Dragon River school of Tai Chi Chuan

Chen style Tai Chi Chuan, classes in Nottingham, Mansfield, Ravenshead & Alfreton

Health, Wellbeing 
AND Self Defence?

DRAGON RIVER 
TAI CHI CHUAN
- Its not what you think


Quick message for Helen 
- got your message but there's no way to reply for some reason, so I'll answer here - yes the Daybrook classes are running as normal - feel free to come on down any Monday night.



Corona Related News

Sunday 4th October 2020

Hi folks,

All classes are now back in their regular venues, at their regular times (apart from the Alfreton group as we've decided to continue to meet in Alfreton park unless the weather is bad - then we'll meet up at the Leisure Centre instead).

Although there are plenty of COVID-19 precautions, 2m distancing at all times and enough hand sanitiser to lather it all over, things are sort of normal, so if you're interested - come on over to a class.  You can just turn up, or get in touch if you have any questions.

We've had confirmation from the government that the 'Rule of 6' doesn't apply to organised sports groups - as we've already had guidance on risk assessments and risk mitigation, and have been told that as long as we continue to follow them, we're fine to carry on.

Remember there are loads of videos on my Youtube channel including forms, warm up routines and foundation exercises - just look on YouTube for Dragon River Tai Chi and they should all spring up.

And remember - there's the Store page for videos to buy - and treasure forever!


Stay healthy & see you soon,

Dave.


Current Classes:

Nottingham:

Monday evenings, Daybrook Baptist church hall (On Mansfield road, Daybrook)


Derbyshire:

Tuesday afternoons, Alfreton Leisure Centre


Ravenshead: (just south of Mansfield)

Tuesday mornings, The Centre at St. Peter's church hall, Ravenshead


Mansfield:

Monday mornings & Tuesday evenings, St Peter's Centre, Churchside, Mansfield



More details about all of these on the "Current Classes" page - click here


Upcoming events:

No upcoming events


Recent Photos:


What is Tai Chi? & what isn't it?

What Dragon River Tai Chi ISN'T:

Mystical and Esoteric - everything we do is explained in practical terms and basic mechanics

Simple - sorry, there's a fair amount to take in, but hopefully you'll enjoy the varied things we do to learn them

Focussed on gaining 'belts' - just learn & improve at your own pace

Something you can learn in 12 weeks - although the basics are straightforward, Tai Chi is something you can keep improving throughout your life

Entirely based on solo work- sometimes you'll be working with a partner too

Overly serious and po faced - you may smile once or twice, or wince at my bad jokes

Just about waving your arms about - There's MUCH more to Tai Chi than just striking a mystical pose in red pyjamas!


What Dragon River Tai Chi IS:

Practical - everything we do is based on biology and body mechanics

A physical challenge (at least, if you want to work hard - you can) - there's a fair chance you might ache a little after the health & self defence focused session!

A mental challenge - just like most things that are worthwhile - a little patience and persistence is handy

Like the best things in life - something you sometimes do with a partner

A proven method of self defence, where technique and softness generally take precedence over size and strength (although the daytime classes don't tend to cover this aspect)


But overall, its Fun to learn and practice, and in over 20 years practice, I can honestly say I always feel better after a training session, no matter how tired, stressed, or generally rough I felt beforehand - hopefully you will too!


What do you learn in a class?

We generally focus on the health benefits of Tai Chi but some classes also practice the self defence aspects and benefit from the enhanced fitness generated by the more strenuous routines of the Chen style hand and weapon patterns.


All students generally start with the Chen style Foundation *form and then the short Chen 18 posture form, also incorporating Reeling Silk body mechanics exercises, Chi Kung breathing exercises & Push hands (2 person drills developing sensitivity, rooting and timing).


*Form - a pattern of linked postures that form the basis of what most people think of as Tai Chi - except there's a little more to it than just waving your arms about.


After that, it depends on the focus of the class, but some options are:

Liao Jia Erlu (long) & Pao Chui (fast) forms, along with more complex Push hands, weapons & self defence practice, and the occasional meditation if we have time.


See the "Current Classes" page for more details of sessions currently running and what they focus on.




Who am I?

Classes are taught by me - Dave Ashbey - training in Tai Chi since 1993, and teaching since the mid '90s.

Me in China, 2003, posing for a quick pic in the training hall of the village where Tai Chi was invented - before the headmaster noticed!


If you're interested in finding out more, send me an email at [email protected] 


or call me on 07981 488890 to ask any questions you might have.  Remember - there are no daft questions!


Alternatively, take a look at my Youtube channel videos or Facebook page.


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