Background

I have been studying Tai Chi since about 1999, and almost since the day I started I have been inspired to write a book on the subject. But you know how it is, getting started is the difficult bit. So in a flash of inspiration I decided to start a blog in the meantime, which perhaps one day when I am old and wise, I will edit down into a book. To that end, I'm going to attempt to keep this blog reasonably focused and not post pictures of dogs covered in lipstick etc - let's see how restrained I manage to be....

I am both a Tai Chi practitioner and academically qualified scientist and professional engineer.  I am therefore interested in formalising my understanding of Tai Chi in a scientific manner and to carry out research into Tai Chi for personal development, in the language and manner with which I am most comfortable: scientific analysis. I do not really intend to discuss the intricacies of particular styles or postures, as I leave it to others far more qualified than I, to fulfil this role.

Secondly, I believe that embodied in Tai Chi is powerful, self consistent and valuable knowledge based on millennia of research that I wish to share with others. It seems to me that scientists (which I prefer to use as a term rather than "Westerners") are deprived of this knowledge as it is usually presented in a way that they generally consider unscientific, alternative or hippie.  I'm not looking to "prove" anything, but rather provide a translation service between the two respective worlds. In other words to make the internal arts accessible to people who have a natural predisposition to scientific scepticism.

I also run Tai chi classes in Winchester and Petersfield, Hampshire, UK, so by all means get in touch if you are in the area.