Master Ding Academy focuses on preserving the practice of all aspects of Traditional Tai Chi Chuan.
Master Ding's approach is characterised by a strong empahsis on building health wellbeing, fitness, power and understanding of internal energy, CHI (Qi).
25/08/2026
Largest review of its kind confirms benefits of tai chi and other Chinese exercises Analysis finds ‘high certainty evidence’ of their effectiveness for the 1.7bn people worldwide with musculoskeletal conditions
09/06/2026
Master Ding Academy Open October Residential Retreat 2026
Dates: Saturday 24 October – Saturday 31 October 2026
Venue: St George's School, Sun Lane, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 4TD
The Master Ding Academy Open October Residential Retreat 2026 offers a unique opportunity to step away from the pressures of everyday life and enjoy a week dedicated to relaxation, personal development, and traditional Tai Chi Chuan training.
Set within the attractive campus of St George's School in Harpenden, the retreat provides an ideal environment for focused learning, with excellent training facilities, comfortable accommodation, and convenient transport links from London, Luton Airport, and the motorway network.
Open to participants of all levels—from complete beginners to advanced practitioners—as well as martial artists from other disciplines, the retreat offers rare access to instruction from Master Ding, a 6th Generation Yang Style lineage holder. Through intensive training and expert guidance, participants can deepen their understanding of traditional Tai Chi Chuan and refine their skills in this ancient Chinese art.
Alongside daily training, attendees will have time to relax, recharge, and restore balance between mind, body, and spirit. The retreat also provides a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for shared learning, friendship, and personal growth.
Whether you are new to Tai Chi or an experienced practitioner seeking to advance your practice, this residential retreat promises an enriching and memorable experience. Family members, friends, and anyone with an interest in Tai Chi Chuan or martial arts are warmly invited to attend.
Book early to get Early Bird Discounted course fee!
Don’t wait, book now.
For more information, contact us: [email protected]
02/06/2026
Master Ding Academy Residential Retreat
23rd–30th May 2026
Venue:
St George's School, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
A Week of Deep Learning, Practice and Transformation
Master Ding Academy recently concluded a highly successful one-week Residential Retreat, bringing together MDA Instructors and Advanced Level One members from across Europe for an intensive and rewarding period of study, training, and ongoing personal development.
Throughout the week, participants immersed themselves in the practice of the Academy's three Chi Kung sets, deepening both their understanding and ex*****on of these foundational exercises. Daily training sessions provided valuable opportunities to enhance internal awareness, cultivate energy more effectively, and strengthen the connection between mind, body, and breath.
A major focus of the retreat was detailed form correction. Under the close guidance of Master Ding, Master Alan Ding, and Senior Instructor Mahadeo, students worked diligently to refine posture, alignment, movement quality, and structural integrity within their Tai Chi practice. These corrections enabled participants to gain a clearer understanding of the principles that underpin authentic and effective Tai Chi training.
Push Hands training formed another important component of the programme – Applied Chi. Through partner exercises and practical applications, attendees explored sensitivity, balance, timing, and the dynamic expression of Tai Chi principles. These sessions encouraged greater awareness of connection, listening energy, and the ability to remain relaxed and centred under pressure.
Central to the retreat was the exploration of the Tai Chi principle of Song—the art of deep relaxation without collapse. Through lectures, demonstrations, guided practice, and individual correction, participants developed a deeper appreciation of how Song enhances stability, fluidity, sensitivity, and internal power. Many students experienced significant breakthroughs in their understanding of this essential principle and its application within both Chi Kung and Tai Chi practice.
Beyond the training hall, the retreat fostered a strong sense of community, friendship, and shared purpose. The supportive environment enabled students and instructors alike to exchange knowledge, inspire one another, and further strengthen the bonds within the Master Ding Academy family.
The retreat proved to be an enriching and rewarding experience for all involved, leaving participants with renewed motivation, deeper understanding, and practical tools to continue their personal development and training journey.
Master Ding Academy looks forward to building on the success of this event and welcoming members to future residential retreats and training programmes.
Join Our October Open Retreat 2026
For practitioners wishing to experience the unique training environment of a Master Ding Academy residential retreat, places are now available on our October Open Retreat 2026.
This retreat is suitable for:
- Complete beginners with no previous experience
- Practitioners of any Tai Chi Chuan style
- Martial artists from other internal or external disciplines
Everyone is warmly welcome.
For further information and booking enquiries, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
17/04/2026
Upcoming
Master Ding Academy
Tai Chi for Health Course
Date: Friday, 15th - Sun, 17th May 2026
Time: 10:00 - 16:00
( lunch break 12:30 - 13:30)
Venue:
Master Ding Academy HQ,
Limehouse,
London E14 7JU
Discover a gentle yet powerful way to improve your health and wellbeing.
Developed from the renowned John Ding Foundation Tai Chi Form, this program has been specially designed by Master Ding, drawing on decades of research and over 40 years of experience in martial arts and Tai Chi Chuan teaching. The result is a safe, effective practice that supports balance, relaxation, and overall vitality.
Whether you’re completely new to Tai Chi or looking to deepen your practice, this course welcomes participants of all levels. You’ll gain valuable insight into the principles of traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, while improving your understanding, coordination, and inner calm.
Who can join?
Anyone interested is welcome - from complete beginners to experienced practitioners.
Take this opportunity
- to reconnect with your body
- calm your mind and
- experience the lasting benefits of traditional Tai Chi Chuan
Don’t miss this chance!
For more details, contact us:
[email protected]
Chi Course Chi Training Chi London Chi Health Body Spirit #
| Monday | 6pm - 7:30pm |
| Tuesday | 6pm - 9pm |
| Thursday | 6pm - 9pm |
| Friday | 6pm - 9:30pm |
| Sunday | 10am - 12pm |