Where and when are the classes? How much does it cost?
What benefits do the students get from doing Tai Chi?
Browse the Sing Ong Tai Chi web site
St. Heliers Community Centre (map)
Johnston Hall, 100 St. Heliers Bay Road
Time: Mondays, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Next beginners intake: 15 Feb 2010
Marist Herne Bay School (map)
School Hall, 82 Kelmarna Avenue
Time: Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Next beginners intake: 17 Feb 2010
Fees: Free during February for beginners. Flat rate of $40 per month,
pre-paid on first class of the month via cash, cheque or automatic payment.
Free on-street and off-street parking is available in both venues.
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From participants of beginners courses:
I joined the Tai Chi class for relaxation purposes and for the health benefits I had read that can be gained from these classes. I have found the exercises very gentle and relaxing, also very good for concentration which can be very difficult when you are busy. Our teacher is very good at explaining every exercise properly. I am enjoying Tai Chi and will keep going as it is quite addictive & very kind to your body.
- Raewynn Cowie, 51, Production Co-ordinator.
I've thoroughly enjoyed the class. It's helped me to be more aware of how my body works and how I have control over it. The visualization technique has been useful not only in Tai Chi but across all areas of my life. Thank you - your instructions were clear & concise & your energy calming & quiet - much how I felt by the end of the class!
- Brigitte Knapp, 35, Geologist.
Instructions were very clear and you addressed any issues that arose out of practicing at home.
I felt so relaxed after each lesson, I always sleep soundly after Tai Chi.
The Tai Chi shoes are really good. They help you to sort out your weight distribution, so much easier than training shoes!
Thank you Valera.
- Sally, 43, Project Co-ordinator.
An introduction to a completely different approach to exercising from anything I've ever done before.
I liked the emphasis on relaxation.
I'm sure the benefits will follow with more practice.
Our teacher was patient, understanding and helpful.
- Pat, 76, Retired.
From participants of ongoing classes:
Although I am a reasonably active person, I joined Tai Chi classes in February 2005 with the objective of maintaining flexibility of movement by participating in an activity that both my wife and I could continue into retirement years.
I was also seeking an activity that would help me relax from the stresses of my professional life.
Tai Chi has met my expectations in every respect. So many activities are quite physical (e.g. gym, cycling etc.,) but few concentrate on the “inner self”, correct alignments and balance.
I have found Tai Chi very relaxing and an “escape” from every day life. It gives you the opportunity to meet likeminded people and develop an “awareness of self” that few other exercises do. It can be practiced in almost any location and becomes an enjoyable every day discipline that I would commend to any age group.
- Graham Mathieson, 60, Chartered Accountant.
My name is Beverley and I have been doing Tai Chi now for about 1 year. In that time the benefits I have felt from doing Tai Chi are quite extraordinary in the way of Breathing, which was one of the main reasons of getting interested in Tai Chi, but then I found my balance improved so much that I now have no trouble keeping my balance when walking and doing things like putting shoes on.
I like the exercises in Tai Chi, as it feels like a gentle workout where you learn to relax while going through each exercise. Everything is explained very well, you then get to notice the change in your body as you go through the exercises each week, also concentration and being able to keep you mind on what you are doing without going off thinking about everything else. I find it very satisfying and I think the learning each week keeps you wanting to go on and learn more, that is my goal in Tai Chi.
I enjoy very much going along to the classes, you meet the most wonderful people who are like you trying to achieve the same thing which makes it very enjoyable for someone like me who does office work and sits in front of a computer for most of the day. This is a good way of relaxing and getting all of that stress out through the hectic pace of our everyday workplace.
To sum this up is for health, relaxation and general wellbeing, a good way to keep yourself relaxed, healthy and learn Tai Chi in a most pleasant way.
- Beverley Carmont.
I have been wanting to do Tai Chi for 20 years so when I found a leaflet in my letter box I signed up for the class without doing the trial classes. In Malaysia, where I come from, I used to see an old man in my neighbourhood practising every morning – there was almost complete stillness in his movements. That has been one of the many inspirations for me to learn Tai Chi.
After attending classes since early March 2005 at St Heliers, I am beginning to see the benefits. Tai Chi has given me the foundation to relearn a lot of how I carry my posture, how I breathe, how I walk. I am also beginning to be able to use the principles taught in class to relax after a stressful day at work. Tai Chi has indeed brought subtle but incremental changes to my physical and mental states.
I enjoy the company of my fellow learners at St Heliers and see them as my inspiration to continue pursuing this gentle form of exercise. Our instructor Valera is very patient with us and his instructions are always clear.
I know if I persist, I will have an exercise I can take with me till I am old and grey. That is my greatest motivation to continue doing Tai Chi. I also hope to have a lot of fun in the process!
- Yoke Har, 43.
I am a trained & certified practitioner of Oriental Medicine (USA) and thus understand that Tai Chi (along with Qi Gong) comprises one of the 5 healing branches of the 3000-year-old system of Chinese Medicine. And as part of maintaining my many years of certification with the NCCAOM I am required like most trained professionals in many fields (in NZ, the USA and elsewhere in the world) to continue on-going professional development. For this reason I feel very fortunate to have found Sing Ong Tai Chi in St. Heliers.
