Beginners
New to Taiji? Start here
Foundation classes are open to complete beginners — no experience needed. Every account starts with a free trial credit, so your first regular class costs nothing. Come and see how it feels before you commit to anything.
What a Foundation class involves
Foundation training begins with basic stances and hand positions, silk reeling (Chansi Gong) and standing practice. You learn to release tension with natural breathing, and to work on alignment, balance and coordination. From there you move on to the 19 Form.
Learning Chen Taiji takes time, persistence and repetition. Every student keeps coming back to Foundation — see practice levels for how progression works.
“Everyone must attend the foundation class. Without a solid foundation, no matter how well you perform the forms, it is like building a castle in the air — it will collapse as soon as a strong wind blows.”
Before your first class
Booking
All classes are booked online in advance — places are limited, and we cannot take cash on the door. Sign in with your email or Google account, choose a Foundation class on the weekly schedule, and your free trial credit covers it.
What to wear
Taiji clothes or comfortable loose clothing, with layers you can remove. Flat, soft shoes kept for indoor use only. Avoid tight leggings or jeans — the body relaxes best when air can circulate.
In class
Arrive on time, and if you’re early keep conversation low while the previous class finishes. We bow to the teacher at the end of class, and partner work is practised only as taught, with your partner’s safety first.
Health
If you have health issues, please let Shifu Liu know in advance and have permission from your doctor — see our safeguarding & class rules.
Ready when you are
Classes run every week in London and online. Pick one that suits you — the first is on us.