Tai Chi
WEEKLY CLASSES
- Friday
- 9.30-10.30am
- Solihull WI Hall, 745 Warwick rd, B91 3DG
What is it?
Shibashi is a gentle form of T’ai Chi made up of a series of slow, flowing movements that are simple, repetitive, and easy to follow.It’s a practice that meets you where you are—whether you’re later in life wanting to keep the body moving with ease, or younger and looking to slow down, reset, and reconnect.The movements are soft and low impact, helping to support balance, coordination, circulation, and joint mobility. It offers a safe, steady way to maintain strength and confidence in the body.Each movement is paired with the breath and gentle awareness, allowing the mind to settle and the body to soften. Over time, this encourages the natural flow of energy—often called chi—through the body.There’s no pressure to get it right, no need for fitness or flexibility, and everything can be adapted, including seated options In my sessions, Its accessible to all.
How does it make you feel?
Shibashi brings a feeling of quiet ease. As you move, the body begins to loosen without force. Joints feel softer, the breath steadies, and there’s a gentle sense of space opening up inside. It’s not intense or overwhelming—just a gradual unwinding.For many, it creates a feeling of being more balanced and steady on your feet, especially as the movements build awareness and coordination. There can be a lightness in the body, as if tension has been quietly lifted. Mentally, it often feels calming and grounding. The mind slows down, thoughts soften, and there’s less urgency. You’re not trying to achieve anything—you’re just moving and noticing.
It’s a subtle shift—but a noticeable one
What are the physical benefits?
- Improves balance
- Strengthens muscles gently without strain
- Increases flexibility and joint mobility
- Supports better posture and body alignment
- Enhances coordination and body awareness
- Helps reduce stiffness and tension in the body
- Encourages better circulation and blood flow
- Supports recovery from injury through gentle movement
- Improves breathing and lung capacity
- Boosts overall energy levels without overexertion
- Supports bone health and reduces the risk of falls
What is Chi ?
Shibashi works not just with the physical body, but with your energy—often known as chi. Chi can be thought of as the body’s natural life force. It’s always moving, but stress, tension, and a busy mind can cause it to feel stuck or uneven.Through slow, flowing movement and steady breathing, Shibashi encourages this energy to move more freely. As the body softens and the breath deepens, areas of tightness begin to release, allowing chi to circulate with less resistance. You don’t need to force or “find” anything.
How do I feel chi in my body?
- a gentle warmth or tingling in the hands or body
- a sense of flow rather than heaviness
- feeling more open, rather than restricted
- a quiet, steady energy rather than feeling drained or overstimulated
What are the benefits of moving chi
Over time, this helps bring the body back into a more balanced state—where energy isn’t blocked or scattered, but moving calmly and evenly.In this way, Shibashi becomes more than movement. It’s a way of tuning into yourself, softening what’s stuck, and allowing your natural energy to do what it’s meant to do.