Our policies and procedures are available by clicking on the links below:
Quality Monitoring and Standardisation Schedule
Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration Policy
Maladministration and Malpractice Policy
Scheme of works
Tai Chi Qigong for Well-being 2-day course
Tai Chi & Qigong for Rehabilitation and Well-being 8-day course
For course details and dates please visit our homepage at Tai Chi for Rehabilitation
Employability Leisure Guides
, in partnership with Aspire, has released three guides to support the industry in attracting more disabled people to the sector's workforce.
These guides can be accessed at
BCCMA Professional Standard Coach Course
We worked with the BCCMA to help develop the coaching course component that meets the requirements of the national standards for tai chi and qigong. The standards have two components:
1. Coaching qualification
2. Technical qualification
We provide the technical qualification.
Details of the BCCMA coaching qualification are available at:
The national professional standards our Tai Chi and Qigong technical qualifications map to are available on the CIMSPA website at
Mark Peters, lead trainer, Tai chi & qigong for rehabilitation
Mark has over 30 years training and experience in tai chi and qigong, and 20 years in patient rehabilitation.
In addition to training NHS staff in tai chi for falls prevention, he regularly speaks at national conferences.
This expanded into both acute and chronic patient work in both mental and physical health.
Before COVID Mark held a 5-year contract with the NHS working with COPD patients. During this time he achieved more than double the national average for patient retention, many of who continued after the 6 weeks by moving to community classes.
Mark has been involved in several research projects including an 18-month phase III & IV cardiac rehabilitation research project which led to the funding of the only tai chi DVD available on the NHS.
The most quoted recent study was “Tai Chi is an effective form of exercise to reduce markers of frailty in older age” which is often referred to as Tai chi-V-Zumba and was also featured on Trust me I’m a doctor with Dr. Michael Moseley.
Mark is one of the original members of the Tai Chi & Qigong Union for Great Britain (when formed as the TCUGB in 1991), Senior level instructor, and Honorary President. He was also the Chairman of the TCUGB for several years.
He wrote the Tai Chi & Qigong CPD standards for REPs in 2010 and led the team developing the National standards with CIMSPA issued on 2022
He has trained staff at The National Star College which is an independent specialist further education college for people with physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries and associated learning difficulties.
He was asked to form the NHS network site tai chi & chi-kung for patient rehabilitation which shares research as well as background information for staff and the public. The site is regularly updated and can be found at https://www.networks.nhs.uk/nhs-networks/tai-chi-chi-kung-for-rehabilitation
He has now linked this to the Tai Chi & Qigong Union for Great Britain so interested people can access the list of instructors.
To date, Mark has not found an area in mental or physical health that is not able to benefit from tai chi & qigong and continues to train staff both nationally and internationally.
If you are interested in Mark talking at your conference or delivering training to your staff please contact him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone +44(0)121 251 6172
Tai Chi and Qi Gong for Rehabilitation and Well-Being (8-day course)
This 8-day program is spread over the year into four 2-day modules to ensure quality of training and application
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Typical conditions the program will benefit include:
Falls Prevention, to include: Arthritis, [Back] pain, non-specific/general pain, bones, sarcopenia, brain injuries (including stroke recovery), peripheral neuropathy.
Cardiovascular Rehabilitation to include: Heart, Pulmonary, circulatory system, asthma/respiratory system.
Days: 9.30an to 4.00pm
1st 2-day module
Day 1
- Introduction to Tai Chi plus research into Tai Chi for rehab
- Start to learn the Tai Chi short form*
- “Learn to fix yourself before you can help others” – understanding the importance of your own balance, stability and co-ordination.
- Learn seated qigong (Xiangong – fragrant Buddha qigong)
Day 2
- Understanding body mechanics and intrinsic strength through Tai Chi
- loosening exercise for improved circulation and mobility.
