Classes
Helen runs weekly T’ai Chi classes for beginners and intermediate students in Witney, held on Monday and Thursday evenings during term time.
New to T’ai Chi?
If you are looking to start T’ai chi classes the next opportunity is to join the T’ai Chi Postures & Presence, Spring 2026 course. This is a mix of T’ai Chi and Qigong, bringing the benefits of mindful movement, flexibility, mobility and wellbeing.
Class details: Mondays starting 5 Jan 2026,
Venue: The Kings School, Witney.
Times: 5.50pm - 6.40pm
Bookings are made on a first-come first-served basis.
Have questions? Please get in touch using the CONTACT form, or send me an email or WhatsApp.
What to expect?
You will receive a warm welcome to your T’ai Chi class.
Classes are typically run as ten-week courses. This way, students can build on their knowledge week by week.
There will be times for you to introduce yourself to others in the class, and Helen runs the occasional group discussion on a theme. Otherwise, we try and keep distractions to a minimum to allow for full relaxation and mental awareness to develop. For complete beginners the first few weeks can be a challenge – to really “get” what you are supposed to do; what you are supposed to achieve. Helen will encourage you to stick at it – it can feel quite strange at first slowing down and really letting go (let’s face it – we are rarely encouraged to give something LESS effort!)
But in T’ai Chi terms – less is definitely MORE. By the end of the ten weeks, you will notice a difference to:
your balance
your mood
your stress levels
the strength in your legs particularly
your overall sense of wellbeing
your understanding of “letting go” and the benefits this can bring to your everyday life
the quality of your sleep on T’ai Chi day
The class comprises a warm-up to prepare your body and your mind for the T’ai Chi practice. We include both Qigong to connect with the breath, and meditation exercises (often walking meditation) - to calm the mind and build presence.
T’ai Chi movements follow the postures which are found in nature, e.g. the White Crane Spreads its Wings, Tiger’s Ears, Grasping the Bird’s Tail etc.
Students leave the class smiling – feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
What should you expect from T’ai Chi? Best to come with an open mind and see where it takes you!
Any questions? Do please get in touch.
Image credit: Freepik
What to wear?
For your comfort and safety please wear loose clothing, e.g. jogging bottoms and a t-shirt. Wearing a couple of layers would be a good idea.
You will ultimately require some T’ai Chi shoes (cotton shoes with a flat espadrille sole), but for your first class please feel free to come in trainers – or better, plimsoles which don’t have a very good grip. I do not recommend bare feet or socks.
Please bring a small bottle of water with you – there will be a couple of water breaks in the class.
Any medical conditions?
Please let Helen know if you have any medical history you think Helen should know about. You can do this by using the contact form, or send by email. Thanks.
In case of any doubt, it is recommended to let your GP know you are about to start T’ai Chi classes.
the t’ai chi room policies
Privacy - In accordance with the General Data Protection Act, please use the link below to access the T’ai Chi Room’s Privacy Policy, including how we keep your data safe; what data we hold and why.
Privacy Notice – May 2018 – Draft pdf v4
Keeping each other healthy - It is good practice to stay home and rest up if you are feeling unwell. That keeps us all healthy.
We are running in-person classes.
I will presume that you are in class because you have chosen to be 😉
If you are feeling at all unwell – for everyone’s comfort PLEASE DO NOT COME TO CLASS. For clarity – if you are in class and have a cold, you will be asked to go home.
We are not requiring masks, but please know that you are welcome to use one.
You are welcome to use the hand sanitisers which the school installed during the pandemic.
Please observe the thorough handwashing rules (using soap, 20 seconds).
For the sake of completeness – please adhere to any current self-isolation advice you may have been given.