Home

Join us in 2022 for Live Zoom and In Venue Tai Chi Classes with Shifu Liu (in venue with masks and social distancing). All classes must be booked and paid for in advance, there are no drop-ins allowed, nor do we accept cash for classes and workshops.

It is easy to book your own classes and workshops in advance from our TJC Bookwhen classes page or on our TJC Bookwhen workshop page.

The TJC Book & Pay  page has the list of weekly Chen Taijiquan live Zoom and In Venue classes with Shifu Liu and Chris and how to book your class and pay. For security reasons it is best for a class participant to set up a free account on Zoom before entry to the online classes, to book and pay for training through Bookwhen then you can access all your classes and payment information.

We are keen to keep in touch with our taiji family of students to maintain social interaction between us and to be able to adapt and keep learning even while we are training in our homes live on Zoom or face to face in our venues.

We hope that you all stay safe and well during these very difficult times, and also keep on practicing at home for maintaining mental and physical health and well-being.

Tai Chi for Health, Relaxation and Martial Arts 

PUBLIC CLASSES • PERSONAL TRAINING • WORKSHOPS • FREE TAI CHI IN THE PARK • COMPETITION COACH & JUDGE • INDIVIDUAL & TEAM DEMONSTRATIONS •

Tai Ji Circle is a north London school and charity dedicated to sharing and promoting Chen Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) and qi gong (chi kung) practice. Our weekly tai ji classes and monthly workshops for beginners to advanced levels are directed and taught by Master Liu Quanjun and assisted and managed by Christine Jones. They are both disciples of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang, the 19th generation lineage heir of the Chen family Taijiquan, that was the origin of many modern Tai Chi styles taught around the world today.

We offer:
•  A comprehensive Chen Tai Ji (tai chi) training programme through our Foundation classes
• Traditional and Modern Chen Taijiquan hand forms
• Chen style Push Hands and Martial Applications
• Chen style weapons forms
• Ongoing classes for beginners to advanced levels
• Traditional training as in China
• Friendly place to train – everyone is welcome
• Weekly classes, monthly workshops and free ‘tai chi in the park’ sessions

Benefits of Chen Tai Ji training  with us:
• Improve health and fitness
• Increase stamina, coordination, balance and flexibility
• Decrease stress and increase relaxation
• Study with a genuine Chinese taijiquan master, Liu Quanjun, 20th generation disciple of Chen lineage head, Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang
• Individual posture correction from Master Liu
• Increase self confidence and improve your quality of life

Prior to Covid-19 we were very fortunate to have many annual visits from China of Master Chen Ziqiang, the son of Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing and nephew of Standard Bearer Chen Xiaowang. Master Chen Ziqiang is a 20th generation direct descendant of the Chen Taijiquan Family. He is the Chief Coach of the prestigious Chenjiagou Taijiquan Academy and a renowned tai ji teacher and martial arts champion. Both he and his students have achieved overwhelming victories in numerous competitions both in China and worldwide. Master Chen Ziqiang’s Tai Ji is impeccable and he is ranked as one of the true great masters within the Taijiquan community.

Master Chen Ziqiang in the centre with Liu Quanjun and Chris

Chen Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan is the Cantonese spelling) Tai Chi (Taijiquan of the Chen style) is practiced as a sequence of slow or dynamic movements or forms, that combine ‘soft’ and ‘hard’, with ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ actions. It is performed in a relaxed, balanced and natural way that adheres to the philosophical Daoist (Taoist) principles of Yin Yang, the Chinese theory of opposites. Chen style Taijiquan has bare hand and weapon routines suitable for beginners to advanced levels, push hands and martial applications and techniques. It can be practiced meditatively and slowly in a high stance, or faster in a lower stance for increasing stamina and power, (which makes it different from other tai chi styles) but also makes it suitable for different age groups to practice.

