Lao Jia is considered by many as the oldest form of Tai Chi. This routine contains 74 movements and emphasises softness with an element of hardness. This routine contains large movements with light but steady footwork, a naturally erect posture and all movements are governed by the silk reeling principles. The Lao Jia Yi Lu form is accordind to the Chen family the routine which the Yang style and all other major styles of Tai Chi developed from.

Silk reeling is the principal method of movement within Chen Tai Chi. It is considered the essence of Tai Chi as a whole and helps develop health, relaxation, and martial abilities. Silk reeling exercises involve continuous rounded and spiral movements utilising the whole body. The continuous movements loosen the joints and develop relaxation, efficiency of movement, and whole body power.

The key to practising silk reeling correctly is to allow the whole body to move from the centre of the body (the dantien). The attributes gained from silk reeling practice are applicable to everything in Tai Chi. Mastering silk reeling is mastering Tai Chi. If you have the time, it's always worth practising silk reeling whenever you practice Tai Chi. Through doing this you will gain a holistic understanding of your own body's movement and what to work on next.

Standing Meditation or Zhan Zhuang literally means "standing post".

It's a training method in which static postures are held to develop correct structural alignment, to develop efficiency in movement and allow maximal strength for martial applications. When combined with Qigong breathing exercises it helps to develop deep levels of relaxation and body awareness, and helps remove blockages and increase circulation of internal energy (Qi).

This practice has many health benefits such as improving posture, calming the mind, and improving breathing patterns.

The foundation classes focus on the basics, come and learn how to step, shift weight correctly, understand the basics of standing meditation and qigong breathing exercises. All based around working through the Chen 8 form.

The Chen Tai Chi Eight Form is a great introduction to Chen Tai Chi and contains all the foundation blocks of advanced Tai Chi practice, while being possible to practice in a small space.

The form contains the five main postures, stances or movements of Chen Tai Chi. These are: Tai Chi Stance, Lazily Tying Coat, Single Whip, White Crane Spreads its Wings, and Diagonal Posture. While the form is short and the movements can be learned relatively quickly, the core concepts are exactly the same as the long forms. The essence of Chen Tai Chi is the five stepping methods and eight energies, principles and concepts which are very hard to learn and will take a long time. This form keeps the practitioner focussed on the essential mechanics, which are much more important to learn than memorising long routines.

The five stepping methods are: forwards, backwards, stepping to the right and to the left, and learning to keep your root. These steps are used when moving from position to position in the form. The eight energies or principles are: peng (ward off), lu (deflect), ji (squeeze/overcrowding), an (push), tsai (locking), li (splitting), zhou (elbow) and cou (shoulder/bumping). These methods can be found throughout each movement of the form.

Qigong (pronounced "chi gung") means to cultivate energy and is practised to improve physical, emotional and mental health, increase energy, vitality and overall well-being. It can loosely be translated as the attainment of Qi.

Qi is the life force or vital energy which flows through all things in the universe and is essential for health. Gong is the accomplishment or skill which is attained through hard work.

Qigong exercises involve meditation, deep breathing, gentle movements and light stretching to stimulate the body, mind and the cultivation of internal energy or Qi. In the Qigong classes we teach the 8 pieces of silk brocade, 5 Animal Qigong, Yi Jin Jing Qigong and Six Healing Sound’s Qigong.

The Xin Jia routines were created by Chen Fake (1771-1853) in Beijing, according to stories he added more martial material to the Lao Jia routines as he thought the Lao Jia training was lacking. Chen Zhoukui (1921-1981) the son of Chen Fake, carried on his father's tradition and took his Kung Fu back to the Chen Village. He taught the residents (Chen Zhenglei and the other 3 tigers of Chen Tai Chi) his frame of Kung Fu. It was a lot different to what they were training so named it New Frame and what they were learning old frame.

The major differences between what we call the new frame (Xin Jia) and the old frame (Lao Jia) is the new frame contains more Fajin that is executed over short distances, contains relatively more tight and refined silk reeling, it is performed in a lower stance and the body method is different.

Yi Jin Jing exercises involve stretching, bending, flexing and twisting of the limbs and spine to increase muscular and joint flexibility and strength. The exercises stimulate the spinal nerve cords and also exercise and stimulate the internal organs to improve their function.