- tai chi qigong (shibashi 18 exercises)
- Tai Chi form practice*
- discuss example cases to give clear examples of Tai Chi usage
- Use of storytelling and anchors with patients to improve retention. (NLP/CBT)
2nd 2-day module
Day 1
- Review of sessions delivered since module 1
- Sitting and standing Qigong exercise (shibashi 2nd set of 18 movements)
- Relaxation – Mindfulness and guided imagery
- Work with key movements from Tai Chi to understand effect on breathing
- tai chi form practice*
Day 2
- Sitting and standing Qigong exercises continued
- Understanding the phobic response to patients condition and how to change it (NLP/CBT)
- Use of visualisations and music
- Tai Chi progressive exercises – 8 exercises for health
3rd 2-day review (after 3 months)
- review work to date - refinement
- case studies
- further Tai Chi movements* and Qigong (Fa Soong Gong)
4th 2-day review (after further 3 months)
- Further case reviews & review of improvements
- Use with client group and you’re workplace
- Finish tai chi form movements* and Tai Chi ball qigong (0.5kg and 1kg soft ball)
- effects on own life and habits
- assessment of training to date
*tai chi form taught is the first session (17 movements) of the Cheng Man Ching style of tai chi (Yang style). It is taught over the whole program. Movements are listed in the appendix. Hand-outs (including photos) and a DVD (or digital online access) will be supplied.
Overview
A holistic mind-and-body approach is applied. The program includes both seated and standing tai chi and qigong sets designed to improve mobility, balance and confidence. The sets are progressive and designed in a graded activity format. In addition to learning tai chi and qigong movement, the program covers history of tai chi, medical research, mindfulness, pain management, relaxation and motivation. The program is split into four blocks of 2-days over the year, which enables development and application to be more easily measured.
Outcomes
The aims and objectives of the program are to introduce patients/students to a progressive form of exercise for mind and body. The gentle nature of tai chi and qigong make it ideal for people who believe, or have been told, that they are not suitable for exercise as medical and anecdotal research has shown it to be highly effective. As the practice of tai chi and qigong is so enjoyable, it has been identified that people do more additional practice at home, when compared with other forms of rehabilitation. The overall aim is to encourage, those taking part, to continue exercising in the long term and thereby gaining the longer-term benefits of tai chi and qigong.
Who would benefit from attending?
Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapists, specialist activity professionals (e.g. cardiac rehab instructors), specialist nurses, tai chi instructors and personal trainers. Please note, if you feel you may be suitable but your profession has not been mentioned, do contact us to discuss.
Minimum entry requirements
Professional qualifications in the occupations mentioned above.
Minimum level 3 group exercise instructor, Exercise to music (ETM) qualification, or similar.
For tai chi and/or qigong instructors, with no other relevant qualification, you may be asked to provide supportive evidence of your experience and understanding.
Delivery and assessment
The program is delivered with a mix of theory, discussion and practice. The experiential nature of the training means there is no final exam, as assessment is done on an ongoing basis, plus evidence of application and understanding at each module. The program is delivered in four blocks of 2-days over the year and those attending are expected to feedback, at each module, on their sessions.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA) and awarded 10 development points (CPD) which is the maximum possible. It is in line with the new standard written to support people with long term-term conditions.
Can I register as a tai chi & qigong instructor?
Upon successful completion of this course, you may be eligible to apply for Instructor membership of the Tai Chi & Qigong Union for Great Britain
Please check the instructor member requirements to ensure you meet them before application.
What qualification will I receive?
You will receive a qualification in “Teaching Tai Chi for Rehabilitation”. This is valid for one year. After which you will then need to attend a CPD day (usually £30-50), then every two years to maintain accreditation. Our programs are the only Tai Chi programs currently accredited by CIMSPA
Where and when is the course?
Training is held in Birmingham. Details and dates can be found on the homepage
To inquire and/or book, please complete and submit the form below or call Mark on 0121 251 6172
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Tai Chi Qi Gong (TCQ) for Well-Being (2-day course)
Click here for cost and payment options
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Typical conditions the program will benefit include:
Falls Prevention, to include: Arthritis, pain management, sarcopenia, brain injuries (including stroke recovery).
Cardiovascular Rehabilitation to include: Heart, Pulmonary, circulatory system, asthma/respiratory system (COPD).