CHEN TAIJIQUAN TRAINING for all levels
CHEN-STYLE HAND & WEAPON FORMS
ONGOING BEGINNERS CLASSES
FREE TAI CHI IN THE PARK MEETUPS
MEDITATIVE DA BEI QI GONG
HARD QI GONG PRIVATE COURSES
CHINESE MASSAGE TREATMENTS

Some of the Calendar 2022 workshops, trips, bookings and special visits from tai chi masters, are postponed until the pandemic eases… We are teaching taiji and qi gong workshops online and in venue, see the Events page.

We have a new Foundation In Venue and Online Beginners classes Beginners Chen Taiji Classes new students are welcome to book and attend.

We recommend that everyone follows the government and NHS guidelines, shield and safeguard if you need to, wash your hands when entering and leaving home/shopping/office etc and keep the 1-2 metres social distance. We are monitor the government guidelines and have a Risk Assessment for In Venue classes regularly updated.

Shifu Liu teaching GM Chen Xiaowang’s Yifei Gong at Tai Ji Circle to support lung health in February 2020 classes before the first lockdown in March. Daily practice of breathing and movement exercises at home helps to keep us healthy.

“In the beginning use the body to move the ‘energy’ – much later you can use the ‘energy’ to move the body!” Liu Quanjun

More on Chen Taiijiquan

Classes – Book & Pay

Timetable & Bookings

We can no longer accept cash or drop-ins at our venues, and as numbers are limited all classes must be pre-booked and paid through our Bookwhen site (timetable, booking and payments). Masks must be worn in class at all times unless you have a medical exemption in which case please wear your badge. Thank you.

Please book and pay for all your weekly Tai Ji Circle classes with Shifu Liu and Chris on Bookwhen, with an online or in-venue option, as a TJC member or non-member.

Annual TJC Membership is £100 for new students for the training year (January to December), and £70 for Renewal, also partial year membership is available. With TJC Membership you save cost on class fees and workshops.

On the Bookwhen Schedule timetable classes are listed as ‘In Venue’ or ‘Online’ please select accordingly. Book a Single Class or buy a Class Pass to save on fees.

Class Passes (8, 15 or 30 credits) you can book in all the classes you may want to take, or just a few at a time, and the system will know when you have used them up on your pass automatically. If you cannot make a class you can transfer it to another time or date, beforehand. If you wish to do classes ‘Online’ and ‘In Venue’ it is best to buy two different passes for each option as the passes are not interchangeable.

Please set up a Bookwhen account with an email and password, so that you can sign-in later to see all your bookings, classes and payments. Your email address is used to identify you when booking with a pass or class. An email reminder is sent out before your classes after payment, with the online Zoom link. With Online Class booking, click on the class online link to add it to your calendar. (Please email Chris if any problems)

https://bookwhen.com/taijicircle

Payments

Ticket fees for ‘In Venue’ or ‘Online’ classes are listed by Member or Non-Member.
• All ticket/pass payments can be paid by credit card on Bookwhen.
• There are two free daytime online Community Taiji classes with Chris,
• NHS workers and carers can also attend at the Members rate.
• Overseas concessionary online students can also have a discount and book paying the Members fee.

Bookwhen Book & Pay System: First click/highlight the class you want to attend and then you will see the class details and price options, click on the Single payment option or Passes to select credits for cheaper class fees.
• When buying a Pass you must book one class at the same time.

Chen Taiji Beginner students who wish to pay for the Foundation Classes should buy the NEW discounted 8 class non-members Beginners pass, and email Chris your intended start date. Those valid for a concessionary rate can buy their class/pass at the Members rate (see the Beginners Course page for all details). Online links are sent out with Bookwhen booking.

Below is a full guide for TJC students using Bookwhen system for the first time and any queries you may have.

https://helpforbookers.helpsite.com

If you prefer you might find it easier to use the main TJC Bookwhen booking and payment site here for your first booking and to set up an account: https://bookwhen.com/taijicircle

Book online

When you have an account you can log-in with your email below to book more classes.

The time zone is London UK BST, and payment in GB pounds.

Booking guide to follow:- https://helpforbookers.helpsite.com/articles/38035-purchasing-class-passes
Please note that class tickets or class pass bookings can ONLY be transferred BEFORE the class takes place.

If you had a previous TJC Members Subscription for Online classes in 2020 and wish to unsubscribe please click on the button below.

