WHAT IS TAI CHI?

TAI CHI is a physical movement Art of balance and energy. Its roots being in ancestral social systems, including those of self-defence, it reaches us today from the past of a long-ago China.

As such it forms an integral part of Taoist philosophy, taking its inspiration from the world of natural phenomena - of seasons and landscape, of cycles of change, of stillness and movement - guiding us and instilling in us down-to-earth ways of everyday common-sense, healing and wellness.

For The Wonderful Way of TAI CHI 2026, Tim will teach a sequence of workshop classes based around core principles of TAI CHI, with a focus on Form posture, centre, and silk-reeling flow.

The group will also study CHI KUNG (QIGONG) standing and walking patterns, looking into the nature of YINYANG in a fully physical sense; the repeating nature of this practice making it particularly meditative. Not only an exploration in the body, therefore, but into the being-time of Mind/Spirit also. Thus, we promote self-healing, nurture self-stability, to find our way in recovering and cultivating a sustained and centred wellbeing.



Our aim is to present a retreat suitable for complete beginners alongside those who already practise Tai Chi, wishing to continue or refresh their study.

These are take-home skills to deepen into our lives, to restore health not only in ourselves but in our wider society also.


AS THIS IS FOR YOU, THIS IS FOR US ALL.



And as time allows, Tim will be on hand to guide you privately,in practicalities of meditation or aspects of the overall practice more generally, as well as offering to the group an introduction to the Chinese Way of Tea - this preparation and tasting of some fine examples having become something of a favourite on our past retreats!

Tim has been teaching TAI CHI, Chi Kung and Meditation in the UK since the mid-1990s. Based in London, and now also in Wales, he runs a private studio offering regular classes to small groups and one-to-one tuition.

He is also an experienced organiser and has led Retreat Weeks and Workshops both in the UK and Italy in recent years, drawing participants from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. In the UK he leads regular Study Weekends and urban Mini-retreat Meditation Days throughout the year, and since summer 2025 has begun hosting Come Away!stays, these being personal pastoral retreats at his home base in mid-Wales.


Tim began his study of Tai Chi and Chi Kung in the early 1980s, training with a direct student of the Yang family tradition at the Kensington and Chelsea College in London. He then taught these same classes himself over a period of 7 years, before setting up his own studio in 2001. Altogether, his study, training and teaching extend to over 35 years of immersive commitment. For more information on Tim, his work and his writings, you can visit his website which is https://www.timstudio.co.uk


Between tuition periods, you will be able to explore the beautiful grounds of the Villa Boccella estate with walks through the olive groves, or book a massage, Indian Head massage or session of reflexology with our in-house therapist (at an additional price).

Travel to the venue is not included but we can arrange airport transfers as well as pick up in Lucca. Travel insurance is mandatory for those who come from abroad.

The retreat is open to EVERYONE including beginners, with the teaching being given in English.