Personal tai chi lessons available. Visit us today!http://www.abctaichi.co.uk We have relocated from Devon where we enjoyed running many different types of tai chi classes for people with various abilities. We have also, in the past worked closely with Milton Keynes Council and their "Fit for Life" scheme which proved very rewarding. Below is a testimonial from Vicki Ebsworth of Milton Keynes Cou
ncil sports development. By, Vicki Ebsworth - Fit for Life Coordinator – Sports Development, Milton Keynes Council. October 2011. I have worked closely with both Allan and Maggi over the last 21 months. Their commitment
and enthusiasm to teaching Tai Chi within the Fit for Life programme in Milton Keynes has
been paramount. Where ever a need was identified for Tai Chi classes, for the over 50’s, in the community,
Allan and Maggi were the first to jump at the chance to lead the group. The individuals in
these groups would always warm to both characters extremely well, at the same time as
learning a great deal about Tai Chi. This therefore encouraged me to invite Allan and Maggi
to lead further sessions where required. Both instructors are certainly committed to inspiring and connecting people of all ages and
abilities to learn and enjoy Tai Chi in the community. They are both reliable and have good
communication skills to enable them to pass on their knowledge of Tai Chi to all. Allan Howlings –
Allan shows great passion for Tai Chi and working with members of the community to benefit
their health and wellbeing. He is always thinking of new initiatives to raise awareness of and
teach Tai Chi. So much so, in the summer of 2010, Allan volunteered to lead, monthly, ‘Tai
chi in the Park’ classes for members of the community. Allan successfully taught the form of
Tai Chi and how to enjoy this in the most tranquil environment. Allan’s greatest skill is that he can fully adapt any Tai Chi move (seated or standing) and the
style in which he teaches to suit individuals of all ages and abilities. When working for the
Fit for Life project this was ideal due to the vast range of older citizens, with varying
abilities, taking part in the project. Through clear instruction and sharing his wide range of knowledge with his Tai Chi groups,
Allan motivated individuals to come back week by week. In doing so, he has helped many
participants improve their physical and mental wellbeing through Tai Chi. Maggi Marciniak –
I have seen Maggi’s enthusiasm and style of teaching Tai Chi enhance considerably since the
first taster class Maggi led for the ‘Fit for Life’ project. Having now gained experience at
teaching a variety of different groups and through working closely with Allan to develop her
own style, Maggi confidently teaches Tai Chi in a fun and easy to understand manor. Maggi
also uses relaxation techniques at the end of her Tai Chi classes, which adds a unique
innovative experience for her participants. Attending weekly Tai Chi classes led by Maggi has increased individual’s confidence to
socialise, improve their range of joint movement and mobility, as well as enhancing their
sleep pattern inadvertently through relaxation. Maggi is also able to adapt the Tai Chi
movements and build on the best form for the group she is teaching, to enable the
individual’s body and mind to work at their optimum potential. Allan & Maggi -
Both Allan and Maggi have also shown willingness to work with other Tai Chi instructors to
encourage participation in Tai Chi. Allan and Maggi both helped to support the world record attempt for The Biggest Tai Chi
Lesson Ever, in July 2010, in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. In the lead up to this event
Allan and Maggi liaised with the organiser from Breakthrough Breast Cancer to ensure all
the essential paperwork was completed to allow them to lead a class in Milton Keynes. To
promote the event and encourage participation they wrote a press release and raised
awareness to all existing Tai Chi clubs in Milton Keynes. On the day, Allan and Maggi led a
thorough and entertaining Tai Chi class to the local residents. Allan and Maggi’s enthusiasm
and dedication enabled them to successfully help raise money for Breakthrough Breast
Cancer for vital research and education work to save lives and change the future of people
affected by breast cancer. I fully recommend Allan and Maggi as instructors of Tai Chi. They have both made such a
great contribution to the lives of people in Milton Keynes through their Tai Chi and they will
definitely be missed now they have moved on to pastures new. Good Luck to you both in your new venture. Bucks Sport Awards 2010 - Nominees for Volunteer of the Year
Footnotes:
The ‘Fit for Life’ project is an initiative of the Reactivate Milton Keynes campaign. It aims
to inspire adults aged 50+ to take part in sports and physical activity and connect them with
existing opportunities in Milton Keynes. This is a multi-agency project involving MK Council
Sports Development and Adult Social Care, and Bucks and Milton Keynes Sports Partnership.
