Traditional Tai Chi Chuan

29/09/2025

21/06/2025

International Master Ding Academy
We teach Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan as it was meant to be practiced - a complete system including internal martial art with deep roots and real-world power.

✅ Lineage direct from Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan
✅ Martial applications + internal energy training
✅ Open to all levels – beginners (no experience needed) to Advanced level
✅ Branches across the UK & Europe

The International Master Ding Academy aims to preserve authentic practice of traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan.

The Academy introduces four foundational pillars of Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, as taught in the living lineage of Master Ding, 6th Generation Master of the Yang Style tradition.

1. Introduction to Tai Chi Chuan
2. The Master Ding lineage and Yang Style roots
3. What makes Tai Chi Chuan a martial art
4. How to start your Tai Chi Chuan journey

First Pillar: Introduction to Tai Chi Chuan:
Traditional Tai Chi Chuan Is More Than Just Slow Movement

Tai Chi is often misunderstood as just gentle exercise or moving meditation. But in its true form, it is a complete system including as an effective internal martial art—built on centuries of philosophy, discipline and martial training.

Check out the link for more in depth article on the First Pillar – Introduction to traditional Tai Chi Chuan.
https://bit.ly/4jYSRfc

We will look at the next pillar in our next posting.

If you are interested in joining our Beginners Course (1 lesson per week over 6 weeks) held on the first week of each month at Master Ding Academy HQ: Limehouse E14 7JU or South Woodford E18 1ET, do contact us for more information:
info@masterdingacademy.com

For classes at our branches across the UK and Europe, do check our branches directory and contact our listed instructors directly on our website:
www.masterdingacademy.com

“Join the International Master Ding Academy and start your Tai Chi journey in a tradition that lives on”

Happy Chi!

01/06/2025

Master Ding Academy Annual Instructors Retreat 2025

Master Ding recently conducted the MDA Annual Instructors’ Retreat 24th -31st May 2025 assisted by Master Alan Ding and his senior student Doosyant Mahadeo, bringing together participants from across Europe. The retreat involved intensive training sessions designed to deepen understanding and enhance skills in traditional Tai Chi Chuan for both new and returning instructors.

This year’s theme focused on the Tai Chi Chuan principle of “Tun”
(團) - the mind, body and spirit united as one. Throughout the retreat, participants engaged in focused practice, learning how to embody this principle in their movements and mindset.

As always, the retreat concluded with a lively social evening, where attendees had the opportunity to showcase their own individual talents in a relaxed and joyful setting.

It was a rewarding experience for all, with great training, shared learning with lots of exchange hands (gau shou) and memorable moments with Sifu Ding.

22/12/2024

MDA Newbury Tai Chi Winter Newsletter - Dec 2024 - See our newsletter containing :
- Dates for your diary
- Tai Chi News
- Tai Chi tips

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from MDA Newbury
https://mailchi.mp/5d069b11ae99/mda-newbury-tai-chi-winter-newsletter

16/12/2024

Tai Chi Course – 6 Week Beginners
New Year 2025, New You:
This New Year starts your journey - discover the balance, strength, and peace you deserve.

Start the New Year with a commitment to your health, fitness, and inner strength. Strong Body Still Mind.

Our Tai Chi for Beginners course is the perfect way to embrace a fresh start, offering a harmonious blend of exercise, relaxation, and practical self-defence.

Make This Your Year to:
• Get Healthier: Improve flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance your energy.
• Feel Fitter: Strengthen your body and improve your balance with gentle, effective movements.
• Gain Confidence: Learn practical self-defence techniques in a supportive environment.

Course Details:
Duration: 6 weeks – attending 1 lesson per week
Starting the first week of each month at Master Ding Academy HQ, centre of excellence and established in 1970's.
2 Venues: South Woodford E18 1ET or Limehouse E14 7JU

No matter your age or fitness level, this course is your opportunity to create a new, healthier you.

Spaces are limited, so book your spot today!

