The British Tai Chi Academy

I have been a member now over a year and the personal benefits I feel in terms of improved flexibility, balance, strength and stamina are clear and have done so much for my well being and physical suppleness. Met a great bunch of people too.

I used to do Karate when I was younger, so for me starting and constantly participating to Peter Tai Chi Classes, was a way of doing martial arts again, but in a more evolve and elegant way. Over the last year and a half I improved my mood, balance and the most significant one for me flexibility! And on top of all of that I got to meet a lot of nice and wonderful people!

A few months ago I started attending a Beginners Tai Chi Class at the British Tai Chi Academy based in Leamington Spa.I wish I had made time for it before now. It is superb and has become an important part of my weekly schedule.The Master Peter Fletcher is a splendid teacher who explains and demonstrates the guiding principles of this internal martial art. With a gentle, almost meditative voice, he encourages our coordinated, slow graceful movements, upright posture, good balance and controlled breathing, alongside a fine selection of appropriate music. We are also introduced to Qi gong which helps us to focus on single movements alongside the sequences of the Eight Movements we learn in the first stages of Tai Chi. Coupled with his vast wisdom, Peter has a great sense of humour, observing and supporting each individual during the sessions, whatever our ability.It is a very friendly and inclusive experience, integrating body and mind, improving one's core strength, flexibility, balance and memory. At the end of a Tai Chi session, for myself, one's entire being feels great : relaxed, grounded and present.I thoroughly recommend the classes presented by Peter and his colleagues at the British Tai Chi Academy.

UPDATE:I am still with The British Tai Chi Academy and no doubt this helped me through a stressful and anxious time during Covid, where I worked from home throughout the whole period and continued to train online as this was and is, still offered. I'm back again in person, training and teaching now and enjoying it as much as ever.I'm so thankful to have Tai Chi in my life: constantly improving my fitness level, balance, memory and still gaining new friends via the classes.................I have been training with Peter for 2.5 years and I am amazed at how much stronger and flexible I am now compared with when I started. Tai Chi truly is something which anyone can learn and the benefits are extraordinary: strength, flexibility and much better balance. In addition I have met some wonderful people who have become great friends. I wholeheartedly recommend any class from The British Tai Chi Academy.

When specialist treatments incl. acupuncture and cortisone injections didn’t work on my long-time suffering neck and shoulder I started with T’ai Chi. That was 12 years ago and since then I have been total pain-free. The additional benefits of T’ai Chi are as well reduced stress, improve balance and increased muscle strength in my legs. I’m as well convinced that my practice of T’ai Chi is keeping my type 2 diabetes under better control.Studies have shown that T’ai Chi can improve health and benefit particular for people aged 65 and over (I’m a living proof). I’m not surprised that both NHS and Aged UK are now using T’ai Chi as alternative treatment.Early this year I moved from Surrey to Banbury, Oxfordshire. I tried to find a similar class in my new area but without success. I was then recommended to contact the British T’ai Chi Academy. I can just say - Thank you, thank you!I meet Peter Fletcher who is a Certified Tai Chi Master and Chief Instructor (an excellent instructor) who has not only maintained but increased my strong belief in Thai Chi for my own wellbeing. The classes include reflexology and Qigong exercises which gives the full session a greater harmony. I received a warm welcome from fellow students and now after 10 months with the British T’ai Chi Academy my T’ai Chi is more important than ever.If you ever hesitate, contact the British T’ai Chi Academy! Start a new life, fell better and feel more comfortable with yourself.Mats Wivesson

The British Tai Chi Academy is a fine example of wellness for mind, body and spirit.Something that over the last year has really changed my life and that of friends and family i have introduced to it.I am fortunate to have been able to practice Tai Chi with my daughter, mother and grandmother, 4 generations together so it really can be for anybody and any ability.The groups are kind and inclusive as are all of the teachers.The 8 movements in Tai Chi are truly meditation in movement. It's great if you find it hard to sit and meditate, I've had fantastic results from doing the accompanying breath work too.The Qigong is also a great stretch and strength work out, it's has helped particularly well with my balance, core strenght and flexibility.I attend in person and also virtually on zoom.Both beginners classes are excellent though I would advise going in person if possible as you learn the moves properly, much faster and be able to fully enjoy the 8 movements and advance to 24 and then 48 movements.I am thoroughly enjoying the intermediate classes. The 24 movements is very different but equally brilliant. Fantastic way to get everything moving nicely.The classes are well spaced out and booking for either in person or on zoom is especially easy due to an app that is used by the club. Getting set up is really easy and I've never had a problem with payments.To add to all of this Peter is incredibly kind and supportive. Always ready to offer helpful advice and is a true master of the art of Tai Chi. I can't express enough the gratitude i have for having been introduced to the British Tai Chi Academy.I would 100% recommend them to everybody and if you look on the website there has been opportunities to get a free taster class.