Donations

Donate here if you wish to support Tai Ji Circle’s work, or the free classes that we offer – thank you

If you have any problems please email us.

CLASS TIMETABLE 2022 –
In-Venue & Online from 9 January

Mondays
Evenings: Islington Chinese Association + Online Zoom 
18:30-19:30    Tai Ji 2: Chen Laojia Yi Lu
19:30-23:00    Tai Ji 3: Cannon Fist Laojia Er Lu

Tuesdays
11:00-12:00    Tai Ji Community Class – with Chris at St Paul’s Church Hall, Camden Square and Online Zoom
Evenings: Islington Chinese Association + Online Zoom 
18:30-19:30    Tai Ji 2: Chen Fan Form (Form)
19:30-23:00    Tai Ji 3: Push Hands and Applications (no contact training) not online

Wednesdays
07:30-08:30    Early Morning Practice with Shifu – Online Zoom 

Thursdays
07:30-08:30    Early Morning Practice with Shifu – Online Zoom
Evenings: St Paul’s Church Hall, Camden Square + Online Zoom
18:30-19:30    Tai Ji: Chen Foundation Class
19:30-20:30    Tai Ji 2: Chen Laojia Yi Lu

Fridays
07:30-08:30    Early Morning Practice with Shifu– Online Zoom
11:00-12:00    Tai Ji Community Class – with Chris Online Zoom 

1st Saturday of the Month –  Currently Online Zoom
11:30 – 12:30  FREE Virtual Tai Chi Class with Shifu Liu – see Virtual Chen

Saturday Workshops 
St Paul’s Church, Camden Square + Online Zoom
13:00 – 16:00  Chen Tai Ji Workshops – see website Events

Sundays 
At Islington Chinese Association + Online Zoom
10:00-11:00    Tai Ji: Chen Foundation Class
11:00-12:00    Tai Ji 1: Chen 19 Part Form – general 
12:00-13:00    Tai Ji 3: Chen Laojia Yi Lu Form

Class levels
• Foundation Chen is suitable for new students to taiji and all levels for essential technique practice and correction
• Chen 19 Form is suitable for students progressing from Foundation (3-6 months)
• Laojia Yi Lu (classic Old Frame 1 Form) practice with thorough understanding of Foundation training and knowledge of the 19 Form
• Laojia Er Lu (classic Old Frame 2 Form) knowledge and understanding of previous levels
• Chen Sword (currently no class), Chen Fan and weapons, good hand forms practice is required
• Xinjia Yi Lu and Er Lu (Chen New Frame Form 1 and 2) are advanced routines (currently no class)
• Taiji Ball strength training is open to all levels and is an online Zoom class (currently no class)
Due to the unknown situation of Covid-19 we are currently teaching a reduced syllabus. There are no Xinjia or sword classes at the moment.

Chen Taiji for Beginners

Foundation Tai Ji (tai chi) Classes 2022

TJC’s London classes and workshops will start back online and in venue at St Paul’s in Camden Square and the Islington Chinese Association from Saturday 8 January 2022.


• Shifu Liu Quanjun teaches two weekly Chen Foundation Taijiquan classes that beginners can attend and join at any time.
• TJC’s free Virtual Tai Chi Class with Shifu Liu is on the 1st Saturday of the month, 11:30-12:30 BST. Please  Register with Zoom to attend.
• Two weekday Community Foundation Qi Gong classes with Chris 11:00-12:00 on Tuesdays (in venue St Paul’s Camden Square, and free online) and Fridays (online zoom).

Discover the roots of Tai chi (taiji) with Tai Ji Circle and try the traditional form of Chen Taijiquan (tai chi chuan) with renowned London Chen-style master Liu Quanjun and Chris. Learn how to relax and benefit health through our practical Chen Foundation classes, discover the hidden power in this authentic internal martial art, and understand theories and philosophies that underpin the Chen style.