Contact us for more details: info@masterdingacademy.com
or visit our website:

02/12/2024

Applied Chi

The importance of Posture Testing

The testing of individual postures within our Tai Chi Chuan forms should always form an integral and regular part of Tai Chi practice. A posture that is correct (or more properly correctly positioned) will always have natural, intrinsic strength and stability. Conversely, a posture that is incorrect will be weak and unstable. This is a fundamental Tai Chi concept. It is said that correct postures allow energy channels to be unblocked, resulting in natural Chi flow. It is this that gives our postures stability and innate strength. With the aid of partner who can ‘test’ for stability and strength in your postures will mean that you have a direct measure of the correctness of the posture. Postures which are strong and stable to testing should reassure you that the posture is correct. However if after testing, a posture weak and unstable, this should alert you that your posture may be incorrect, and may need attention either by yourself, peers or instructors. By excising postures from the Tai Chi form, and presenting them in this continuing series, it is our hope that they will guide you in being able to use ‘Testing’ as a tool for correct form practice.

Posture Testing
Testing takes time, and demands attention to detail. It may only take minor positional errors to create energy blockages and hence cause your posture to collapse under testing as the classic says “ miss an inch miss a mile ”. Something as simple as a raised shoulder or ‘mis-positioned’ stance can greatly hinder postural strength and stability. By ensuring we are methodical and thorough in our approach to positioning postures, lessens the likelihood that we unconsciously slip into these simple errors, which make our postures weak and unstable.

The need for a methodical and thorough approach reflects the style in which these articles are written. Each posture described is divided into two main headings, ‘Posture’ and ‘Testing’, with references made to the relevant diagrams which also provide an important reservoir of information.

The ‘posture’ section will show how to position yourselves into the posture before we test. You will find the posture described from the feet upwards. By using the same method when positioning yourself into the posture will mean that you will develop a systematic method of checking and rechecking that all the body components are addressed, minimising the chance of simple unconscious mistakes to creep in! Once you feel happy with your posture move to the ‘testing’ section which will guide you and a partner to ‘test’ the posture. Testing is simple, and literally relies on a partner to push on your posture, so that you can assess your own stability, and structural strength.

Remember that it is important at all costs that you avoid using muscular strength as your partner pushes your structure. Tai Chi Chuan is an internal martial art that is based upon the flow of Chi energy, and the strength of your posture should be derived from this energy, and not tensile muscle strength. As you partner ‘tests’ you, stay calm, and more importantly maintain muscle relaxation, focusing your mind beyond the point of push. Only by doing this will you be able to harvest the posture’s innate hidden strength. Reverting to physical force will mean that you lose this intrinsic strength, and instead will be fighting force with force.

If your posture is correct and you stay relaxed, Chi energy will flow and you will find your posture’s stabile and solid to testing. It is beyond the scope of these articles to cover all Tai Chi variations of postures, and whilst all Tai Chi forms are not the same, all good Tai Chi postures should be strong to testing. No matter what form of Tai Chi you do, adhering to the Tai Chi principles will ensure that postures are strong and solid, and hence correct! Whilst we only describe one of the diversity of Tai Chi forms, much of what is written will reflect upon many of the Tai Chi principles. Either by following the posture section or by checking the posture section for underlying Tai Chi principles and incorporating them into your own form will help the flow of Chi energy, making your postures strong to testing.

Remember these articles are not a substitute for a good instructor who can refine your movements further, as well as add to other aspects of your Tai Chi practice.

These articles are meant as a learning aid as well as a point of discussion for all Tai Chi practitioners. It should also highlight the importance of testing within Tai Chi practice, and enable you to independently (with the aid of a partner) assess the ‘correctness’ of a posture.

Lastly it is just as important to enjoy testing. Knowing for sure that a posture is correct through testing first hand, (and not just through your teacher’s instruction) will give you confidence and reassurance to move forward and carry on with your learning.

In our next article, we shall take a look at how to test some of our postures in the Long Form. if you are interested to find more information on posture testing articles, these can be found in our digital magazine website: www.taichialternativehealth.com

Master Ding Academy runs monthly beginners course to give you a good understanding and insight in traditional Tai Chi Chuan. Contact us for more information: info@masterdingacademy.com

29/10/2024

Master Ding Academy
October Open Residential Retreat
19th - 26th October 2024

Participants of the recent October 2024 Open Residential Tai Chi Retreat thoroughly enjoyed the unique experience Master Ding Academy offered.

