The Curriculum

Penang Tai-Chi was founded in the UK in 1980 by Master Matt O' Malley. The style taught is that of the Yang family. The form taught (known as the "short form") is that devised by Professor Cheng Man Ching.

The teaching method is traditional and is true to the original classics. There is a set pattern of development as the sequence of learning unfolds.

• Introductory Course:
  4 sessions (one per week), during which time the student will learn the opening movements and be introduced to some of the fundamental principles of Tai Chi.
• Beginners Course:
  16 sessions during which the fundamentals will be built upon and approximately the first third of the form is taught.
• Intermediate Course:
  36 sessions during which the form is completed.
• Advanced Course:
  30 sessions designed to develop awareness of internal energy (Chi). It lays the foundation for "pushing hands". Tai Chi pushing hands is a systematic approach to understanding one's own energies and that of others. The ultimate objective of the course is to secure the foundation for the student to continue towards internal breathing. The emphasis at this level is on very deep relaxation.
• Teaching Course:
  Beyond these, there is a 7 year teacher-training course.

Once students have completed the form there is constant refinement of the basic moves during subsequent classes.

Classes are held weekly at various locations in South East England, please contact us for further details.