Tai Chi & Tao Yin
Practical movement for balance, mobility and confidence
Tai Chi and Tao Yin are traditional Chinese movement practices, taught here in a practical, modern and accessible way.
The aim is simple: to help you move better, feel steadier, ease stiffness and build confidence in your own body. You do not need to be fit, flexible, experienced or especially coordinated to begin.
These classes are not about martial role-play, mystical promises or copying the teacher like a mirror. The roots of the practices matter, but the work has to be useful for real people, with real bodies, living real lives.
Two ways into the practice
Tai Chi and Tao Yin are closely related, but they are not the same thing. Both work with posture, balance, coordination, relaxation and awareness. They simply approach those qualities in different ways.
Tai Chi is the form-based side of the practice.
In class, Trevor teaches the traditional Yang 108 form: a long sequence of connected movements practised slowly, carefully and with attention. Over time, this develops balance, coordination, posture, relaxed strength and whole-body awareness.
Tai Chi is suitable for beginners, but it is not shallow. It is a long-term practice with enough depth to keep learning from it for years.
It can be especially useful if you want to:
- improve balance and stability
- move with more coordination
- build calm focus
- develop better posture and body awareness
- learn a traditional form in a clear, structured way
- practise something that deepens over time
You do not need previous Tai Chi or martial arts experience. You start where you are.
Tai Chi
Tao Yin
Tao Yin is the broader exercise side of the practice.
Rather than learning one long form, Tao Yin uses shorter movement sets and exercises to open, stretch, loosen and strengthen the body. These practices are easier to begin with, easier to practise at home, and can be adapted to suit different levels of ability.
This includes Pa Tuan Chin, often known as the Eight Brocades, a classic set of standing exercises used to develop mobility, posture, breath coordination and general wellbeing. Other traditional exercise sets, such as tendon-changing work, may also be introduced where useful.
Tao Yin can be especially useful if you want to:
- ease stiffness
- improve mobility
- gently build strength and coordination
- support healthier posture
- learn shorter practices you can remember and use
- prepare the body for Tai Chi
- keep moving well as you get older
Tao Yin works well on its own, and it also supports Tai Chi practice beautifully.
Which class is right for me?
If you want a deep, long-term movement practice, Tai Chi is a good place to start.
If you want something shorter, more immediately accessible and easier to practise between classes, Tao Yin or Pa Tuan Chin may suit you well.
Many students benefit from both. Tai Chi gives structure, depth and continuity. Tao Yin gives practical tools for opening the body, improving mobility and keeping the practice fresh.
If you are not sure which is right for you, just ask. You do not need to arrive with the answer already worked out.
What to expect
Classes are practical, patient and structured. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, but the work is still taken seriously.
You will not be expected to move perfectly, keep up with everyone else, or perform in flawless unison. People learn at different speeds, and that is normal. The aim is steady personal progress: better movement, better understanding and more confidence.
Trevor teaches without formal titles such as “sifu”. Martial principles are part of the background and help explain how the movements work, but these are not fighting classes. The focus is on movement, balance, mobility, awareness and useful practice.
Who classes are for
These classes are suitable for:
- complete beginners
- people returning to movement after a long break
- older adults who want to improve balance, mobility and confidence
- existing Tai Chi students who want structured practice
- people who feel stiff, uncoordinated or unsure where to begin
- anyone interested in practical Chinese movement without the mystique
You do not need special clothing, previous experience or a high level of fitness. Comfortable clothes and a willingness to learn are enough.
Classes in Oradour-Fanais and Payroux
Trevor teaches regular Tai Chi and Tao Yin classes from his home studio in Oradour-Fanais, and in Payroux.
Classes are small, friendly and suitable for beginners.
To ask about current classes, availability or which practice would suit you best, please get in touch.