Personal Training

A little over two years ago I began to explore the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism and how it can apply to our modern world. I heard much about Tai-ji and Qi-gong, and was interested in how they could help improve my health and overall experience of life.

After disappointing experiences with other teachers who failed to explain the real purpose of the practice, my acupuncturist suggested I get in touch with Faisal at Seven Heavens (who also came highly recommended by the Barefoot Doctor).

Faisal’s approach covers the physical, mental and spiritual elements of the practice. Right from the start he took a great deal of time to explain the essence of Tai-ji and Qi-gong, why they are relevant today and how with regular practise they would benefit my daily life.

For the first few months I had private classes and Faisal took me through the basics – how to breathe, how to stand, how to move, how to walk. His intense focus on the fundamentals is something I didn’t get from other teachers and has proved to be absolutely essential.

Many teachers choose to start with the shorter Tai-ji forms so students can have a sense of achievement more quickly. Faisal’s style, however, is more about learning, so he began by teaching me the Wu-style long form.

At that time I worked long hours in a stressful job in the city, and was often tired and unwell. Being hunched behind a desk had also contributed to a poor posture. After just six months training my posture became more aligned, my physical strength had increased and my all round health had improved.

After a short break travelling I returned to private classes with Faisal as well as attending his weekly group sessions. Over the next six months he took me through the rest of the long form, as well as introducing me to ‘pushing hands’.

During this period, Faisal also began to teach me some of the more subtle aspects of the practice and how they can apply to day-to-day life. It has been amazing to see how these principles have helped me navigate my way through the challenges life has thrown at me.

Now, after just over a year’s training I have learnt the full sequence of 108 movements in the long form. With Faisal as a guide I am now refining my practice, continuing to work on pushing hands and later this year may begin to learn a weapon form!

It feels as though my study of Tai-ji and Qi-Gong has only just begun…

Mr M C