FOUNDATION CHEN FOR NEW STUDENTS

Shifu Liu teaches the syllabus of standing practice and silk reeling exercises that are the base for learning Chen taijiquan forms practice. Classes with him are twice a week at our venues in St Paul’s Church Hall/Camden and Islington Chinese Association/Archway. We understand that it is not always possible to attend twice a week and you can spread out your learning to suit your own timetable. Learning Chen Taiji takes time, persistence, perseverance and repetition of the movements to improve posture, balance and coordination, it’s not a quick fix! First with correction from Shifu Liu we learn Foundation training and then learn the movements of a routine. When a routine has been memorised we can begin to relax into Chen Taijiquan practice. Shifu Liu continues to help us improve through careful correction of posture of each part of a routine, and keeping up foundation training is the regular background practice for very level.

Since the pandemic (we do not accept drop-ins or cash) we have an online booking and payment system https://bookwhen.com/taijicircle so that you can control which class and when you want to attend, either online zoom or in the venue. You set up an account with your email (which is used as your ID) when you click on the class you wish to do and whether you want to pay for a single class or save money and get an 8 x class pass (choose either an in-venue or online pass). There is a shopping cart at the top of the screen, and you get taken through the booking and payment process. If you buy an online class you should be sent an email with the Zoom joining link, or confirmation email if you wish to attend in venue.

See the NEW Beginners Foundation 8 class pass for non-members to use in venue at reduced rates (click on Foundation class and then on the class pass option)

Book online

We are still being Covid secure and ask you to wear a mask into the venue, use gel and be careful of social distance.

VENUES for Foundation Classes with Shifu Liu
Sundays from 10:00 – 11:00 at the Islington Chinese Association
21 Hatchard Road, London N19 4NG
Archway underground or Upper Holloway (Rail), walk or bus down Holloway Rd, to Marlborough Road.

Thursdays from 18:30 – 19:30 at St Paul’s Church Hall
Camden Square, London, NW1 9XG
Camden tube or Camden Road Overground Rail, buses 29 or 253 up Camden Road

If you need help with our Bookwhen class booking and payment system check here:

https://helpforbookers.helpsite.com

To qualify for concessionary fees (please supply proof at first class):-
• full-time student
• unemployment, housing or on incapacity benefit
• over 60 or under 18 years
• chronic health issues, ask Chris or Shifu Liu (email us)
• children under 16 in adult Foundation class are free with parent

Whether you are new to Taijiquan or more experienced, practicing the foundation training is essential to build strength, calmness, and gain full energy which is necessary for more advanced practice. Our Foundation classes are recommended for all new students to gain a grasp of the essential requirements of the Chen style.

Everyone welcome, no previous experience is required.

If you have health issues please let us know and have permission from your doctor before joining our classes.

Training for our Chen Tai ji Foundation 8 class Pass includes:-
• Nei Gong, internal practice
• Jiben Gong, warm ups and silk reeling exercises
• Understanding tai ji movement principles and the role of the dantian (energy centre) and kua (groin),
• Training for health benefits, agility and better balance

Objectives of the Foundation Chen Taijiquan Classes
• Release and learn to soften and relax tension, using your natural breath
• Learn the basic stances and hand positions of the Chen style
• Gain better alignment, balance and coordination
• Standing practice and posture correction for improved alignment and strength
• Understand Silk Reeling exercises, to gain control of balance and weight changing, and to circulate energy throughout the body
• Use of yin yang theory in Tai ji practice
• Understand some of the basic theories and philosophies underlying Chen Taijiquan
• Understand how the martial applications are within apparently simple movements even at the Foundation level.

To help your practice, if you sign up for 8 classes you will receive:-
• Notes with a brief history/principles of Chen style taijiquan with a glossary of terminology
• Detailed posture correction (in Venues only) from Shifu Liu, Chris (if permittable)
• Lesson Plan for self-practice at home and
• Send you Vimeo class links for reference and practice.

