How it all began…..

What do you think of when you hear the words ‘Tai Chi’? The idea of thousands of figures moving in harmony, like a rippling human wave in a park in China? Or in Glasgow`s Cardonald Library? Doesn`t seem quite so likely and yet that is where Community Tai Chi Scotland all began!

When lockdown struck in March 2020, the sessions moved online (onto Zoom…who knew?!) and became a lifeline through a perplexing and difficult time. Attending Tai Chi classes took care of our mental health as well as our physical health, providing safe, relaxing exercise and more than a few laughs.

And now? Here we are, 5(ish), years later, still enjoying our regular gentle, yet strengthening exercise; same teacher, same jokes, same smiles! We meet online every Wednesday at 10.00. but there is nothing virtual about the sense of belonging that the members have. A combination of our cheerful Tai Chi Teacher, Jamie, together with a pretty universal inability amongst the participants to tell their left from their right! (has to be said, something our Teacher struggles with too at times! Lol) a willingness to try, and not take our mistakes too seriously, all makes for a most enjoyable Wednesday morning.

Here’s what our Members say:-

Alex from Glasgow (our 82 year old keen participant!) says ‘I’ve been coming to class for nearly 5 years and I enjoy the banter and Jamie’s jokes, as well as the company. I get to see my Sister who lives in Banchory as she joins the class too. The exercise keeps me moving and helps my mobility. Jamie has been a great help when I’ve needed help with the technology!”

Andreanne from Glasgow Southside says “I’ve been going to Jamie’s classes for years but the online class has been so good after a recent accident I had when I broke my shoulder. The Consultant at the hospital was delighted to hear I was doing Tai Chi as he said it was the best exercise I could be doing to help it heal. As I’ve not been able to get out much, the online classes are great, as I get a lot of encouragement from the Group. It would be so boring doing exercises on my own and I find Tai Chi is a better exercise for my shoulder anyway. Jamie keeps my spirits up with his banter and he always reminds us just to work within our own limits. If I need to take a rest, I can still do many exercises sitting down.”

Cathie from the Ardnamurchan Peninsula in the North West of Scotland told us “I’ve been doing the online classes after a friend told me about them at the start of lockdown. I had just moved up North so it was great to be part of the community. As a retired Student, the class helps give a structure and focus to my week and I really look forward to joining it. I had done Tai Chi many years ago and I find it is a very effective exercise and has improved my balance…I can now stand on one leg! Cathie also said that she prefers to practise as a group and would probably not do it on her own. She very much likes the bit of chat we have at the start of the class as she enjoys the social aspect of it. She was keen to point out that Jamie is a great Teacher, who not only keeps us going with his jokes ( you seeing a theme developing here!) but he is very approachable if you are struggling a bit and he is very considerate of all the different issues that his Students are trying to cope with.

We’re very grateful to all the Members for taking the time to talk to us and for allowing us to publish their very personal stories.

Why not come and give it a try? Our classes are online, each Wednesday morning at 10.00 and are completely free of charge, as we’ve been able to secure funding from our amazing supporter, The National Lottery, to whom we are all most grateful!

If you’d like to join our friendly ‘Community Tai Chi Scotland’ group, just get in touch. You can fill out the Contact Form or just email us at elainem@communitytaichiscotland.org and we’ll happily answer any questions you might have.

What have you got to lose?! You can be assured of a very warm welcome. Hope to see you soon.

If you would like to make a donation, it would be most welcome. Just head over to Just Giving to do so. Thank you!