The Crail Seminars with Shelagh Grandpierre

The friendly welcoming atmosphere at our seminars has attracted Taiji enthusiasts from all over Scotland and beyond with many attending every seminar. The seminars are open to all students of Yang style Taiji, with beginners and experts dramatically advancing their understanding and experience of energy in their practice.

You will be given clear instruction on the foundation and the body alignment within the movements. Working with the timing will refine your practice to a higher level. You will learn how to fuse the body requirements with the 10 essences, special principles which were handed down through the Yang family and which exist in all authentic Taiji styles.

The Teacher

Nottingham based Shelagh Grandpierre, a native of Ireland, is one of few westerners to have studied directly with Grandmaster Yang Zhen Ji, a son of Yang Cheng Fu. She is a long-time student of Christopher Pei, for whom she is the European representative. Her writings have appeared in the European and US Tai Chi magazines. She teaches seminars throughout the UK, Ireland and internationally. Her teaching is very detailed and she has a unique ability to communicate the complexities of the art to all levels of students.

What to Expect at a Seminar

The seminars involve working with a partner as well as individual practice with tuition in body mechanics and Yang Cheng Fu’s 10 essences as related to various movements from the Yang Style Form. Shelagh frequently demonstrates the martial application of the movements and openly encourages questions. There is plenty of opportunity for writing notes - this is actively encouraged.

Weapon forms are a natural extension of the bare hand Taiji form. Taiji Sword or Jian Form is quite a demanding discipline and we normally look for participants to have a reasonable grounding in the bare hand form first. However, this will be a complete beginner’s introduction to sword. You will need a proper Taiji sword which can be either of wood or metal. It may be possible to borrow a sword on the day, but you will need your own for continued practice. If you need information on obtaining one, please contact your own instructor or one of the East Winds instructors who will be able to advise you.