Set against the peaceful backdrop of Hockerill Anglo-European College, they immersed themselves in comprehensive Tai Chi Chuan training under the guidance of Master Ding and his instructors. Attendees appreciated the chance to refine their skills, deepen their understanding of Traditional Tai Chi Chuan, and experience the harmony of mind, body, and spirit.

The retreat fostered not only individual growth but also a warm community, where practitioners from all levels and backgrounds connected, learned together, and formed lasting friendships. Happy Chi.

If you are interested to attend 2025 Open October Retreat, do check our website: masterdingacademy.com. Make sure you book early to get a discounted course fee.

Here are some participants' feedbacks:

This was my 6th retreat since april 2022. It has been a week of intense but very rewarding training for all and so much to try and take away. A great chance to catchup with old and new faces as well as seeing how far everyone has progressed from the beginning to the end of the week. Amazingly collaborative environment and great teaching by Sifu to ensure we get the maximum out of it. Can't recommend enough for anyone interested in Tai Chi.
Xin J

This was my first retreat with Master Ding Academy, and I had an amazing time in Bishop Stortford! The instructions from Sifu and the guidance from Ross were brilliant, and I would highly recommend anyone who wants to improve their Tai Chi to attend. I felt like I learned so much about Tai Chi and also realised how much there still is to learn! The senior students answered all my questions in a simple and understandable way and were always happy to help. I’ve had countless things pointed out to me that I now have the chance to work on! The first step really is noticing! Also, the group was very friendly and energetic, and I thoroughly enjoyed the musical performances during the social event.
Leon F

Friendly, challenging, open, tiring, educational and inclusive are all words I've used about the October 2024 retreat. Master Ding and Ross provided a wonderful opportunity to learn true Tai chi. Many of his other instructors were there, and many less experienced people, too. Master Ding and Ross set a giving, open tone from the beginning. That was common to everyone, all week. Everyone shared their knowledge freely. It could not have been a better first- time experience for those of us new to the school. To quote a former Governor of California, " I'll be back!"
Eric B

A fantastic retreat.... excellent teaching, I learned lots, just hoping I can remember it all. The atmosphere was brilliant, everybody helped each other, and we became a big family, full of joy and learning. Thanks again, Sifu
Éamon

It's a wonderful retreat!
I love the use of 4 mats for Fajin exercise at the retreat. This makes the turnaround quite fast and efficient. (Everyone loves it)
So as the 'training in a line' where we need to test the same technique on everyone and have Sifu instruct every one of us once in a while. (Again, everyone loves this setup)
The accommodation is great. The staff are lovely and helpful.
Pheobe S

The recent retreat was exceptional and transformative for me in its three dimensions; mind body and spirit, in a way that words would never be able to truly describe. I lived it.

I had a moment of realisation about Tai Chi when Sifu talked about growth, movement and spirals. He referred to the ancient Chinese Masters taking their inspiration from the natural world; plants, animals etc.. While knowing at one level that the body and the organism are not one and the same, this fact became a knowing on another level for me on this occasion.
Norita

26/09/2024

Master Ding Academy
Open Residential Tai Chi Retreat
Saturday, 19th - Saturday, 26th October 2024

There is still time to join Master Ding Academy specially organised residential retreat, open to practitioners of all levels and styles of Tai Chi (from complete beginners to advanced) as well as martial artists from other disciplines. The retreat will be held at Hockerill Anglo-European College in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire -just 10 minutes from Stansted Airport.

What’s Included :
- A comprehensive package offering full board and lodging, plus exceptional Tai Chi Chuan training.
- An unparalleled opportunity to train with Master Ding and his instructors, deepening your understanding and enhancing your skills in traditional Tai Chi Chuan.
- A unique training environment that you won’t want to miss!

A rare opportunity to study under Master Ding, perfect for anyone looking to elevate their knowledge and mastery of the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi Chuan. As the Tai Chi classics say:

"A small error at the beginning will lead you far from the goal"

This retreat offers you the chance to step away from your busy routine, relax, re-energize, and bring balance to your mind, body, and spirit. There will also be plenty of fun and the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and forge new friendships while learning Tai Chi Chuan.

