Beginners Tai Chi Classes in Lewes
Missed the current intake?
Our current beginners’ classes are already underway. Register your interest and I’ll let you know when the next Tai Chi intake and forthcoming Qigong class open for booking.
Start Tai Chi from the Beginning
My beginners’ classes provide a structured introduction to Tai Chi for people with little or no previous experience.
Rather than simply learning a sequence of movements, you will begin by developing the fundamental principles on which the Tai Chi form is built: posture, balance, relaxation, awareness, coordination and controlled movement. The classes are progressive, with each stage building on what you have learned previously.
Wednesday Evening
5:30–6:30pm
Lewes Subud Centre
Kickstarter: £11.50 per class
Booked as a half-term block.
Friday Evening
5:30–6:30pm
Lewes Subud Centre
5-class half-term block
Kickstarter: £57.50
Saturday Morning
10:00–11:00am
Lewes Subud Centre
Kickstarter: £11.50 per class
Booked as a half-term block.
New to Tai Chi? Start Here
The Kickstarter programme provides the foundation for everything that follows.
Your first two half-terms are specifically structured for beginners. The emphasis is on learning how to use your body according to the principles of Tai Chi before progressively developing the form itself.
The exercises and principles are introduced systematically, giving you time to become familiar with them through repetition rather than trying to absorb everything at once.
You do not need previous Tai Chi experience to begin.
Kickstarter introductory rate: £11.50 per class for your first two half-terms.
Continuing classes: £13.50 per class thereafter.
All classes are booked and paid for as half-term blocks.
What You’ll Learn
Posture and Alignment
Tai Chi begins with learning how the body is organised.
You will work with posture and alignment while becoming increasingly aware of unnecessary muscular tension and habitual ways of holding yourself.
Relaxation
Relaxation is one of the fundamental principles of Tai Chi.
The aim is not simply to become loose or passive, but gradually to release unnecessary tension while maintaining an organised and connected body.
Balance and Weight Transfer
You will learn to become increasingly aware of where your weight is and how it moves.
This develops the ability to transfer weight deliberately and smoothly while maintaining balance and control.
Coordination
The exercises progressively develop coordination so that the body begins to move as an integrated whole rather than as a collection of separate parts.
Awareness
Tai Chi requires attention to what is happening within your own body.
Through practice, you develop greater awareness of posture, tension, balance and movement.
The Tai Chi Form
These principles are progressively incorporated into learning the Tai Chi form.
The objective is not simply to memorise the external sequence. The form provides a structure through which the underlying principles of Tai Chi can be practised and developed.
Your First Two Half-Terms - and What Comes Next
The first two half-terms provide your introduction to the practice through the Kickstarter programme.
During this stage, classes are offered at the introductory rate of:
£11.50 per class, booked as a half-term block.
After completing your first two half-terms, you can continue into the regular classes, where the form and underlying principles are developed progressively.
Continuing students pay:
£13.50 per class, also booked as a half-term block.
Already completed your first two half-terms?
If you've already completed the Kickstarter stage with me, you don't need to start again. Choose your continuing class below.
Wednesday Evening — 5:30–6:30pm
6-session half-term block
£81.00
Friday Evening — 5:30–6:30pm
5-session half-term block
£67.50
CONTINUE FRIDAY
Saturday Morning — 10:00–11:00am
6-session half-term block
£81
Not sure whether you should book Kickstarter or Continuing? Contact me before booking and I'll tell you which class is appropriate.
The Tradition Behind the Teaching
The Tai Chi I teach comes through an established teaching tradition, passed through Professor Cheng Man-Ching, Master Huang Sheng Shyan and my teacher, Wee Kee-Jin.
My own practice and teaching are rooted particularly in the principles and methods transmitted through Huang Sheng Shyan and Wee Kee-Jin, with an emphasis on developing the internal principles of Tai Chi rather than simply learning its outward movements.
What to Expect in Class
You will be introduced progressively to exercises, principles and movements rather than being expected simply to follow an established class.
There is repetition because Tai Chi requires time for movements and principles to become familiar.
As your understanding develops, exercises that initially appear simple provide opportunities for increasingly detailed practice.
The emphasis is not on racing through material, but on developing the quality and understanding of your movement.
What Students Say
“Joined the beginners class with Esaias and it has been fantastic. I am learning so much about myself and can feel changes to my strength and balance already. Esaias is a very patient and skilled teacher and takes time to ensure everyone in the group gets time and support to perfect the forms. Will be continuing next term.”
