Join us for free weekly Eight-Form Tai Chi sessions

The OCI is delighted to offer another series of free weekly Tai Chi sessions with expert instructor YU Feixia.

Discover the calming power of Tai Chi - one breath, one movement at a time. Running weekly on Mondays from 16th February to 6th April 2026. Sessions until 2nd March will run for 30 mins from 1.30 - 2.00pm and will then increase to 40 mins (1.30 - 2.10pm) from 9th March to 6th April.  

This free 8-week online Tai Chi course is designed to support the mental and physical wellbeing of Open University staff, students, and members of the public. 

Guided by an experienced instructor, this course introduces the 八式太极拳 (Eight-Form Tai Chi) - a simplified yet powerful routine that blends gentle movement, breath, and awareness. You’ll learn step-by-step, gradually building confidence, balance, and inner calm - all from the comfort of your own space. This course is also suitable for people who would like to deepen their practice and develop a flow of the movements.

Beyond movement, the course offers insights into the philosophy and cultural roots of Tai Chi, exploring key ideas from Traditional Chinese Medicine such as Qi (vital energy), Yin and Yang, and the role of stillness in healing. 

In the second half of the 8-week course, our class will be extended by 10 minutes each time for those who are interested to find out about a Qigong routine called Daoyin for 24 Solar Terms, which combines Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and Daoist traditions with seasonal Daoyin exercises. You will learn two representative movements in each season and have a taste of this classic routine that is designed to align your qi flow within your body with nature's rhythms outside, balancing yin-yang while regulating energy flow through the principle of harmony between humanity and nature.

 What you’ll gain: 

• A full 8-movement Tai Chi routine you can use for your own daily wellbeing 

• Another 8 Daoyin movements that are designed to align your qi flow with nature’s rhythms.

• Better posture, focus, relaxation, and body awareness 

• An introduction to Chinese concepts of health and energy 

• Connection to a supportive learning community 

About the instructor:

YU Feixia is a senior instructor of yoga and Health Qigong, and the founder of YuTaichi & Qigong Training. She runs weekly Tai Chi and Qigong classes both online and in-person. She regularly features in local press and speaks about Tai Chi, Qigong, and Chinese wellbeing practices at BBC Radio Lancashire. Trained by Grand Master Chen Xiaowang, she became his "in-door disciple" and qualified as a Tai Chi instructor in 2013 and again in 2019.

Please register here on the Eventbrite page. The Zoom link will be provided in the registration confirmation email. You can sign up to as little or as many sessions as you would like. 

We look forward to seeing you there!