Overview
A holistic mind-and-body approach is applied. The program includes both seated and standing tai chi qigong (shibashi) designed to improve mobility, balance and confidence. The set is progressive and can be speeded up to make it more aerobic as people progress over the weeks. In addition to learning tai chi qigong, the program covers history of tai chi, mindfulness, relaxation and motivation.
Outcomes
The aims and objectives of the program are to introduce patients/students to a progressive form of exercise for mind and body. The gentle nature of tai chi qigong (shibashi) makes it ideal for all levels of fitness and mobility. As the practice of tai chi qigong is so accessible, it has been found that people practice more regularly and look to progress further into the art of tai chi. The overall aim is to encourage, those taking part, to continue exercising in the long term and thereby gaining the longer-term benefits of tai chi and qigong.
Who would benefit from attending?
Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, specialist activity professionals (e.g. cardiac rehab instructors), specialist nurses, tai chi instructors and personal trainers. Please note, if you feel you may be suitable but your profession has not been mentioned, do contact us to discuss.
Minimum entry requirements
Minimum level 2 group exercise instructor, Exercise to music (ETM) qualification, or similar. Please contact if unsure.
Delivery and assessment
The program is delivered with a mix of theory, discussion and practice. The experiential nature of the training means there is no final exam, as assessment is done on an ongoing basis.
Training breakdown (schedule of works)
Days: 9.30an to 4.00pm
Day 1
- Introduction to Tai Chi plus research into Tai Chi for rehab
- Introduction to tai chi qigong (shibashi) 18 exercises
- “Learn to fix yourself before you can help others” – understanding the importance of your own balance, stability and coordination.
Day 2
- Understanding body mechanics and intrinsic strength through Tai Chi
- Loosening exercise for improved circulation and mobility.
- Continue tai chi qigong (shibashi)
- discuss example cases to give clear examples of Tai Chi usage
- Mindfulness, relaxation and motivation.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA) and awarded 10 development points (CPD) which is the maximum possible.
What qualification will I receive?
You will receive a qualification in “Tai Chi Qigong (TCQ) for Well-being”. You can opt to upgrade this to the full Tai Chi for Rehabilitation Course by attending the additional modules. Our programs are the only Tai Chi programs accredited by CIMSPA
Where and when is the course?
The course will be live face-to-face.
, Redditch Road, Hopwood. Worcestershire. B48 7AL
(just off Junction 2 M42)
Note: Zoom may be an option based on your experience. please complete the contact form below or call Mark on +44 (0)7831 743737
Dates
Monday 13th & Tuesday 14th May 2024
Book and pay
2-day tai chi shibashi for well-being course £300 per person
Payment can be by invoice, bank transfer or use the Paypal button below
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Most people think of Tai Chi as a wonderful relaxing exercise performed in parks throughout China, in the early morning. This is true to some extent. Tai Chi is relaxing, but it also strengthens the body, improves circulation and is an effective form of self-defense. To learn the form is to merely scratch the surface.
As an exercise it can strengthen you both mentally and physically by improving your levels of relaxation and teaching you about correct body alignment. As self-defense it works on redirection of incoming force rather than rigid blocking. This overcomes the need for brawn usually associated with martial arts. The holistic nature of this ancient martial art makes it suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness as it adapts itself to suit your abilities. The term Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) literally means ‘supreme ultimate boxing’, and is more commonly referred to as Tai Chi.
The Origins of Tai Chi
There are many different stories concerning its origins and creation. The most popular legend, which has little factual substantiation, is that of ZHANG SAN FENG, a Daoist who, already having mastered Shaolin boxing, caught sight of a crane fighting a snake. Intrigued by the yielding, smooth evasion and darting counter-attacks of both creatures, he was inspired to develop a form of boxing, which would embody the natural philosophy of the Dao.
