Balgownie TaiChi

14/09/2025

What is the best way to learn Tai Chi? Going to a class or learning from U tube and videos at home? I've been asked this question a few times in the last week, and my answer is, whatever feels best for you. For myself I find I learn on a much deeper level when I go to a class and listen to the teacher's instruction to the whole class and any feedback, they might have for me. I like being able to ask questions and clarify points I'm learning. I also love learning with others. I enjoy the group friendship aspect of it. I do use videos at home to practice, and I like the repetition of using videos, but nothing replaces a class for me. What does everyone else find works best for them?

14/09/2025

Hi everyone, there are only two more weeks left of this term, and then we'll pause for a short two weel break.

12/09/2025

What style of Tai Chi do we teach? There are four main styles of Tai Chi, Yang, Sun, Chen, and Wu. We teach primarily Sun and Yang styles. Sun style is performed quite upright and characterised by a follow step that helps a practitioner feel very stable. Yang style is performed with a slightly deeper, and wider stance and slightly more expansive movements. Both styles of Tai Chi are suitable for beginners and long-term practitioners alike.

10/09/2025

In our Tuesday class we’ve been experimenting with our Tai Chi for Arthritis form by using music that’s a little unconventional for tai chi. Since the music that was composed specifically for this form runs to 3 mins 23 seconds, I try to find pieces that are close to the same length, or if anything a little longer, so we slow down even more. Singing along or even just humming in your head can distract you and allow you to feel the flow of the movements without other thoughts intruding. This week’s tune was Bein’ Green and today with the rain pouring down it seems an appropriate choice for practice. We used a cover by Brenna Whittaker in class, but I also like the cover by Ray Charles that runs a little longer. Let us know if you find any other tunes that suit a slow, smooth, continuous flow in your tai chi

https://open.spotify.com/track/0YgJ5B8dNRjrRnv5YwxcZF?si=7CWcNodCS6SNcu4oleuRfA

https://open.spotify.com/track/5b5FJEShWcL8LTQlLJkEVK?si=BdhpV239SBGBuWXJeiAvhg

09/09/2025

What a fabulous article about the benefits of Tai Chi. Published by Harvard Health Publishing, it described Tai Chi as "medication in motion".

Tai chi is gentle and not strenuous. Benefits have been shown to include a positive effect on muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, and it can be practiced by people in nearly any state of hea...

08/09/2025

Spring has arrived with much warmer than usual temperatures.
Please bring your water bottle with you to class, it's important to stay hydrated.

03/09/2025

Our Friday morning 7.30am Tai Chi class starts this week at Dancespace Wollongong.
If you would like to join us for this class, please wear anything you can do gentle movements in, (most office attire would be fine), and comfortable shoes such as sneakers. We do have a change room if you'd like to change before you head to work.
Casual attendance at this class is welcomed, and as always, your first class with us is free of charge so you can see if you like our classes.

02/09/2025

Today's class were amazing. We tried new things involving bang sticks and music and they all open heartedly tried all the new things, and the vibe was lovely. Thanks everyone, your are such a delight to teach. Kara and Jen x

01/09/2025

We get it, you've got FOMO because you are at work when we run our classes. Not to worry, perhaps Fridays at 7.30am might work for you? It will certainly set you up for a zen Friday.
Wear anything you can do gentle movement in, and sneakers. Office attire is fine if you find that easiest. We have a change room you can use after class, to get into your work gear if that's best for you.
Class is held at Dancespace Wollongong in Glebe St.

01/09/2025

Doesn't everyone want to talk about how great Tai Chi is...all the time? 😁

25/08/2025

Look what Jen was shown on her FYP on Insta...This piece of artwork was created by Ju Ming, a Taiwanese sculptor (1938-2023). His most famous body of work was his Tai Chi series inspired by his personal practise.
The piece of work pictured below is called Single Whip. It was created in 1981.
Tai Chi is a blend of Yin and Yang, softness and hardness, strength and gentleness. I feel all of this is captured so well in this piece.

Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Islands Tai Chi

25/08/2025

While Tai Chi may have started as a martial art practise, these days this gentle, peaceful art is generally practised for its many well researched health benefits.
If you would like to try a class, we offer a call on Tuesdays @ 10am at Balgownie Village hall, and a second class Fridays at Dancespace in Wollongong @ 9.30am. Your first class is free to see if you like it. Attendance is casual so you can join anytime.
If you have questions about our classes, feel free to get in contact.
Kara 0435596550.

Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Islands Tai Chi