About:

 

Hello ~ contact Mike on: info@taiji4you.co.uk

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Here is a little video of Mike on Maghull TV (03/08/20)

www.youtube.com/MaghullTV/Mike_Tai_Chi (4k+ views)

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Mike is currently hosting online classes via Zoom and in person. These are suitable for beginners, OAPs and pain sufferers alike (masks indoors are recommended due to rising COVID-19 rates Autumn 2022).

Mike says:

" I whole-heartily recommend everyone try Tai Chi because it a wonderful exercise for both your mental & physical health and general wellbeing, regardless of your current ability. It is hugely enjoyable and it also compliments all other forms of exercise too. "

" The NHS introduced me to Tai Chi (Billy's Kwong Tam Chi Gungs & 24 form) at the world-leading Walton Neurological Pain Clinic, when I attended their famous 'Pain Management Program' in early 2003. This was the 1st positive post-accident activity I found which could take my mind away from 2 years of continuous pain.

I maintained that P.M.P. ethos at a self-help group for pain sufferers with (Bill Pirrie's) Exercise class, Relaxations, Qigongs and a 24 form Tai Chi class. I also joined a local gym where I discovered Tai Chi with Roger Billingham of the White Tiger Taiji School (White Tiger) also in 2003.

I have been with the White Tiger ever since (My sincerest thanks go to Roger, R.I.P. 2016, who was an inspirational and patient mentor to me for 13+ years with his Qigongs, 8, 18, 24 & 108 (new & old) forms, Push Hands etc. I miss him, his inspiring presence, his ever ready smile and unique brand of humour. He was a true character with a wonderful attitude to life, great style, compassion and lack of ego).

My path into teaching began accidentally, while attending Maghull & Lydiate's U3A Taiji class in 2008, run by Sheila from White Tiger (Thank you for the push).

Roger of White Tiger awarded me with an Instructor Certificate in 2009.

2011 saw my 1st U3A 'Seated Taiji for Beginners' class, to compliment Sheila's class.

2014 brought my 1st Taiji4you class as a self-employed Instructor.

 Classes in Aintree and Bootle followed, and continue to date.

In late 2016, I became lead Instructor at White Tiger ~ I aim to maintain Roger's ethos. "

 

 Since then, Mike has held classes in Residential Homes (seated Tai Chi) & taught pupils in a local school for 2 years as part of their curriculum, and their teachers in after-school sessions for a year too.

Mike currently teaches various Yang-style Taijiquan Forms, Qigongs and relaxation techniques to beginners, regulars and pain sufferers; these include ~

Forms:  Yang Chengfu's '108'  ;  Beijing/Simplified/Short '24'  ;  Arthritic Form

Qigongs:  Seasonal  ;  Imperial  ;  Tiger Bones  ;  '8' Treasures/Brocade  &  Shibashi '18'

Relaxations:  Breathing techniques  ;  Mindfulness  &  guided Meditations  ;  etc.

Mike has UK 'Enhanced level' DBS clearance, 'Tai Chi Instructor' Tradesman Public Liability Insurance and a current First Aid Certificate, allowing him to teach in Community Halls, Schools and Homes etc.

A 2001 spinal injury sustained in a car accident left Mike with constant Neuropathic Pain. Ongoing to this day is neck and back muscular pain and sciatic nerve pain. Practising Tai Chi helps him to cope with the pain.