About KD Tai Chi
Yang Style Tai Chi is a graceful and flowing form of martial art that originated several hundred years ago in China. Although kept secret at first, amongst family members and Royalty, Tai Chi is now commonly practised throughout the world, as well as China.
There are many different family style of Tai Chi, like Wu, Sun and Chen style amongst others. Although slightly different in terms of forms, the underlying principles of tai chi apply through them all. Using the principles of balance, harmony, and relaxation Yang Style Tai Chi emphasizes slow, deliberate movements coordinated with deep breathing and mental focus.
Tai Chi is a martial art and involves learning forms and applications. The benefits of learning the tai chi forms alone are many, even if you never have to use the applications of the form, and can lead to many improvements in health, balance and many other health related problems.
One of the distinguishing features of Yang Style Tai Chi is its softness and fluidity. Movements are executed with relaxed muscles and joints, promoting flexibility and reducing tension. This gentle approach makes it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, including those with physical limitations or injuries.
The meditative nature of Tai Chi encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, helping to reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
Overall, Yang Style Tai Chi offers a holistic approach to health and well-being, combining physical exercise, mental discipline, and self-defense techniques into a single practice. Whether practiced for health, relaxation, or martial proficiency, it continues to inspire and benefit people around the world.
About The Teacher
Presenter and Broadcaster, Kevin Devine, has branched out from his career in TV and Radio to become an accomplished Tai Chi Teacher. After his success on That’s Life!, the long running and loved BBC consumer show, he went on to have a varied career, working for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and many corporate clients.
He said about Tai Chi,
“I have been studying Tai Chi since 2001, originally studying under Master Des Lawton and Master Barry Little, in East Kilbride, Scotland, until 2010.
There I learned the Short form, Da Lu, Chinese Broadsword form and various Qi Gong sets. Barry and Des were fantastic martial arts Teachers and helped unpack the applications hidden within the Tai Chi forms, allowing me to develop confidence in Tai Chi as a martial art.
Although Barry Little has retired now, Des Lawton still continues his teaching of Tai Chi and Qi Gong at Sanbao School
When I moved to London in 2010 I searched around and found Master Mark Raudva, at the Tai Chi Centre in Tooting, and have been studying there since. With Mark I have studied the Yang Style Long Form, and other Sword Forms.
Mark is another fantastic Teacher and is exceptionally skilled in push hands and in unpacking the hidden treasures of the forms.
Since 2018 I have been teaching under my own steam and have built up regular classes and Students, who are making their own way along the Tai Chi path.
I now have regular classes in London and Hastings, with plans to add more classes to the schedule over the the coming year. I have found that the people who come in to learn Tai Chi have found, like me, the great benefits of calmness, relaxation and confidence that start to flow once you start coming to classes. It has personally been a game changer for me and I am delighted to be able to pass on these experiences to others now”.
