setting, they can also reconnect us with our local community and enable us to overcome feelings of isolation.
We have delivered tailored classes and programmes within local hospices, health centres, community halls, pensioners clubs, and many other health and community settings, as well as working with leading charities and universities to design and implement pioneering clinical research.
Many of our instructors come from a therapeutic background with considerable experience working with older people, the vulnerable and those with health conditions, and we bring great care, attention and sensitivity to how we teach.
We have developed a mature and growing expertise in delivering Taiji and Qi Gong as health and therapeutic interventions, and welcome the opportunity to work with partners and funders to expand our reach and impact among some of the most vulnerable in our communities.
Sit, Stand, Walk, Talk
“Sit, Stand, Walk, Talk is a wellbeing programme teaching traditional Taiji Quan and Qi Gong therapeutic and meditational practices. It has been developed specifically for older people and those with significant and debilitating health conditions. It includes a focus on falls prevention, and adaptations for those with limited or declining mobility. These gentle exercise and meditation practices can improve your physical and mental health, promote wellbeing and help you overcome feelings of isolation.”
Michael Acton
Founder
We have been successfully delivering our ‘Sit, Stand, Walk, Talk – Tai Chi for Wellbeing’ programme from our Studio in Finsbury Park, North London, since 2019 with funding from Islington Council and Cripplegate Foundation, and more recently Sport England and EMD UK.
This funding has enabled us to develop the programme and offer weekly group classes freely to older and vulnerable residents in Islington and the surrounding boroughs, many of whom have long-term health conditions and experience social isolation and financial hardship.
During the classes, which our experienced instructors tailor to the group’s needs, participants learn a series of physical movements and breathing and meditation practices, which can be done sitting, standing and walking. There is also the opportunity to chat over a cup of tea, so you can meet others and socialise in a safe and friendly environment.
Our evaluation shows that those already taking part have found the classes helpful for their health and wellbeing, particularly improving balance, reducing falls, increasing leg strength and mobility, and relieving anxiety. They have also enjoyed the opportunity for regular exercise, and to meet and make friends.
Our vision is to expand the programme across Islington, other local boroughs and beyond, so that as many older and vulnerable residents as possible can benefit. This includes offering more classes in more locations, and we have also taken the programme online with live Zoom classes and pre-recorded instructional films.
Classes
Mondays at 5pm – Wu Shi Studio, Ground Floor, 20 Blackstock Road, London, N4 2DW
Tuesdays at 10am – Online via Zoom
Wednesdays at 11am – Online via Zoom
Thursday at 2pm – Wu Shi Studio, Ground Floor, 20 Blackstock Road, London, N4 2DW
Classes are free. Donations welcome.
For more information, and to register for the programme and book in for classes, please visit the dedicated website.
“These are great classes, so good to have locally. Friendly, welcoming, with excellent tuition. I am very grateful these classes exist!”
“The atmosphere of the sessions is greatly enhanced by the tutor’s very supportive encouragement and enthusiasm.”
“These classes are superb for mental, physical and social wellbeing.”
Quotes from some of our participants