Tai Chi in Brixton: Finishing Our 6-Week Beginners Course at The Department Store

Brixton Tai Chi short course

Last night I wrapped up a brilliant six-week Tai Chi course at Upstairs, The Department Store Brixton. What a lovely group! The energy in the room each week was spot-on, focused, friendly, and full of curiosity. It’s been such a joy guiding everyone through the foundations of Tai Chi and seeing the confidence (and balance!) grow week by week.

The course introduced a beginners Yang-style short form, including:
Part Wild Horse’s Mane, Single Whip, Wave Hands Like Clouds, Repulse Monkey, Golden Cockerel Stands on One Leg, Fair Lady Works at the Shuttles, and Grasping Peacock’s Tail.

Each week had its own focus, from building strong foundations and smooth transitions, to working on balance, weight shifting, and breath connection. We talked about moving with intention, using the mind to guide the body, and finding that “willow tree” feeling - rooted but flexible. By the last session, everyone was gliding through the full form with calm focus (and the occasional grin when we nailed a tricky bit!).

We also added some gentle Bagua-style walking (also known as empty-step walking) to support balance and awareness, and introduced breath coordination throughout the form in the final weeks.

What I love most is how Tai Chi works like a mental reset, and from the feedback, people really felt that shift. It offers that rare pause in a busy London week: time to breathe, move, and come back to yourself. Whether you’re at a desk all day or juggling too much at once, Tai Chi quietly reminds you to slow down and reconnect.

If you’d like to experience the benefits of Tai Chi in Brixton, you can join my Saturday morning classes on Tulse Hill, Brixton, or keep an eye out for my next short course. Everyone’s welcome, no experience required.