We have extended the early bird course registration deadline to 7th October 2024. Don’t miss your chance to book - spaces are limited! Please share this information with any friends or family who may be interested.

Remember, the Open Retreat welcomes everyone—from complete beginners to seasoned Tai Chi practitioners, as well as martial artists from other styles.

For more details, contact us:
info@masterdingacademy.com

23/09/2024

Tai Chi practitioners often asked why there are so many proliferations of Tai Chi Chuan styles being practiced i.e. Chen, Yang, Wu, Mo, Sun etc. Even within the same style, differences can be still found in the form.

The various styles and the differences in the form are quite normal as long as the Tai Chi principles and concepts that underpin the postures work are applied.

The main reason for the differences observed in Tai Chi Chuan is due to different focuses on postures as emphasised by various masters. As long as each posture is correctly aligned and work when tested, it is fine. To ensure that you are on the right track, each posture should be tested? When it works, it should be natural and effortless when executing the posture without resorting to physical force. The testing of individual postures within our Tai Chi Chuan forms should always form an integral and regular part of Tai Chi practice. If it is not, no amounts of time spend on your current Tai Chi will help you realise the true essence and reap the benefits of the art in its entirety.

No matter what form of Tai Chi Chuan you practice, adhering to the Tai Chi principles will ensure that postures are strong and solid, and hence correct. Only through such approach, will you be able to achieve the highest levels of excellence and purity of the ancient art.

Next posting:
We shall look at the importance of Posture Testing in your Tai Chi Chuan practice

18/09/2024

Tai Chi Chuan Principles & Concepts:
Wang Tsung Yueh's
(王宗岳)
Thirteen Postures Of Chi Circulatory Movements
以心行氣，務令沉著，乃能收斂入骨。
Yǐ xīn xíng qì, wù lìng chénzhuó, nǎi néng shōuliǎn rùgǔ

Use the "Xin"(or heart) to circulate the Chi to ensure that it sinks and thus enable it to gather in the bones

Explanation:
The Chinese character for “Xin” (i.e. 心 ) in this context refers to the intent of the mind. To enable the Chi to circulate, one must use the intent of the mind to move the Chi, hence the phrase:

意到氣到
Yì dào qì dào

Chinese or translated meaning :
When the intent arrives, Chi energy will also arrive

The intention should focus on sinking and settling the Chi to enable it to gather in the bones. This process will enhance Chi circulation around the body. With the intention of sinking, the breathing becomes natural and effortless. Such gathering of Chi in the bones over time makes the bones grow stronger and heavier and results in the growth of one’s internal power. This is applied in Chi Kung, Form practice and applications.

18/09/2024

Welcome to Master Ding Traditional Tai Chi Chuan.

This page is your gateway to exploring Traditional Tai Chi Chuan for both health and well-being, as well as mastering it as an effective internal martial art system.

Under the guidance of Master Ding, 6th Generation Yang Style Lineage and First Disciple of Grandmaster Ip Tai Tak and Master Alan Ding, 7th Generation Yang Style lineage, both internationally recognised Tai Chi Chuan masters, you will discover how this ancient Chinese practice promotes physical vitality, mental clarity, and inner balance. Whether you seek improved flexibility, reduced stress, or the strength and grace of a skilled martial artist, our teachings cater to all levels.

Follow us for updates on various aspects of Traditional Tai Chi Chuan practices, wellness tips, and insights into how Tai Chi Chuan can transform your life, both in body and mind.

May the Chi be with you always!

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Tai Chi Chuan Principles & Concepts:

Wang Tsung Yueh's
(王宗岳)
Thirteen Postures Of Chi Circulatory Movements
以心行氣，務令沉著，乃能收斂入骨。
Yǐ xīn xíng qì, wù lìng chénzhuó, nǎi néng shōuliǎn rùgǔ

Use the "Xin"(or heart) to circulate the Chi to ensure that it sinks and thus enable it to gather in the bones

This will be explained in our next posting.