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Introductory Course
On the introductory
eight-week course, beginners learn the basics of Wu's Style Tai Chi
Ch'uan to develop a solid grounding of:
- The four main stances and basic excersises.
- Stepping with balanced weight separation
- Good body alignment, relaxation, co-ordination, looseness and
improved concentration
- Meditation for relaxation, release of stress and tension, and to
promote a state of tranquility and serenity
- The first section of the Wu's style long form
- Basic push hands to learn control of an opponent's movements
- Self defence applications against various attacks, eg. punches,
kicks, grabs
- Basic theory and philosophy of Tai Chi Ch'uan
Ongoing Beginners
 After the introductory course, beginners become full
members and learn the remaining Tai Chi Ch'uan movements at their own
speed. Class times are on the beginners
page.
You can attend any of these classes, which will involve some group
sessions such as the exercises and self defence practice, as well as
individual attention to your progress with the form. The main emphasis
is on learning the full 108 movements - the concept of 'mechanical
order.'
As a beginner you can also attend the mixed-level Sunday
classes, 11am - 1pm.
The cost of full membership is split into an annual and a monthly
fee. Members pay an annual subscription of £50 and the monthly fee is
based on how frequently one wishes to attend. Attending one class a week
costs £40, twice a week £55 or £60 unlimited sessions per week.
See the beginners
page for cost and dates of the introductory course.
Gradings take place regularly to ensure you are developing
well. These are not brutal examinations but friendly, relaxed
assessments which help you to progress properly.
Beginners have two gradings; one after completing half the form,
which is the called the Level 2-, or half-, grading and another one once
the form is completed. Once the second grading, the full grading, is
completed the student moves up to the intermediate level.
Similarly the intermediate level has two gradings after which the
student moves up to Senior level.
Other Sessions
Private lessons with Sifu Gary
Wragg are available by appointment. Details can be found here.
For a list of regular workshops, open to club members and
non-members, see our Intensives
page.
Instructor Training Course
There are five levels of Tai Chi Ch'uan attainment:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Senior & Advanced
- Advanced / Assistant Instructor
- Instructor
All instructors attend a special on-going
instructor-training course, which is available from intermediate level
onwards.
All teaching at the Academy is geared towards the highest possible
standards of practice. As well as Sifu Gary Wragg, all senior assistant
instructors at the Academy are registered with the Tai Chi Union of
Great Britain as A grade instructors and are also certified Wu style instructors by Sifu Wu Kong Yu.
Past senior instructors: Mike Acton, Dan McGiff, Peter Gravett, Shiou Chung, Don Spargo, Pat Saults, Helen
Counihan, John Tollit, Jae Willis, Pete Carey, Steve Wright, Ben Wragg
and Toby Wragg.
Past grade B instructors: were Giles Ingham, Andrea Rippe,
Warren Gavin, Roy Constantine, Paul Fraylich, Andrew Jones, Zorica Rajic
and Eike Sindlinger.
Present senior instructors are: Ben Wragg, Toby Wragg, Tony Stadlen, Shez Dawood, Laurie Blundell, Mirilee Pearl, Naomi Stadlen.
Present grade B instructors are: Stroud Cornock, Peter Blake, Simon Love, Mary Smith, Nicole Lomas, Richard Davies, Luke Deefholts, Mike Selby, Andy Salt, Stefanie Sachsenmaier, Fiona Anderson
Instructors at Annexes of the London Academy are: Jon Grubb
and Alan Williamson on the Isle of Man. |
