Why us

Why learn tai chi with the British tai chi academy - What makes us special?

Why learn from from Us?

Having lost my right ACL twice, when I got to 55, I was told I needed a new right knee.

When I was 56, I was told I had multiple bulges, in multiple discs, arthritis and impingement in my spine.

When I hit 57, I was informed I had the hips of an 80 year old woman (direct quote by the doctor) and both hips needed replacing.

Not wanting the various surgeries, I asked for options. At that time I was living in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in the Mid West of America.

The Doctor’s throw away comment was “Try Yoga or Tai Chi, they are both meant to be good for you.

I tried yoga – unfortunately the very attractive, very bendy instructor, seemed more intent of showing how bendy she was, rather than helping anyone not as bendy.

So I tried Tai Chi. I didn’t understand what we were doing and most of the warm up made no sense, and much to my shame, I teased the instructor about some of the moves.

Whilst I couldn’t see how tai chi could work, I decided that if I tried it for a month, then I could say “I’ve tried yoga and tai chi and they don’t work”, so I could then have the various surgeries, the doctor had suggested.

However, much to my surprise, after a month I could see an improvement in my hip flexibility.

Well, if I get an improvement in one month, what could I achieve in six months. It turned out to be almost full functional range in both hips.

My thought process then was I’m not special and, if tai chi worked for me, it must work for everyone.

Plus if I become an instructor I can give back to the community and maybe top up my pension.

So for the next three years I did a minimum of 4hr per day 5 days pear week. Consequently I got rather good relatively quickly.

I’m now 72 and I still have my own hips, knees and teeth.

We teach what I was taught, the way I was taught, because it worked for me and it will work for you.

Peter Fletcher

I asked Jamie if he felt tai chi had helped him? This was his response:

Tai Chi: A Lifeline in My Stroke Recovery Journey

“As a stroke survivor, I’ve faced a long and often overwhelming road to recovery—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Discovering Tai Chi has been one of the most powerful turning points in that journey. What began as a gentle exercise soon became something much more: a tool for healing, connection, and rediscovery.

Physically, Tai Chi has helped me regain balance, coordination, and strength. After my stroke, even simple movements felt like a challenge. The slow, controlled motions of Tai Chi gave me a safe and structured way to move again. Over time, I haveI noticed improved flexibility and stability. My walking became steadier, and I began to trust my body again. It’s low-impact, but don’t let that fool you—it works every part of you, gradually and gently.

Mentally, Tai Chi has brought me clarity and calm. Stroke recovery can come with frustration, anxiety, and low mood. The mindfulness aspect of Tai Chi—focusing on breath and movement—helped me quiet my mind. It’s given me tools to manage stress and stay grounded when I feel overwhelmed. Each session is like a mental reset.

Socially, joining a Tai Chi group brought me back into a community. It’s easy to feel isolated during recovery, but being around others, moving together, and sharing progress created a sense of belonging again. The people I’ve met have been incredibly supportive, and I look forward to those connections just as much as the exercise itself.

Memory-wise, Tai Chi has been surprisingly effective. Learning and remembering the sequences challenges my brain in a healthy way. It’s helped with focus and recall—something I didn’t expect but am deeply grateful for. The practice gives my brain a workout, just as it does my body.

Tai Chi hasn’t just helped me recover—it’s helped me reclaim parts of myself I thought I had lost. I highly recommend Tai Chi to everyone let alone a stroke survivor looking for a holistic, empowering, and healing practice. It’s not a quick fix, but it’s a steady, patient companion in recovery—and that has made all the difference.

Personally I would like to thank Peter, Sanghui, Marina, Anette & Ken for their continued support and encouragement during my recovery. Words will never convey the positive impact you have had”

Jamie Smith

Mission

To improve the health and fitness of the United Kingdom

Vision

To place a certified tai chi instructor in every Medical Centre and School, in the United Kingdom

Values