My T’ai Chi journey began in 1983 when a wise friend, who was helping me through a period of great inner turmoil, and who knew that I loved dance, suggested I try it. From the very first session I felt at home with T’ai Chi. This is not to say that I found the movements, or memorising the sequence, easy - far from it!
Initially I found the movements pleasing to watch and deeply satisfying to perform, but I was not interested in the concepts behind the practice – I was even wary of such ideas. However, I have now come to feel that an awareness of how T’ai Chi reflects the cycles of life and nature makes it even more rewarding.
My first teacher, Jonathan Bruce, led me eventually to study oriental medicine, which has given me some understanding of the culture from which T’ai Chi emerged. I later studied with Edith Holt, a student of Gerda (Pytt) Geddes, who introduced T'ai Chi to the UK and has inspired a generation of T’ai Chi teachers. I then sought individual tuition with Pytt, and she gave me permission to teach in 1991.
Since then, I have learned from many other teachers in several countries; my teaching is also influenced by my previous experience as a nurse and shiatsu practitioner. I have taught classes in Africa and in Oxford – in Church halls, a convent, even a secure mental health institution. My classes have included people with severe mobility problems, harassed parents and carers, and people wanting to release their singing voice. T’ai Chi is accessible to all, and can enrich the life of anyone willing to give it even a modest amount of time and attention.
If you would like to know more, please contact me!
Contact me:
Anne
Mackintosh
T'ai Chi
in Oxford
Email:
taichi@annemack.org