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Queen Ethelburga's College website www.qe.org

I was invited into QE in May to deliver Tai Chi session to students during their Mental Health Awareness week.  I was very impressed with the students and the energy that they put into learning Tai Chi.  I tested their abilities by delivering some, self defence techniques to heighten adrenalin and then how to calm the mind and manage the situation with some easy calming/breathing techniques that can be used at any time when we become stressed/worried or anxious.  All about learning how  

to manage the mind.  The feedback was extremely positive.

'I took this photograph on my way into the school - impressive?'

Tai Chi for Teens

Bootham School, York

I am very pleased to say that I have just finished teaching Tai Chi at Boothams for  another year, bringing it to 6 years at this wonderful school.  This year some of the students went have been learning a short staff form and some self defence techniques*  Although this may be seen as Martial the emphasis is more on *Gung Fu (*a Chinese term referring to any study, learning, or practice that requires patience, energy, and time to complete. In its original meaning, kung fu can refer to any discipline or skill achieved through hard work and practice, not necessarily martial arts -  as described in www.wikipedia.org)

Students are learning drills/application and calming techniques.  Toby Haswell was promoted to Coach this year and has flourished with this responsibility.  Great to see Toby mature and embrace teaching others. - Well Done Toby.  I have to say though that this years students have all been very keen, worked hard and helped each other.  I look forward to next year.  Many thanks to James Ratcliffe who continues to support me and Tai Chi in Bootham School  

Toby Haswell

'Tai Chi for Teens' - by Oliver Owens (Bootham School, York)

“Definition - Tai Chi Chaun is a Chinese exercise system using smooth movements to achieve a state of relaxation of body and mind.

Purpose - physical exercise to improve and maintain health.  Doing Tai Chi strengthens the cardiovascular and immune systems whilst having virtually no side effect or precautions because it is practiced in slow movements.  This is a safe exercise, with little risk involved.

It is suitable for people of all ages and fitness and doesn't leave a person feeling too tired or sore.”

www.boothamschool.com/senior-school