What is “Chi”? That is the “Chi” in Tai Chi and Chi Kung. One way to describe it is as a conceptual force that moves and flows through all living things and, to a lesser degree, in the inanimate universe. It is everywhere. The concept of Chi is central to Martial Arts and traditional Chinese medicine practice. It is very similar to Prana in Yogic practices and Indian Ayurveda ( traditional Indian medicine).
Chi drives and enlivens physical action and thought.
Over centuries, mainly Chinese monks and certain families and groups found that by meditation, exercises, and breathing correctly, the flow of Chi in any human can be cultivated and enhanced. This has resulted in the practices of Chi Kung and Tai Chi. Chi Kung always comes first and is a series of poses and exercises done while breathing evenly and deeply. They are designed to free up any blockages in the body and mind to the flow of Chi. The Tai Chi form follows this, consisting of a series of slowed-down attacking and defending movements taken from martial arts. In Martial arts, these movements done at martial arts speed can disable and even kill an opponent, but in Tai Chi the combative nature of the movements becomes slow, graceful, and meditative. It becomes peaceful and tranquil and all trace of aggression disappears.
By concentrating on the poses, exercises, and breathing in the Chi Kung and the movements in Tai Chi and perpetually trying to perfect them, one can transcend the existing mental state of any individual. The mind becomes peaceful, the body relaxed, worries and stresses fade, and the state of one's whole entity dramatically improves. It doesn’t happen in a flash but slowly as you proceed to complete your practice. You will notice the improvement at the end everytime.
This is the immediate effect. The long-term effect of doing the practice, if possible once or even twice a day, but at least 3 times a week, is an exceptional overall improvement in physical health and mental wellness.
It is of course recommended, amongst other things, to follow healthy eating practices, sleep sufficiently, cultivate positive relationships, and take some time out doing what you enjoy. But you will also find these things much easier to achieve when practicing Chi Kung and Tai Chi.
Table View Tai Chi and Chi Kung for 40+'s
I will be giving classes in Tai Chi and Chi Kung at the SSC in Sunningdale from 6-7.00pm on Tuesdays from the 2nd of June 2026.
This daily practise is assured to improve and maintain your health and well-being. With the proper tutelage it is easy to do.
Hi all, I'd like to say a few words of warning about the very visible advertising of Tai Chi Apps that make incredulous and impossible claims. They usually display what I suspect are AI-generated images of well-proportioned bodies, often with much older heads superimposed on them. Without saying it directly, they promise to deliver results like this within weeks of using their app. Like all of these ads, they are after your credit card details so they can sign you up for an auto-renewing subscription that is difficult and time-consuming to cancel.
Please stay away. What they infer is entirely false. They give what is a noble and effective practice a bad name. Rather attend face-to-face classes in Tai Chi and Chi Kung at Sunninghill Sports Centre where you can advance in, and learn the postures and moves, and when in doubt, ask me, your trainer, questions directly about them. You only pay a relatively small monthly subscription of R600, which you can cancel at any time if you feel it's not for you for any reason. Still two free classes left for June on the 23rd and 30th, 6-7pm ( no class on the 16th; it's a public holiday). In the meantime, may your chi strengthen you!
Tai Chi & Chi Kung Reminder — Class Tomorrow Night! 🕊️
Just a friendly reminder that your weekly White Crane Tai Chi and Chi Kung class is back again tomorrow, Tuesday, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sunningdale Sports Centre.
For those in the back row who couldn't quite hear last week — good news: I'll have some amplification this week, so no excuses for missing a move! 😄
Whether you joined us last week or have been meaning to come along, now is the perfect time. Classes remain completely FREE for the rest of June, so there is truly nothing to lose and everything to gain.
We cover a series of Chi Kung energy exercises to warm up the body, followed by the beautiful and flowing empty-hand Tai Chi form — ideal for all ages, especially those of us in the 40+ bracket looking for low-impact, high-reward movement.
No experience needed. Just wear comfortable clothing and bring yourself.
📍 Sunningdale Sports Centre
🗓️ Tomorrow — Tuesday, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
💸 FREE for the month of June
Questions or want to confirm your spot? Find my contact details (mobile & WhatsApp) on our page: Tai Chi and Chi Kung for the 40+'s
Hi All, Just a reminder of the continuing free classes for June Tuesdays ( except the 16th) in Tai Chi and Chi Kung at the Sunningdale Sports Centre. Please be there tomorrow night 6-7pm. Because of the large group attending last week, I will be bringing along a voice enhancer to reach the back rows! New attendees welcome. Looking forward to seeing you all. Its winter so let's get that Chi flowing! Patrick
The White Crane spread its Wings tonight at Sunningdale Sports Centre.A class of over 30 turned up an we went through all the Chi Kung foundation exercises.Hope fully you will be back next Tuesday and you will bring friends along for the rest of the free classes on Tuesday in June.But just a note: one lady pointed out that 16th June is a Tuesday.I didnt realise this. 16th is a public holiday so no class that day.
To the lady who has arthritis in her knees.I have used a specific exercise to manage that in my left knee.I don't notice it anymore after doing this. I didnt get a chance to touch on this tonight but can do at the next class.
It is generally accepted by health and wellness experts worldwide that Tai Chi is an excellent daily practice to adopt to improve and maintain health and fitness.
Read these and make a self-empowering decision. See us at SSC in Sunningdale, Cape Town, for free classes for the month of June every Tuesday, 6-7.00pm.
These are some extracts from a summary of what the Mayo Clinic ( one of the world's foremost centres of health and wellness) in the USA has to say.
"Most forms are gentle and suitable for all ages and abilities, especially older adults, as tai chi emphasizes technique over strength and is low impact."
"Preliminary research suggests tai chi may reduce stress, anxiety, and depression; improve balance, flexibility, muscle strength, sleep quality, and cardiovascular health; lower blood pressure; relieve chronic pain; and enhance energy, endurance, and well-being."
"For best results, take classes from qualified instructors who can teach proper techniques, breathing regulation, and safety".
"Even brief practice or mental visualization of tai chi concepts can aid stress relief."
"Consistent practice maximizes stress reduction and health improvements."
23/05/2026
I have recently moved to Table View from Pretoria, where I attended weekly classes with Tai Chi Master Ainslie Smith, who has been running the Irene School of Tai Chi Quan for over 28 years. I was a member of the very first class in 1998. I have since practised Tai Chi and Chi Kung, its sister discipline, daily.
I am competent and well-practised in the open-hand form of Tai Chi and two sword forms. I am also practised in many Chi Kung exercises. It is recommended to do Chi Kung exercises for 15 minutes +( variously spelt Qi Gong, Qigong Ch'i Kung) before doing Tai Chi forms. But I miss the conviviality of attending classes, indeed, I believe greater "Chi' is engendered when groups learn/practise together at regular intervals. I also have the desire to share what I think is one of, if not the best, health and fitness practises there is, and also a great way to quieten the mind and attain peace and tranquility of the soul in this turbulent and hectic world. I have therefore decided, for my own benefit as well as that of any attendees, to give classes in these two disciplines, Chi Kung and Tai Chi, at the SSC here in Sunningdale weekly, 6-7.00pm on Tuesdays, free for June 2026. All are welcome.
Please come in light but warm and comfortable clothing and light but comfortable footwear.
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1 Hampton Place 19 South Rd Tableview
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