T'ai Chi Chuan is an art and system of movement based on internal strength. Every action should be an integrated movement of the whole body expressing a focused intention. It is a healthy and relaxing exercise, a martial art and form of self defence. It is also an aid to personal development as well as an enjoyable activity in itself.

We practice the Chen family style which is the oldest and parent form of other tai chi chuan styles. Chen style is characterised by its lower stances, more explicit Silk reeling and bursts of power (fa jin). The University Tai Chi Society practises the Laojia form, silk-reeling, qigong and and partner work.

Classes are taught by Andrew Gibson. Andy has been practicing and teaching for many years, and has introduced many people to Tai Chi.

If you'd like to know more or have any suggestions, please come along to a class or get in touch: taichi@ed.ac.uk.

When and where?

Classes run during the university semesters as follows:

  • First Semester: 21 Sept to 16 December (2010)
  • Second Semester: 11 Jan -> 24 March, and 19 April -> Thurs 26 May (2011)
Traditionally, the practice continues for most of the summer outdoors, in one of Edinburgh's parks.

Tuesdays, 1900-2100 in the Potterrow Chaplaincy. Fridays, 1900-2100 in the Pleasance or Teviot.

Chaplaincy Teviot/Pleasance
Week 1JAN 17Room1JAN 20Billiard
Week 2JAN 24Room1JAN 27Billiard
Week 3JAN 31Room1FEB 3Billiard
Week 4FEB 7Room1FEB 10Billiard
Week 5FEB 14Room1FEB 17Billiard
Week 6FEB 21Room1FEB 24Billiard
Week 7FEB 28Room1MAR 2Ochil
Week 8MAR 6Room1MAR 9Billiard
Week 9MAR 13Room1MAR 16Billiard
Week 10MAR 20Room1MAR 23Billiard
Week 11MAR 27Room1MAR 30Billiard
Week 12APR 3Room1APR 6Ochil
Week 13APRVACATION
Week 14APR 17VACATIONAPR 20Billiard
Week 15APR 24Room1APR 27Billiard
Week 16MAY 1Room1MAY 4Billiard
Week 17MAY 8Room1MAY 11Billiard
Week 18MAY 15Room1MAY 18Billiard
Week 19MAY 22Room1MAY 25Ochil

Tuesday classes are excellent for beginners. They focus on "Silk Reeling" exercises (Chansigong) and first section of the Tai Chi Hand Form (Laojia Yilu). These basics are the building blocks of Chen style Tai Chi Chuan, and remain a core practice at all levels.

Friday classes are suitable for all levels. The focus is on progressing through the hand form, and deepening practice. As such, the pace and level may be more challenging.

How much does it cost?

Your first class is free, so come along and have a try!

  Student Non-student
Membership £10 £20
1st Semester £25 £40
2nd Semester £35 £60

We introduce a 50% discount in the membership fee for those who join the society in the second Semester, plus a £5 flat discount for the 2nd Semester fee, for members who pay before February 17th.

For example, total second semester fees before February 17th:

  Student Non-student
Joined 2nd Semester £35 £65
Joined 1st semester,
but only paid for first		 £30 £55

Total second semester fees after February 17th:

  Student Non-student
Joined 2nd Semester £45 £80
Joined 1st semester,
but only paid for first		 £35 £60

Andy has been practicing Taijiquan for 26 years. He began learning Cheng Manching short form at EU Tai Chi Soc in 1984 under Stephen Fox, taking over teaching in 1995 when Stephen retired. Throughout the nineties, Andy attended a number of seminars with Mike Sigman and Zhan Xue Xin, and dabbled in Chen style. Since 2001 he has taken regular tuition in traditional Chen Taiji with Eva Koskuba of the Chinese Internal Arts Association. After learning the Laojia Yi Lu (old frame, first form), E.U. Tai Chi Soc changed to a Chen style class. Andy continues to study Taiji at regular seminars and courses, and has recently completed training in Xinjia (new frame) Yi Lu (first form) and Chen saber form.

Perhaps most importantly, Andy is a laid back, conscientous and helpful teacher, who is good for a laugh while we practise.