Our Classes
Teaching Style
Individualized to the extent possible. Most classes are relatively small and informal. Kevin likes to say, the student doesn’t follow the teacher, the teacher follows the student. If you are just looking for a little relaxation and basic exercise we will try to help you achieve that aim. If you are looking for a deep, intensive dive into the art, we will do our best to help you along that path.
While there is not a rigid curriculum, there are a number of core practices that we can offer the student according to their objectives and progress. Some of those practices are summarized below.
Softening Exercises
Every class begins with these. At first, these are simply warm-up exercises before proceeding to the form. With time, practice, and instruction, these exercises deepen and the student will hopefully develop an understanding of their larger and deeper relevance to the practice of Tai Chi.
Form Practice
This is what most people think of when they think of Tai Chi Chuan, ‘The Form’ for short. There are many forms in addition to the ‘Hand Form’, including the ‘Fast Form’ and forms for the sword, knife, and spear. Most Yang-style schools include similar sequences and elements. We study specifically, the Yang Family Form which includes elements of the family’s original form as passed down from Yeung Sau Chung to Yeung Ma-Lee sifu. Even those who have trained in ‘traditional’ Yang style schools, are generally stunned and usually challenged by its precision and core internal elements. It is a form that will continue to develop and reveal itself over the course of a lifetime of training.
Joint Hand Operations
This is partner work which includes ‘Push Hands’ (pictured on the right), a practice Tai Chi is well known for. Through these exercises and drills, the student learns how to express the core principles learned through the softening exercises and the form and other practices. This practice also helps the student to better understand the family’s internal principles and structural roots, the importance of being soft, well-balanced, and agile, for example. Most of these exercises are gentle and appropriate for all ages and sensibilities. More advanced students can explore practices with more obvious martial applications according to their personal goals and comfort.
Chi Kung (Qi Gong)
Chi Kung translates as ‘energy work’. In these practices which are virtually infinite in number, the student first learns how to relax and soften their body, heighten their internal awareness and use intention to direct their vital energy, what the Chinese call ‘chi’. These practices are generally not studied until the student has spent meaningful time studying the softening exercises and the form.
Meditation
For serious practitioners, stillness is a core practice, whether sitting, standing, lying down - or all of the above. The Yeung Family has refined their version of these of practices which are available to experienced students.
Private Tuition
There is no question that the serious student will, at some point, want to pursue 1-2-1 tuition. The Yeung Family ‘catalog’ is simply too vast to explore adequately in a weekly group class. Instruction is best delivered according to individual strengths, development needs, and character. ‘Hands-on’ instruction helps the student make the external and internal adjustments necessary to save many months - or years - in their training.
Unfortunately, Kevin’s availability is tight given heavy teaching and work responsibilities in addition to his own training needs. If he is unable to accommodate your request, he is likely to know someone from an affiliated school who can.
Video Instruction:
Kevin also has a number of international students who receive instruction primarily through video instruction but who also augment their instruction with periodic trips to the UK.
Corporate Experiences
Kevin has provided many corporate experiences over the years to large and small companies. In the video to the right, Kevin uses Tai Chi as a vehicle to help 400 executives appreciate the value of physical well-being for developing ‘executive presence’.
A peek at Yeung Family softening exercises…
Subtitles are available for this video, click on the ‘CC’ button on the lower right of the video.
Book a Class
We meet at the Women’s Institute, 4 Burhill Rd, Hersham, Surrey, United Kingdom. Classes are drop-in but please contact Kevin Bryant if this is your first session or if you are interested in private tuition.