Over the past months that I have been attending the Monday evening Tai Chi class with Valera I have found it to be an extremely relaxing and beneficial experience for which I am very grateful. Years ago when I did my Chinese Medicine degree I studied several other forms of Tai Chi as part of the training. However the Sing Ong Tai Chi style seems most therapeutic. During classes I would often loose track of time and could not believe that the hour session was over when apparently we had just started. In addition I have come to appreciate the careful going over of the exact movements and the answering of questions. It has given me a growing sense of how I move, hold and maintain my body and of various places of physical tension so that change can gently occur. I take with me at the close of 2005 a deeper understanding of the value of Tai Chi as taught by the Sing Ong School. In closing I do not hesitate to endorse the many lovely benefits of Sing Ong Tai Chi. Thank you.
- Sarah Plattner-Shaw,
Oriental Medicine Practitioner.
Registered: (NCCAOM) National Commission for the
Certification of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (USA).
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Initially I was drawn to Tai Chi for two reasons: to learn about internal balance and energy, and to learn self-defense in a safe way. I picked up a Sing Ong Tai Chi leaflet in the swimming pool lobby and started learning in Michael Yek's first Newmarket class in 1999.
I was quite uncoordinated as a child and practicing Tai Chi greatly improved my coordination and understanding of how movement works. I became much more aware of my body and my energy. I've also improved my posture and ability to relax - both physically and mentally.
After being an assistant instructor for a couple of years, I've opened my own classes in 2005. I still continue my own learning - both as a practitioner and as a teacher. Tai Chi has enough depth for a life time of learning and I am fortunate to have teachers who truly know and share their art.
I run an online business and Tai Chi is a great balance to computer work. Most people channel a lot of attention and energy into mental activity and I am no exception. Practicing Tai Chi brings attention into the body, creating a relaxed, peaceful and centered state. The benefits of improved body awareness are numerous, ranging from better health to calmer personality.
My teaching approach is to help everyone learn and improve at their own pace. We start by learning the shape of the movements, effective use of the body, how to relax, how to focus and gradually move on to internal energy and self-defense. Above all is enjoyment of Tai Chi, because enjoyment promotes both relaxation and fascination.
Tai Chi is like your internal KiwiSaver - the sooner you start, the better for your ripe years!
- Valera.
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Q: How old do you have to be to do Tai Chi?
A: Most people - children, teenagers, adults and pensioners can do Tai Chi. The class generally has a mix of all ages.
Children, with some exceptions, find it difficult to concentrate in class. But some children in their early teens attend the class quite happily. I ask that children under 12 are accompanied by an adult who also participates in the class.
As for pensioners, if you can go for an hour's slow walk, then you can do a Tai Chi class. Certain movements are done differently by fit and by not so fit people to ensure that everyone gets the benefits and no strain occurs.
Q: Do I need any Tai Chi experience to join your class?
A: No, the classes are designed for people who are new to Tai Chi.
Q: What should I wear to class?
A: For the first several months wear loose and comfortable clothing. Flat sole shoes are best. Later you can get a uniform.
Q: I have a neck/shoulder/back/knee/elbow/wrist/ankle/hip problem. Can I still do Tai Chi?
A: Yes. Tell me about it when you come to class and I will assist you in doing the exercises in a way that does not put strain on your area of tension or injury.
Q: What will we be learning?
A: We start by learning two sets of excercises that are designed to grasp the basic principles of Tai Chi form. Next, we learn the traditional 42 movements combined form. Further curriculum consists of Yang style forms and partner exercises.
Q: How long does it take to learn Tai Chi?
A: To learn relaxing exercises that you can continue practicing at home - 6 to 12 months. To learn the form well and gain basic grasp of Tai Chi principles - 4 to 6 years. To trully master Tai Chi - a lifetime of study and practice.
In other words, the more you learn and practice, the more skill and benefits you will get. In Tai Chi, whatever level you are at, you can improve further. You can stop whenever you like or keep going for as long as you like.
Q: Can I do Tai Chi during pregnancy?
A: Yes, Tai Chi is very beneficial during pregnancy as it gently trains and strengthens the hip, pelvic and leg muscles. When the tummy becomes visibly bigger some exercises will be performed differently (no forward bending for example).
Q: Can I attend a speech or a demonstration by Professor Yek?
A: All Sing Ong Tai Chi students are invited to attend an annual seminar conducted by Professor Yek. At the seminars, Professor Yek explains and demonstrates the Tai Chi principles most relevant to the attending group of students. In that sense, every Sing Ong Tai Chi student can learn directly from Professor Yek.
Q: How much Tai Chi practice should I do outside of classes?
A: Start by practicing five minutes per day. If you feel like doing a longer practice, go for as long as you find enjoyable. Do Tai Chi practice like you do Tai Chi movements - without forcing.
Q: Do you do Tai Chi to music?
A: We do Tai Chi without music, mainly to improve focus and awareness. You can do your home practice to music if you find that it works better for you.
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We've demonstrated at events such as the Visionary Living Show, Seniors Day Out, Takapuna Mardi Gras and The Lantern Festival. We've also demonstrated for TV and Magazine publications and for Air New Zealand travel promotions. If you are interested in a Tai Chi demonstration or feature for your public event or publication, please contact us.
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