“Thank you so much for this amazing material and for organising everything in such a clear way. This course is by far the best one I have ever taken, and I’ve tried quite a few places!”
AN. 2020

Chen Xiaowang

Standard Bearer of Chen Taijiquan

Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang was born in 1945 in Chenjiagou (Chen Village), Henan Province, China and is currently the standard bearer of the 19th generation of the Chen family. He is a senior national martial artist and professor in the Chinese Martial Arts International Promotions Centre. Upon the solid foundation of the experience of his ancestors, Chen has not only been successful in Taijiquan himself, but has tirelessly promoted his “family martial art” throughout the world. He is direct descendent of the legendary Chen Wang Ting, originator of Chen Taijiquan in the 17th Century, and the grandson of Chen Fa’ke, renowned as the greatest Taijiquan master at the beginning of the 20th Century.

At a very young age, Chen received rigorous training in Chen family Taijiquan theory, forms, weapons, push hands, and free sparring from his father, Chen Zhaoxu, and his uncles, Chen Zhaopi and Chen Zhaokui. In 1980, he became a board member of the Henan Institute of Sport and began teaching Taijiquan professionally. He entered the National Taijiquan Competition winning gold medals for three consecutive years (1980-82). In 1985, he represented China in the First International Martial Arts Invitational Competition in Xi’an receiving the World Champion title for Taijiquan. Chen continued to compete in sizable competitions and was awarded the title of champion in Taijiquan more than twenty times.

Chen served as the sole deputy elected from Taijiquan circles to the Chinese National People’s Assembly. In 1988, he was awarded the Contribution to Martial Arts prize by the National Institute of Martial Arts, and the Chinese Government recognised him as a “Living National Treasure.” He is recognised as one of four “Buddha’s Warrior Attendants,” the four outstanding exponents of the 19th generation in Chenjiagou. Chen Xiaowang was chairperson of the Henan Province Chen Push Hands Taijiquan Association; deputy head of the Wushu Academy of Henan Province; and technical advisor and official assessor for the standardised competition routines for the Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun styles of taijiquan. In 2010 he was honoured with the highest distinction in Chinese martial arts, the 9th duan wei.

Chen has created two condensed forms of the Laojia and Xinjia forms; a 38-posture form and a 19-posture form, and the 9-posture form for beginners. He told inside Kung-Fu Magazine in 1991, “I have tried to do away with all the repetitions and simplify the exceedingly difficult moves without destroying the characteristics of Chen Style Taijiquan, with special emphasis to attack/defense and the chansi technique.”

He has represented China sharing martial arts knowledge with people all over the world. His deep Taijiquan skill has allowed him to defeat all martial artists who have challenged him. Over many years, Chen has taught tens of thousands of Taijiquan students both in and outside of China.

Chen has held many positions of leadership in areas of martial arts, calligraphy, culture, and Chinese medicine and currently holds various positions in many international and Chinese Taijiquan institutions. He was the principal in the films on Chen family Taijiquan produced by Chinese Central Television (CCTV) and has choreographed and directed martial arts films. Additionally, he authored a number of renowned books and essays on Taijiquan. His books and videos have been translated into many languages and have been published worldwide.

Chen is also leading a project to rebuild the house of Chen Changxing, the fourteenth generation Chen family. A project made possible by the contribution of his disciples and all the students who have bought his beautiful calligraphy, (example right) “Jing , Qi, Shen”, Essence, Energy, Spirit, which TJC use the motto on our T shirt.

Chen has contributed significantly to the international promotion of Taijiquan. In 1990, he left China on a mission to promote Taijiquan to the world. He established the World Chen Xiaowang Taijiquan Association and has since been touring Europe, North America, South America, and Asia promoting and teaching Taijiquan. The distance he travels each year is equivalent to twice the circumference of the earth. In February 2003, he accepted an invitation to return to his hometown, Jiao Zuo, to author a Taijiquan book for elementary and high school students. Both the people and government of Jiao Zuo warmly welcomed him.

Chen’s big heartedness, his outstanding Taijiquan skills, and his personal characteristics make him highly respected around the world. He is truly the most outstanding Chen family Taijiquan master of his generation and a world-renowned martial artist.

Coronavirus 2020
Check the link on information about Yifei Gong, created by Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang to support and strengthen immune system and lung health in the flu season following the Coronavirus outbreak of 2019-2020.

Chen Xiaowang’s website

Video of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang and other masters talking about the history and demonstrating the Chen style

News