Legend aside, in the middle of the eighteenth century a soft boxing was being taught in the village of Chenjiakou, in Henan province. This soft boxing was finally popularised by YANG LUCHAN (1780 - 1873), who, through diligent effort, learnt the Chen family boxing, and then went to Beijing, where he taught the art, in a modified form to the Manchu court. This YANG school of boxing was destined to become the most popular form of TAIJIQUAN (TAI CHI CH’UAN), with the help of YANG CHENG FU, the most widely known descendent of Yang Luchan. It is characterised by large, smooth, flowing movements with an unbroken even tempo, avoiding strenuous over-exertion.
Tai Chi for health
As an exercise for health, Tai Chi has been proven to help with stress relief, poor circulation, joint damage and respiratory and digestive disorders.
From a Western physiological approach, it improves your balance, posture and general awareness. The abdominal/diaphragm breathing taught increases oxygenation of the blood, which in turn aids the function of the internal organs and the brain. The slow graceful movements settle both the mind and body. The Eastern approach is based on the flow of Chi through the meridian pathways of the body. Each posture is said to affect specific organs and functions.
Tai Chi as a Martial Art
Tai Chi works on relaxation rather than muscular strength and as such is not limited by age or brawn. It works on the use of intrinsic energy (chi) and proper body alignment. Although this may sound a little mystical, it is perfectly obtainable by all who are willing to persevere. On a more accessible level, Tai Chi is a close-quarter system, which incorporates the use of locks, throws and in-fighting techniques, making it a most realistic form of self-defense. It is a reactive system rather than an aggressive one; the classics say, "They move first but you arrive first".
Qigong (Chi-Kung)
Qigong literally translates as 'breath exercise' and is included in general classes as well as specific workshops. It focuses on controlling your movement and awareness with relaxed breathing. This improves the efficiency of your respiratory system and oxygenising of the blood.
It is said that correct breathing is the miracle, which calls back in a flash our dispersed mind and restores it to wholeness so that we can live each moment of life.
Tai Chi is not..
Tai Chi is neither an instant health cure nor a ten-week self-defense course. It is an art, and like all arts, it takes time and diligent practice to perfect. For those willing to persevere, the benefits are amazing, and are not diminished by the constraints of old age; in fact there are many practitioners around the world in their 80’s and still teaching.
Why learn Tai Chi?
When asked by a student "What is the most important reason to study Tai Chi Chuan?"
Master Cheng Man Ching replied, "The most important reason is that when you finally reach the place where you understand what life is about, you'll have the health to enjoy it."
The above is background information to help you with this training course and as a reference for future questions from students etc. I will detail a series of points below as triggers to help with your future practice/teaching but it is essential you expand on these in your own notes.
Dying from the feet up
The Chinese believe you die from the feet up and that your legs are your second heart. A physiological explanation for this would be that the constant weight changing during your Taiji practice generates a pumping action that improves circulation, lymph drainage and assists the heart. A psychological example might be that when you become immobile, you lose your zest for life.
Why do children and the elderly over-balance?
Have you ever stopped and watched either? Children have two main reasons, one which applies when very young: When born the head is larger than the body to aid delivery and the body takes a time to catch up therefore making a child initially top heavy which allows them to easily be outside their field of balance. Secondly, and this one applied to the elderly or those recovering from strokes etc. as well - THEY OFTEN DON'T LOOK OR FEEL WHERE THEY ARE GOING. After watching many elderly frail with walking-frames, literally bulldozing their way through rooms, tripping over carpets, snagging themselves on chairs, banging into other people.I feel that this a representation of their need to be independent, not ask for help, show that they can still manage alone.
This stalwart trait is very understandable, but can leave them at great risk of unsure footing loss of balance and ultimately falls.Another aspects is how we walk; we fall forward and hope our legs keep up unhindered. This is equivalent to dropping a plate full of dinner then pushing a table underneath to catch it, hoping it will get there in time.
In Tai Chi we learn to not commit body weight until we know the leg is definitely their first; this way we avoid trips and develop a strong stable base. Research in to planter pressure during Tai Chi practice highlights the effects of tai chi's approach to positioning and function. A natural bi-product of Tai Chi movement is strengthening of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO). The VMO muscle is not effectively used during normal walking or running; in fact runners quite often suffer from knee pain due to weakness of the VMO. Research comparing normal walking with Tai Chi showed a greater degree of muscle activation.
