Tai Chi courses
Discover Tai Chi at Newcastle University. Open to all and perfect for beginners and intermediate learners looking to improve balance, flexibility, and inner calm.
Tai Chi classes in Newcastle
Tai Chi builds internal strength and cultivates harmony between mind and body. Its movements are slow, smooth, and continuous—often described as “sailing clouds and flowing water” (行云流水)—promoting proper posture, controlled breathing, and mental clarity.
Choose from Tai Chi basics and 24-Form Tai Chi to find the class that suits you and your goals.
Tai Chi basics course
This course introduces key Tai Chi principles and fundamental forms, along with essential knowledge of organ systems and meridians. It helps improve flexibility, coordination, circulation, posture, leg strength, and internal balance.
Who is this course for?
The course is suitable for:
- both beginners and intermediate learners who wish to enhance their Tai Chi skills and overall physical well-being
- participants of all ages and fitness levels
What you'll learn in Tai Chi basics
- fundamental principles of Tai Chi
- breathing techniques and energy flow
- hand, step, and body coordination
- integration of movement, breath, and intention
- understanding the purpose and mechanics of each movement
- breathing and posture alignment techniques
- stretching and balance training
- strengthening leg muscles
Location
Newcastle University campus
Course fee (for 10 sessions)
Standard Price: £60
Concessions*: £40
*The concession rate is available to all Newcastle University staff/students and students enrolled in any Confucius Institute Chinese Language course this semester.
How to enrol on the Tai Chi basics course?
1. Complete the Tai Chi course registration form
2. Then pay for the lessons you’re interested in using the links below:
Tai Chi basics
• Thursdays, 18.00-19.00 Course dates: Thursday, 22 January 2026 to Thursday, 26 March 2026. Pay for this course.
• Thursdays, 19.10-20.10 Course start date: Thursday, 22 January 2026 to Thursday 26 March 2026. Pay for this course.
Book onto this course before the 5 January 2026 to secure your place.
24-Form Tai Chi course (24 Forms of Taijiquan or Simplified Taijiquan)
The 24-Form Tai Chi is a simplified routine. Derived from traditional Yang-style Tai Chi, it consists of 24 continuous and graceful movements that embody the essence of Tai Chi:
- stillness within motion,
- softness overcoming strength
- harmony between body and mind
Practicing the 24-Form Tai Chi helps improve balance, flexibility, and circulation, while cultivating focus and inner calm. The course emphasizes correct posture, coordinated breathing, and the integration of movement and mindfulness.
Who is this course for?
It is ideal for learners of all ages, especially those who already have some basic Tai Chi experience or who are seeking improved wellness and relaxation.
What you'll learn in 24-Form Tai Chi
- Form 1 Commencing Form（第一式 起势）
- Form 2 Part Wild Horse’s Mane on Both Sides（第二式 左右野马分鬃）
- Form 3 White Crane Flashes Its Wings（第三式 白鹤亮翅）
- Form 4 Brush Knee on Both Sides（第四式 搂膝拗步）
- Form 5 Strum the Lute（第五式 手挥琵琶）
- Form 6 Curve Back Arms on Both Sides（第六式 左右倒卷肱）
- Form 7 Grasp the Bird’s Tail – Left Style（第七式 左揽雀尾）
- Form 8 Grasp the Bird’s Tail – Right Style（第八式 右揽雀尾）
- Form 9 Single Whip（第九式 单鞭）
- Form 10 Wave Hands Like Clouds – Left Style（第十式 云手）
- Form 11 Single Whip（第十一式 单鞭）
- Form 12 High Pat on Horse（第十二式 高探马）
- Form 13 Kick with Right Heel（第十三式 右蹬脚）
- Form 14 Strike Opponent’s Ears with Both Fists（第十四式 双峰贯耳）
- Form 15 Turn and Kick with Left Heel（第十五式 转身左蹬脚）
- Form 16 Push Down and Stand on One Leg – Left Style（第十六式 左下势独立）
- Form 17 Push Down and Stand on One Leg – Right Style（第十七式 右下势独立）
- Form 18 Work at Shuttles on Both Sides（第十八式 左右穿梭）
- Form 19 Needle at Sea Bottom（第十九式 海底针）
- Form 20 Flash Arm（第二十式 闪通臂）
- Form 21 Turn to Deflect Downward, Parry and Punch（第二十一式 转身搬拦捶）
- Form 22 Apparent Close - up（第二十二式 如封似闭）
- Form 23 Cross Hands（第二十三式 十字手）
- Form 24 Closing Form（第二十四式 收势）
Location
Newcastle University campus
Course fee (for 10 sessions)
Standard Price: £80
Concessions*: £50
*The concession rate is available to all Newcastle University staff/students and students enrolled in any Confucius Institute Chinese language course this semester.
How to enrol on the 24-Form Tai Chi course?
1. Complete the Tai Chi course registration form
2. Then pay for the lessons you’re interested in using the links below:
24-Form Tai Chi
• Wednesdays, 18:00-19:30 Course dates: Wednesday, 21 January 2026 to Wednesday, 25 March 2026. Pay for this course.
• Fridays, 18:00-19:30 Course start date: Friday, 23 January 2026 to Friday, 27 March 2026. Pay for this course.
Book onto this course before the 5 January 2026 to secure your place.
Current Positions
• Full-time Instructor of Traditional Chinese Sports, Confucius Institute at Newcastle University, UK
• Director, Wushu Teaching and Research Office, Department of Physical Education, Xiamen University
• Member, Expert Committee of the International Health Qigong Federation
• President, Health Qigong Division, Fujian University Students Sports Association
International Exchange and Promotion
Associate Professor Li has long been committed to the international promotion of traditional Chinese sports and wellness culture. Associate Professor Li:
- served as a government-sponsored instructor at the Confucius Institute of San Diego State University, USA
- was seconded to the Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic Games as an event specialist
- delivered Health Qigong lectures and workshops in more than a dozen countries and regions, sharing the principles and practices of traditional Chinese wellness with global audiences
Contact us
If you have any question please contact Andrea Freeman at andrea.freeman@newcastle.ac.uk or Liu Jing Zhu nljz@newcastle.ac.uk.