Martial Arts Groups

1. What is Lishi Tai Chi?
2. What will I learn?
3. Classes details
4. What students say about the classes
5. How to join the Society

1. What is Lishi Tai Chi?

To keep it simple Lishi is an ancient art and science which teaches the of cultivating Qi (energy). Lishi is made up of two main arts; the Yin Arts and the Yin Plus Arts. The Yin Arts consist of slow, soft movements and exercises to nourish the Qi energy of the body. The Yin Plus Arts uses the overflow of Qi developed in the Yin arts in a faster, more dynamic way.

History

Often, people want to learn about the history of Lishi and where it comes from. It’s full name is Weihai Lishi Quanfa (prounounced “Way High Lee Sher Chwen Faa”).
Weihai is the small fishing village where the system was originally practised by the Li Family who passed it on from generation to generation. The last member of the Li Family, Chan Kam Li traded precious stones and sailed regularly from Weihai to London and it was here that he met and adopted a young Chinese orphan called Chee Soo who became the next inheritor of Lishi.

In the summer of 1934, Chee Soo was invited to Chan Li’s class, and that was the beginning of the training in the vast range of Taoist martial, philosophical, healing and cultural arts that he maintained throughout his life as the President of the International Taoist Society.

Shortly before Chee Soo’s death in 1994 he named Laoba Desmond Murray as his successor to continue the Arts of Lishi.

As the President of the International Daoist Society and Overseas President of the Weihai Wushu Association, Mr Murray visits regularly and has forged strong links with the roots of Lishi and with Taoists across China. We continue to benefit from this rich history in all our classes.
 
Lishi comes from Weihai in north east China and is thousands of years old! It’s full Chinese name is Weihai Lishi Quanfa.  The International Daoist Society runs classes throughout UK teaching this Ancient Daoist Art.
 
Watch this clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?order&list=UL
 

2. What will I learn?

You will be introduced to a range of exercises that make up Lishi. These include:

• Daoist Taijiquan forms including the Square Yard form and Flying Hands form
• Kai Men – a system of Daoist Yoga to open up your energy channels
• Dao Yin breathing exercises for good health
• Qi Gong – learn how to use and direct your intrinsic energy
• Hand of the Wind" Kung Fu – a dynamic system of self Defence
• Chang Ming –Ancient Long Life Dietary Therapy

3. Classes Details

When is it?

The classes are every:
Tuesday 6-8pm – The Arc – Conference Hall
Friday 2.30-4.00pm - The Arc – Conference Hall
Monday – 7-9pm Wrangthorn Church Hall, Hyde Part Terrace, LS6

How much does it cost?

£5 membership to the Leeds University Union – IDS Taichi Society.
Per class (drop in) cost is £2 members or £5 non members.

What should I wear?

Wear something you will feel comfortable exercising in e.g. trainers, tracksuit bottoms and a t shirt.

4. What Students say about Lishi

An article from one of our current students:
I will always remember my first Lishi class; the teacher, had us rolling around on the floor like a worm. I had not done that since primary school. In Lishi they say you don’t stop playing because you get old; you get old because you stop playing. Lishi helped me relearn how to play.
 
Since then I have learnt practical self defence skills and so much more. Lishi is a holistic system of ancient Chinese exercises that covers the entire spectrum of bodymind arts; Tai Chi, Yoga, Qi Gong, and Kungfu. Each section of the the arts works together to make you an all round healthy person; Mentally physically and spiritually. There is a deep tradition behind Lishi that goes back to early Chinese civilisation. Also through the practice of Lishi I have learnt a lot about the Daoist way of life and put my knowledge into practise everyday; for example I follow simple guidelines about how to look after my body by eating the right kind of foods.
 
Lishi teaches us to breath with our whole body so that we can live life to the full. If you are under the weather you can lift your spirits by doing exercises that energise. If you are wound up you can do exercises that calm the mind and relax you. You learn to take control of aspects of your life which were beyond your control before.
 
In class we perform dance-like flowing patterns, synchronising gentle movement with the rhythm of our breath, like swimming in air. Exercises are done either individually or with partners. The expressive and interactive aspects of Lishi are why I keep coming back for more. I feel I can communicate more effectively since I began training. Lishi allows people to engage with each other in a spirit of cooperation. Instead of the conflict and competition that most sports need to make them fun, we develop harmony between participants. This is called “fighting without fighting”. Lishi can be a wonderfully empowering system of personal development.
 
Lishi teachers are trained coaches so each lesson is structured, unlike other classes I have tried. Classes are always exciting with new things to learn each week. Everybody is catered for, people of all ages and ability levels can train together. You can practise the exercises you learn in class anywhere. I don’t have to go all the way to the coast like my friends who surf, I can train all year round right where I am in Leeds. I always leave the classes feeling fantastic and energised.  The only thing about Lishi is that you end up telling all your family and friends that they should try it too! 
Euan Walker
 
and another:
 
Having spent quite some years in a dance environment, I was looking for something to replace that, without putting the impact on my joints dance had.
I was quite surprised how I felt after taking my first Lishi Tai Chi class. Firstly, I felt exuberant and I was surprised how flowing the Lishi was, while still giving a gentle but deep muscle workout. My body felt loose and warmed up afterwards. Spiritually, I felt free and relaxed and I would recommend the experience to everyone.
 Jane Austwick

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