Google Review
“A brilliant introduction to Tai Chi. Esaias explains each movement step by step, is very patient, and creates a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. Highly recommend for beginners.”
Google Review
“Thoroughly enjoying Esaias’ Kickstarter Tai Chi classes. Esaias is clearly passionate about Tai Chi and his enthusiasm is infectious. He teaches in a very calm, clear & thorough manner & he supplements the classes with printed handouts & video clips. Highly recommend”
Google Review
“Very friendly, welcoming, and calm Tai Chi group. Esaias patiently takes us through each step, guiding us in the correct posture/positions and makes these classes a really inclusive experience.”
Google Review
“This is the only Tai Chi class I have found that bases teaching on the Tai Chi principles. With all the different forms and teaching methods, I have been lucky to have Esaias as a teacher.”
Google Review
READ MORE STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Who Are the Classes For?
The beginners' classes are for adults with little or no previous Tai Chi experience.
You do not need to be particularly fit or flexible to begin. You work from your own starting point and develop progressively.
If you have practised Tai Chi previously but want to learn this approach, beginning with the foundations also gives you an introduction to the particular principles and methods used in these classes.
If you have already trained with me, you can return at the appropriate stage rather than automatically starting again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous Tai Chi experience?
No. The Kickstarter programme is specifically designed as the starting point for beginners.
Do I need to be particularly fit or flexible?
No. You begin from your present level of mobility and ability and develop progressively. If you have concerns about your health or are managing a medical condition, please check with your doctor before starting.
How do the half-term blocks work?
Group classes normally run in half-term blocks of 5–7 weeks, broadly following school dates.
When you book, your place is reserved for all the scheduled classes in that half-term. You are booking the block as a whole rather than individual sessions.
What if I miss a class?
Because your booking reserves your place for the whole half-term block, missed classes cannot be refunded, credited or rolled over to a future term.
Can I just drop in?
The beginners’ programme is designed to be followed as a half-term block, so new students should book the full course.
Drop-in places may occasionally be available to students who are already booked onto a current training course with me, subject to space. They are not available as an alternative to booking the beginners’ course.
How long does the Kickstarter rate last?
The Kickstarter rate applies to your first two half-terms of training with me. After that, you continue at the standard continuing-student rate. After that, you can continue into the regular classes at the standard rate.
What does it cost?
Your first two beginners’ half-terms are offered at the Kickstarter rate of £11.50 per class, booked as a half-term block.
Continuing classes are £13.50 per class, also booked as half-term blocks.
The total amount you pay therefore depends on whether that particular half-term contains 5, 6 or 7 classes
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Loose clothing is fine, as is closer-fitting clothing such as leggings or exercise wear. There is no need for specialist Tai Chi clothing.
I usually practise in socks, although comfortable flat footwear is also fine if you prefer.
Can I give my place to somebody else if I can't attend?
No. Bookings are non-transferable.
When is my booking confirmed?
Your place is confirmed once your half-term block has been booked and paid for.
Ready to Start or Continue Tai Chi?
Choose the option that applies to you.
New Students / Kickstarter
For new students and those who have not yet completed their first two half-terms.
Wednesday Evening
5:30–6:30pm
Lewes Subud Centre
6 sessions — £69
Friday Evening
5:30–6:30pm
Lewes Subud Centre
5 sessions — £57.50
BOOK KICKSTARTER FRIDAY
Saturday Morning
10:00–11:00am
Lewes Subud Centre
6 sessions — £69
Continuing Students
For students who have already completed their first two Kickstarter half-terms.
Wednesday Evening
5:30–6:30pm
Lewes Subud Centre
6 sessions — £81.00
Friday Evening
5:30–6:30pm
Lewes Subud Centre
5 sessions — £67.50
CONTINUE FRIDAY
Saturday Morning
10:00–11:00am
Lewes Subud Centre
6 sessions — £81
Prefer to Learn Privately?
If a group course isn't right for you, private Tai Chi tuition is also available for individuals and pairs.
One-to-one and one-to-two sessions offer more individual attention and can be tailored to your own pace and what you would like to learn.
| Wednesday | Friday | Saturday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sessions | 6 | 5 | 6 |
| Kickstarter | £69 | £57.50 | £69 |
| Continuing | £81 | £67.50 | £81 |
Classes in Lewes
Classes take place at:
Lewes Subud Centre
Talbot Terrace
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 2DS