WHAT IS TAI CHI?

TAI CHI is a physical movement Art of balance and energy. Its roots being in systems of self-defence, its continuity into the present era reaches us from the past of a long-ago China.

As such, it forms an integral part of Taoist philosophy taking its inspiration from the world of natural phenomena - of seasons and landscapes, of cycles of change, of stillness and movement - guiding us and instilling in us down-to-earth ways of everyday common sense, of healing and wellbeing.


For The Wonderful Way of TAI CHI 2025, Tim will be teaching principles of Tai Chi Form, with a focus on circularity, centre, and turning. This will include circle-walking and an exploration of the familiar YIN YANG symbol – (more properly called the TAI CHI TU) - in a fully physical sense.

The repeated nature of this practice, crossing the border into Tai Chi's sister art of BAGUA, makes it particularly meditative. Not only an exploration in the body, therefore, but into the being-time of our Mind and Spirit also. By its practice, we promote self-healing, nurturing a self-stability as we age, recovering and cultivating a sustained and centred wellbeing.



Our aim is to present a retreat suitable for complete beginners alongside those who already practise Tai Chi, wishing to continue or refresh their study. 

The group attending will learn a short, cyclical, flowing sequence of elements, grounded in natural principles and embodying vital energy postures.

These are take-home skills to deepen into our lives, to restore health not only in ourselves but in our wider society also.

AS THIS IS FOR YOU, THIS IS FOR US ALL.


And as time allows, Tim will be on hand to guide you privately, in practicalities of meditation or aspects of the overall practice more generally, as well as offering to the group an introduction to the Chinese Way of Tea - this preparation and tasting of some fine examples having become something of a favourite on our past retreats!

Tim has been teaching TAI CHI, Chi Kung and Meditation in the UK since the mid-1990s. Based in London, and now also in Wales, he runs a private studio offering regular classes to small groups and one-to-one tuition.



He is also an experienced organiser and has led Retreat Weeks and Workshops both in the UK and Italy in recent years, drawing participants from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. In the UK, in addition to the on-going classes, he also leads Study Weekends and urban Mini-retreat Meditation Days during the year.


Tim began his study of Tai Chi and Chi Kung in the early 1980s, training with a direct student of the Yang family tradition at the Kensington and Chelsea College in London. He then taught these same classes himself over a period of 7 years, before setting up his own studio in 2001. Altogether, his study, training and teaching extend to over 35 years of immersive commitment. For more information on Tim, his work and his writings, you can visit his website which is https://www.timstudio.co.uk



Between tuition periods, you will be able to explore the beautiful grounds of the Villa Boccella estate with walks through the olive groves, or book a massage, Indian Head massage or session of reflexology with our in-house therapist (at an additional price).

Travel to the venue is not included but we can arrange airport transfers as well as pick up in Lucca. Travel insurance is mandatory for those who come from abroad.

The retreat is open to EVERYONE including beginners, with the teaching being given in English.