Mountain River, founded by Tai Chi instructor Keith Robertson in 1993, also runs classes in two other West London locations. The Friendship Club –- recently awarded a £190,000 Lottery grant -- will be used for the school’s beginners, intermediate and advanced classes as well as Robertson’s own private tuition sessions.
Tai Chi or Tai Chi Chuan to use its full title, is a national treasure of China. Originally famous foremost as an excellent martial arts fighting system, Tai Chi has become extremely popular over the last century as a healthy exercise regime offering relaxation, self –cultivation and timeless wisdom, all contained within a fascinating self-defence system.
Want to re balance today’s stresses and get fit for life? Like to use ancient Eastern wisdom to become more centred, calm and relaxed? Tai Chi is a gentle exercise discipline that promotes a peaceful mind and body while raising vitality.
Tai Chi is suitable for individuals across a very broad spectrum, from the very active to the less energetic. Recent scientific studies confirm the benefits to people’s health. Tai Chi is akin to moving meditation and each person who embarks on the programme has the potential to gain real value.
“Total mastery of Tai Chi is beyond most peoples grasp -- we all lead busy lives,” says Robertson. “In my opinion, however, this should be seen as a positive statement. I believe that everyone can gain from doing Tai Chi, regardless of ability. That should not be interpreted as believing that just turning up once a week will do the trick; rather, the gains accumulate the more you practice. Little practice small yield, more practice equates to larger rewards.”
While it is unlikely that Tai Chi can cure all ills, most practitioners claim it has many benefits. Indeed, Tai Chi is often recommended by doctors, osteopaths and physiotherapists for such conditions as back pain, multiple sclerosis and arthritis while many people recovering from strokes and heart attacks feel it is a lifeline.
Keith Robertson has been studying Yang family Tai Chi since the Eighties. He first started to share Tai Chi as a junior instructor in 1991 and founded Mountain River two years’ later. Robertson personally takes each class.
Further details of Mountain River Tai Chi –- and the beginners’ classes -- can be found on www.mountainriver.org.uk
