Camrose Tai Chi

Haverfordwest, Pembs. Special consideration given to those with diabetes, arthritis and other conditions challenging free movement and balance.
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Sun Style
This is the most recent of the classical tai chi styles and was developed by Sun Lutang in the first half of the 20th century, based on his wide knowledge of other styles and internal Chinese martial arts. It is characterised by an upright posture and narrower stances, with the back foot often taking a nimble half step up to come closer to the leading one.  There is less stress on the knees and hips than with other styles, and for these reasons it is favoured as a style more accessible to those with joint problems. Dr Paul Lam based his well known programmes for arthritis, diabetes, back pain etc on selected Sun style moves.  There is plenty of information on the Web, including videos on You Tube for those who wish to find out more. Try http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/suntaichi, where you will also find other suggested links. The classical long form has 97 movements and the more recent competition form 73, some of which are more demanding and athletic than the originals.

Unfortunately it has been found that the demands of learning such a long sequence are beyond the ambitions of many of those who would benefit. What was needed was a system which would teach traditional Sun forms with classical thoroughness but give students the ability to enjoy a taste of the flow and rewards of  tai chi after a shorter period. Enter the VETCH system!

Variable Easy Tai Chi for Health

"Easy" here doesn't imply compromise.  Selected moves are learned properly but in groups of no more than half a dozen, arranged so that each can be repeated without a pause as often as desired. Beginners can experience the pleasure and benefits of "doing tai chi" much earlier than if they must struggle to learn a long sequence or  "form" straight away. Another advantage over beginning with the traditional long form is that each group is also done in its mirror image, so developing each side of the body equally. After all five groupsof moves have been  absorbed the student can practice them singly or consecuitively as desired. By this time (s)he will have learned many of the elements of the long form of 97 moves (which contains some repeats)   This method also has the advantage that in theory beginners can join part way through the year as each section is complete in itself - although it has to be said that the easier ones come first.

While this system is primarily designed for those who may be quite content to take it no further, anyone wishing to go on to learn the full form will find most of the moves already familiar. Any  beginner will find it a very useful introduction to basic principles, which can then be applied with a few adjustments to any other style he or she may wish to learn later.