Abdominal Breathing
Children breathe with the abdomen before they are taught to ‘hold in their stomach and stand tall’. We later learn that breathing with our chest alone reduces the depth of the breath thereby increasing the need for more breaths. Consider how you feel when anxious or tight chested if you have asthma and you will easily see the detrimental effect chest breathing has. By breathing with your abdomen your will draw down your diaphragm and learn to use more of your lung capacity. This improves oxygenisation to the blood, calms the mind/body and lowers the centre of gravity.
Function of Dorsiflexors and heal strike
The dorsiflexors are what allow you to work your car pedals or tap your foot to music. When they weaken it becomes hard to lift your foot without the toes dropping. This causes the foot to drag when walking and increases the risk of falls. Taiji teaches you to place your heal down first and to clearly define your steps. Poor definition is classified as poor heal strike and gives the impression the person is attempting to climb stairs as they lift their leg higher than would normally be necessary. The heal/toe exercise is designed to help but eventually the use of high ankle supportive footwear or ankle bracing may be needed. A bi-product of this is that the calf muscles shorten due to imbalance of use, which leads to the person leaning forwards and thereby increasing the risk of imbalance due to over-toppling.
Space awareness
One of the clear benefits of Taiji is improved space awareness. The steady, clearly defined movements, the walking exercises and concept of ‘aligning with gravity’, all add to an improved awareness of being. Exercises are designed to increase awareness of your range of balance and the need to move within that range. You learn to listen to your body and appreciate/understand what affects your balance. You learn to be aware of the ground beneath your feet…..
Learn to do less and understand body connection
A key phrase I use in my own classes is ‘learn to do less’. We think we need to do much more than we actually do to achieve the result we want. Consider your car: when driven hard it burns more fuel wares out sooner and doesn’t necessarily get you there any sooner; your body is no different. Through correct body connection your will move more efficiently, generate a greater result from less effort and have more energy to spare for when it is really needed. When you get up in the morning, your start with a certain amount of energy and as you go trough the day this is used up. Would it not be wonderful if by the end of the working day you had some energy left for yourself? Segmenting the body as we move causes a great deal of wastage and strain, so look how the body is constructed and feel the connections: hips to shoulders, knees to elbows, hands to feet. When you are weighted in your front leg is you ankle, knee and hip aligned? Is your shoulder aligned with your hip? Can you feel your weight falling through your body easily and uninterrupted? Does your whole foot feel connected to and pressing the ground?
Fallen arches, diminishing nerve response, stroke numbness etc all affect your feeling of connection, but slow steady practice will improve your awareness and understanding of your body connection.
Why stand when we can sit and rest…?
Sitting allows muscles to rest but can, in time also weaken them. Sitting exercises are OK for those who cannot stand, but are not meant to replace standing practice. Sitting does not work the specific muscles and ligaments that control your balance. Sitting can diminish your feeling of connection to the ground. These types of exercises can be taken as part of a whole program but must lead to standing and moving practice. In turn static standing exercises do not work your range of balance. Taiji’s rotational movements working on single weighted stances increase your range of balance.
The importance of correctly sitting and standing
Have you ever stood up quickly and gone light headed? A sudden drop in your blood pressure, which affects your balance centres, causes this. Now if you were already weakened from old age, poor blood pressure, stroke, illness etc, can you see how easy it would be to fall and possibly injure yourself? It is essential that correct methods of standing and sitting be taught. These should be steady and use each joint in a scissor action to ensure correct body movement is considered. By leaning too far forwards when standing or sitting, it is easy to topple forwards and over balance; by leaning too far back it is easy to fall into or over the chair and land with a thud which can jar and cause quite serious damage.
The key to everything in Tai Chi can be summed up in the Zen concept of living in the here and now, of being aware and paying attention to the moment. It is in the attention to detail, of listening to our bodies.
This helps us to help our patients and keep them on the road to recovery.