Tai Chi for Better Health

13/08/2026

BLOG OF THE WEEK!

This week, TCfBH explores traditional Chinese history and philosophy, considering how a single maxim can encapsulate core Confucian principles and offer insight into broader Chinese culture and worldview.

Empty and Full: From Elementary Primers to the Supreme Ultimate
by Dr Maria Teresa Agozzino
https://taichiqigong.org.uk/empty-and-full-from-elementary-primers-to-the-supreme-ultimate/

Confucian teachings emphasise self-cultivation, respect, and virtue, using the metaphor of empty and full vessels to illustrate innate potential, mindful conduct, balance, and harmony throughout life and society.

10/08/2026

Lao Tzu was an influential Chinese philosopher traditionally regarded as the founder of Daoism. He is credited with writing the Dao De Jing, emphasising harmony, simplicity and living naturally.

He is beleived to have lived around 6th century BCE, often dated approximately 571-471 BCE, though historians debate whether he was a real historical person.

Regardless of his historicity, his message remains as relevant today as it was then.

https://taichiqigong.org.uk/

07/08/2026

BLOG OF THE WEEK!

While practising Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi does not require any prior knowledge or experience, an understanding of the body's energy system and acupoints can deepen the practice. This knowledge helps practitioners direct intention (Yi), optimise the circulation of Qi, balance energetic pathways, refine movement awareness and enhance the therapeutic and meditative benefits of Qigong.
In this TCfBH blog, Dr Maria Teresa Agozzino introduces the concept of the energy body and explores its relevance to Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi. (N.B. No AI was used in the making of this blog!)
The Point of Precision – Tracing Meridians and Optimising Qi Flow
https://taichiqigong.org.uk/the-point-of-precision/

If you have a question or suggestion for a blog, please email TCfBH here: [email protected]

TCfBH blogs are readily available on our website and free to all: https://taichiqigong.org.uk/blog/

03/08/2026

Our comprehensive CMA accredited remote training Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi courses have been created out of a strong passion and a ceaseless commitment to wanting as many people as possible to know and share the many health benefits of practising Tai Chi.

See our courses: https://taichiqigong.org.uk/our-courses/
Email:[email protected]

02/08/2026

What is Dao?

The Dao is the underlying way or process from which all things arise.

Everything exists through or within the Dao, rather than being separate from it.

The Dao isn't usually described as a god or a thing; it's the natural order and the source of all phenomena.

Living well means aligning with the Dao rather than constantly struggling against it.

https://taichiqigong.org.uk/

01/08/2026

NEXT TCfBH ZOOM GROUP PRACTICE

A opportunity for students, instructors and friends all over the world to join in peaceful present practice.

The next Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi Zoom practice session will be at 9am on Saturday 15 August.

Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86971922182?pwd=zzNB01Aw9BbWPfA1tb7FeBpitbeuMb.1

Meeting ID: 869 7192 2182
Passcode: Balance

Cost: £5 a session. Please pay promptly by Direct Bank Transfer and include the session date or dates in the reference. You are welcome to pay in batches and come as you can.

Lloyds Bank
Tai Chi for Better Health CIC
Sort Code: 30-90-90
Account No.: 37099268
For PayPal, please use:
[email protected]

Joining dates and details are also available in the Member Zone of our website:
https://taichiqigong.org.uk/instructor-zone/

For any queries, please email:
[email protected]

We look forward to sharing peaceful practice🙏

31/07/2026

✨Meet our student of the week, Marie, who was introduced to Shibashi through her Nan and originally began training for her own health. Marie sees the potential for Tai Chi Shibashi to offer something valuable to people of all ages, and would love to see it become more widely recognised among younger adults and teenagers too.

Read Marie's story here: https://taichiqigong.org.uk/marie-snow/

30/07/2026

BLOG OF THE WEEK!

The Tai Chi Mind is a way of being – soft, flowing and present – that aligns us with the Dao, the natural rhythm of the universe.

Master Andy Baggott continues his exploration into the Tai Chi mind. Parts 1 and 2 of this series explored how Tai Chi and Qigong cultivate a serene, connected mind through Daoist principles like non-attachment, acceptance, breathing and smiling, and how these can transform daily life.

In this third part, the focus is on how the Tai Chi Mind fosters resilience, empowering us to face life’s storms with the same balance and grace we cultivate in our Shibashi forms.

The Tai Chi Mind (Part 3): Building Resilience through the Tai Chi Mind

The Tai Chi Mind fosters resilience, empowering us to face life’s storms with the same balance and grace we cultivate in our Shibashi forms.

28/07/2026

Coming soon to your email inbox - TCfBH Summer Newsletter 2026 with interesting articles, features and updates about new Member benefits:

Welcome to our Summer Newsletter 2026 by Paul Hodge

Articles:
The Tai Chi Mind (Part 3): Building Resilience through the Tai Chi Mind by Master Andy Baggott
Written in the Stars: Mythological Origins of the Chinese Celestial Animals by Dr Maria Teresa Agozzino

Features:
Student in Focus by Marie Snow Creating Space
Graduate Reflections by Peter Farthing Chasing Rainbows

A Solstice Celebration of Shibashi
A Review by Laura Phelps
A Response by Jenny Smith

Updates:
TCfBH Saturday Sessions
TCfBH group policy insurance

26/07/2026

Thich Nhat Hanh (1926-2022) was a Zen Buddhist monk who founded Plum Village in 1982 - a mindfulness practice community and Buddhist monastery in southwestern France.

Its mission is to help people cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and inner peace through meditation, ethical living and engaged Buddhism, helping individuals transform suffering, reconcile conflicts, live consciously and build a more understanding, harmonious and compassionate world.