Yellow Crane Tai Chi
Yellow Crane Tai Chi can be found at the Daoyin Active Health School of Chinese Internal Arts on the Woodstock Road in Belfast. The school was opened in 1998 by Sifu Peter Gilligan, the first person to openly teach traditional Tai Chi in Northern Ireland. As well as teaching at the school for many years Sifu Gilligan wrote "What is Tai Chi?" which is available on Amazon. After Sifu Gilligan's passing in 2015 his legacy of teaching Tai Chi, Qigong and Kung Fu has passed onto his senior students, who continue to run classes using the same traditional methods.
Our Classes
We have a range of classes to suit all levels of practitioner, from complete beginners to those wanting to improve their skills. We run regular beginners course so you won't have to jump in at the deep end and the classes are then structured to improving levels of ability. We also have open classes, workshops and can offer private tuition for the individual or small groups.
All our classes are run in a judgement free and tolerant environment. We only ask that you dress appropriately (loose fitting clothes and flat soled shoes) and come with a willingness to learn.
Class One
Class Two
Class Three
Class Four
Class Five
Class Six
Class Seven
Class Eight
Class Nine
Class Ten
Class Eleven
Course Info
Qigong Online Course
What is Qigong?
The Chinese words "Qi" and "Gong" can be translated into English as "Breath" and "Effort". This means that unlike the Western idea of moving making you breathe when exercising, instead the breathing itself makes you move.
By using postural correction and specific movements Qigong works to rectify body misalignment and improve the circulation of Qi (Chi). Whilst Qi is usually translated as "Breath" it should be considered more as the "Breath of Life".
What is Qigong For?
Qigong has traditionally been used as a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (T.C.M.) for centuries. In conjunction with other T.C.M. methods, like acupuncture, Chinese Doctors would prescribe Qigong exercises to treat ailments or injuries.
Depending on the needs of the person Qigong can be used in the rehabilitation of injuries or degenerative conditions, for the regulation of symptoms that can lead to further problems or as a preventative measure against disease altogether.
How it Works.
By employing specific movements, breathing patterns and postures Qigong works to realign the body so there are no areas of blockage that would otherwise impede the flow of Qi. Much like a twisted, knotted garden hose prevents the flow of water, so it is in the human body.
Whilst the concept of Qi may not be well known in the West or how it relates to Western Medicine, some parallels can be made. Qi is involved in circulation, so any Qi work is good for improving circulation and regulating heart rate and blood pressure. Qi is also involved in the digestive process and the immune system.
As the exercises are designed to correct the body Qigong is very good at dealing with many musculoskeletal problems from helping in the rehabilitation of injuries or strains, the treatment of frozen shoulder or tennis elbow all the way up to assisting in pain management for conditions like back pain and arthritis.