Tai Chi Works
Testimonials
I joined one of Karen’s Tai Chi classes in October 2022, not really knowing what to expect. Exercise had never been high on my list of priorities, but I had decided that I ought to do something and thought that the slower pace of Tai Chi might suit me. What I found was more than just exercise.
Karen is an excellent teacher. As well as explaining and demonstrating the moves to be made, she provides individual support to students, moving a hand here, and a foot there, to optimise the positions. She takes into account any health problems which may inhibit a student’s ability to move in a particular way, and above all, she makes the class fun. The classes are educational, not just in how and what moves to make, but in why we do them. As well as the benefits to health and wellbeing, Karen may also explain what some of the moves mean in Tai Chi as a martial art, which frequently provokes laughter as mind pictures are drawn of the outcomes.
After just one term of Tai Chi, in January 2023 I decided also to join Karen’s Qigong class, a practice of which I was even more ignorant but which I understood was the foundation stone of Tai Chi. This has allowed me a greater insight into the benefits of Tai Chi for health and wellbeing. I continue to attend and enjoy both classes on a weekly basis, and, in addition to noticing some physical changes in myself, I have also discovered an interest in the underlying philosophy.
DB, July 2023
Tai Chi Play
"I have been going to Tai Chi classes for three and a half years and have enjoyed every one of the sessions I have gone to. Refreshed and invigorated after the classes I go home with a spring in my step. It’s gentle but expansive. I can thoroughly recommend the lessons.", PF, Greenway Centre class
"I wanted to write to say a very big thank-you to Karen Ferris for a really good session of Tai Chi this morning at the Harbourside Pavilion. I found her so life-enhancing. Her calm teaching method made us all feel so involved and so welcome. I look forward to many more lessons and will look forward to these very much indeed. Thanks again.", NP
After class "I feel more calm and relaxed and have more positive energy - like I've come back from holiday! When I came to class this morning I had a headache and now its gone", (KP, Greenway Centre class)
"Sometimes I can arrive at Tai Chi really tired from a stressful morning. After an hour, forgetting the outside world focussing on my meditative breathing and movements, I leave feeling very relaxed and ready to take on the day ahead, renewed and refreshed."
PM, University of Bristol Community Exercise Programme
"Thank you so much for your delightful classes this year. Despite my absences it has given me a focus for the week, a greater awareness of my body and a lovely way to feel more connected with the local community after my retirement. A great group held so well with your skill and humour." (LL, Greenway Centre Class)
How people have described how they feel after a Tai Chi lesson
Relaxed Energised Balanced Bouncy Calm Looser Better Supple Tingly Wonderful