FAQ

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Are your Melbourne TaiChi classes available Online?

Yes. The TaiChi timetable is available online for all HME Melb and Discover Taiji members. There are no membership requirements to trial our classes for the first month or so. You can book an online class anytime via this link: Group Class Online

Get in touch if you have any questions. You can find available TaiChi class times for in-person TaiChi classes in Melbourne and Online access from anywhere in the world via this link: heavenmanearthmelbourne.com/timetable

Is TaiChi from China?

Yes. TaiChi is a traditional Chinese Martial Art based on the principles of correct structural alignment and release of the soft tissues of the body. It is considered an internal or ‘soft’ martial arts as it is not based on ‘li’ or external force. This is one of the reasons that it is famous for the robust health benefits that can be gained from regular practice of authentic TaiChi.

Our system founder, Sifu Adam Mizner says thought that we train for power and as a result we receive the health benefits. That is to say that we maintain the integrity of authentic training which involves repetition of the fundamental methods of ‘opening the body’ and ‘sinking the qi’ (holding static standing postures) so that when we ‘mobilise the qi’ through physical movement we have something of substance to work with.

Chinese martial arts talk classically of ‘eating bitter’. The medicine of the training can be challenging and somewhat painful. In taking an authentic approach to the practice we thus gain authentic, valuable and applicable results. Whats the point of medicine if it doesn’t cure disease!? The medicine of TaiChi remedies the modern illness of an erratic mind and a bound up, stressed body. Like anything worth doing it is challenging and infinitely deep.

How does TaiChi support workplace wellness?

TaiChi principles can be developed and employed to support the reduction of stress and burnout in the workplace. TaiChi is based on the release of muscular tension and aims to employ continuous relaxed movement. Training movement in this way supports us to overcome the flight / flight response and to spend more time in the parasympathetic. Of course we know that this state of ‘rest and digest’ is invaluable to quality of life and wellbeing. However TaiChi also promotes integration of a sustained state of active relaxation. The ideal is to remain actively engaged without accumulating unnecessary habitual states of physical and mental tension that can impact productivity and emotional stability. Interested in having TaiChi in your workplace? You can read more about Living TaiChi in some of the articles on our blog. Find out more with regard to in-person + online Corporate TaiChi programs for workplace wellness here: heavenmanearthmelbourne.com/corporate-taichi

Do you have any more details on the specific set you will teach? Is it a traditional set? How long does the routine typically take?

I originally learned the qigong set that I will be teaching from within the ZiRanMen tradition. This was taught as a 'jibengong' or foundational qigong set. Of course my insight into the set is enriched by by study under the Heaven Man Earth tradition.

The qigong set itself would typically take between 15 - 25mins. I will also be teaching different approaches to the set so it can be adapted according to time and need. However the qigong will be accompanied by a set of auxiliary exercises to open and educate the body more deeply in accordance with the set. So you could also choose to add further time to the routine

I am looking for something to support my pre-meditation early morning practice and sometimes early evening practice - is this a set suitable?

Yes the set could be used in this manner. The qigong and accompanying exercises will be taught in depth (especially if attending all 8 sessions) and given the foundational nature of this particular set, I am confident that it is a clear and effective accompaniment to any meditation or qi practices.

Lastly, I am happy for you to book in a free 10min consult online if you wanted to discuss these matters more directly. Here is the booking link should you wish to do so:

https://heavenmanearthmelbourne.com/book-skype-lesson-online-discover-taiji

e paul@heavenmanearth.com / Whatsapp: +81 80 6899 5019

Can I really learn Qigong Online?

Yes you can. There is no doubt that about the benefit and value of learning any system involving physical movement and Qi on an in-person basis. However, experience has shown that the online format is an extremely effective format by which information can be transferred and directly experienced by participants. Delivery of this information and the imparting of authentic practice via an online class required concise and clear instruction and this is our promise to you. There is the opportunity for questions, clarification and feedback. So far, so good and the process is always being refined - as is the nature of any practice. Please get in touch if you have any further questions. Email: paul@heavenmanearth.com or find out more about our next online Qigong event starting soon

What clothes do I need for Tai Chi?

For training Tai Chi and Qigong we recommend flat soled shoes and loose comfortable clothing. If you join the regular members Tai Chi classes in Fitzroy you will wear a HME International T-shirt according to your level of practice in the system. The only other requirement for uniforms is pants that are passed the knee. We recommend that you do not train in bare feet as it is best to keep the bottom of the feet ‘sealed’ when doing these practices. It is also not practical for any partner work.

What is the difference between Tai Chi and Qigong?

It is correct to say that Taiji is a martial art, and this is a key difference. I hope the simplified explanation below will help to clarify:

  • Qi = energy (simply put)

  • Gong = skill

  • Qigong exercises = methods to develop 'Qi' skill

  • Tai ji (tai-chi) =  refers to the principle of yin yang

  • Quan = fist

  • Taiji Quan (Tai Chi Chuan) = yin yang boxing

Classically it is said that Tai Chi is Qigong but Qigong is not yet Tai Chi. That is to say that practicing Tai Chi will develop Qi skill. However, in isolation Qigong practice will not equate to martial skill.

There are many qigong systems and the focus varies from health, medical and healing to the alchemical as well as iron robe and other exercises focused in supporting martial training. The Qigong and related practices that I teach are simple and focused on health: opening the body, accumulating qi, mobilising qi, promoting circulation, developing sensitivity and strengthening the mind, body matrix.