Online Classes - Student Messages
Hello Keith, we all enjoy your classes, but yesterdays was the best ever, we all came out on a high!
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Hi Keith, sincere apologies I can’t make your class tonight, I am most disappointed, I love your classes. The benefits of it are amazing, the arthritis in my right hand which has made some of my fingers crooked has started to straighten them. I practice each day at home. See you next Wednesday.
​Glynis

I regularly attend Keith’s Tuesday Zoom class and I have been so pleased to be able to continue practising my Tai Chi with Keith and others throughout the lockdown. It has encouraged me to keep practising on a regular basis. Keith has taught us a new form to help us stay healthy and positive throughout this uncertain time and I would highly recommend that you try the classes out for yourself as I am sure you would find it beneficial.
Sue 
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My sincere thanks for this very helpful rainbow newsletter.  As always, it will be stored away in the file I have for you. 
​I find they are helpful to look back on. 
Tai Chi and Qigong has made this strange world so much better and personally I feel it is protecting both mind and body from any anxieties that I might have had otherwise.
Kind regards, Pam 

I personally enjoy your online classes, I can see all the movements you are performing well and you often show us a close up view of hand and arm movements also. I am so pleased that you gave us all the opportunity to continue our Tai Chi learning process, and long may it continue. I have a practise session each day to enhance my benefits of this lovely learning process.
Glynis

Hiya
I have been doing Keith’s online classes since he started doing them on Zoom. Although I would much prefer to be doing them in a hall with the rest of the class, I have found going online has been a satisfactory alternative. Of course, it is not the same, and sometimes technology intervenes, I feel that I
am still getting many of the benefits. For that hour I am able to fully concentrate on myself and forget about the world around me.
Another benefit will be no worrying about shall I drive to the hall if it looks like snow!
Ann

Keith’s zoom classes have been a lifesaver through lockdown. I  look forward each week to a time of calm and relaxation amidst all the continuing chaos. The gentle stretching and breathing exercises really make a difference. My back problems have disappeared and my general flexibility has greatly improved.  The Zoom app is very easy to use; you just click on the link each week.   Thank you Keith.’
Beth 

Hi Keith myself and my mum really enjoy your classes (although we would prefer to be in the hall). They are just the right amount of time and we always feel much better, calmer and more centred after them 
Best, Vikki and Joan
 
Have only just started Qigong with Keith but have found the new exercises really positive and have felt a real difference after doing them. I’d rather continue online as, whilst there is so much uncertainty around being with groups in halls, I’d rather feel that I am doing something positive for my health in the meantime.
Sarah
 
I am particularly enjoying the Zoom Qigong classes on both Tuesday and Wednesday . It’s good that it is still a part of my life even through these virus lockdown times.I like the convenience of  being at home which will come into its own during the winter months.
Mary 
 
Hi Keith I am very much enjoying the Qigong classes and agree it is relatively easy to follow the exercises at home via Zoom as we don't move around too much, unlike our previous Tai Chi classes on Zoom when it was very difficult to see the tutor once we started the 24 form routine. I know some have struggled with the sound but on my laptop it's not too much of a problem. I like that you mute all the participants so we can really focus on our breathing and the movements.
Freda
 
Mr Fensom, I am enjoying the online experience, and not having to travel
Mercedes 
 
I know we are all missing seeing our fellow qigongers in person, however, during these difficult times I think we all need a bit of routine so zooming on a Wednesday is the way forward at the moment. One hour is sufficient for me! I enjoy the 'warming up', shibashi and silk reeling. I feel more relaxed afterwards. Unfortunately, the technology sometimes let's us down! It will be a bonus during the winter not to have to travel.
Jenny
 
Keith I would say…. You’re a good teacher and you know your stuff!!
Linda
 
Having online classes has meant I can still join in and learn from the comfort of my home without worrying about travel. Even even with working from home it gives me the extra flexibility I think we all need in these strange times - I can easily jump on the mobile phone or laptop to join the class. It means I make time for myself, to slow down and breathe, to do something I enjoy and that's good for me. 
Jennifer
 
I think the on- line classes provide a good opportunity to practise Tai Chi . They are a good substitute for not being able to attend a physical class and there is still an opportunity to ask questions during/after the session. Personally I prefer an actual class - there is an absence of you being able to ensure students are performing the moves correctly and of course no eye to eye contact.
Clive

The worsening virus situation is of concern to us all and I think we have to get on with things as best we can. Zoom has proved to be an easy and effective way to join an exercise class and Qigong is particularly well suited, as the movements are small and so one doesn't have to move all the furniture around to have enough space. 
Maggie

I have been attending online classes via Zoom with Keith for several weeks. In short the classes are great.  Apart from a few minor tech issues (you will need a reasonable wi-fi speed),  the classes are good quality video and audio. Interaction with Keith is good and instruction is clear.  The convenience of participating from home is wonderful, saving considerable travel time and petrol!
I will happily continue with online classes.
Caroline 

Hi Keith. I have loved the online classes, even though it is all new to us. You are a brilliant and patient teacher.
Jane

Am really enjoying Qigong and your instruction and explanation with regard to the benefits of each exercise.
Dawn 

I am enjoying the zoom classes mainly because I can easily join 2 classes a week now from my home. I work 4 days a week and zoom allows me to not have to factor in travelling to a venue in time for a class to start. I miss contact with people there, but feel the zoom class outweighs this. 
Elizabeth
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During 2020 The Yangsheng School of Tai Chi & Qigong have been teaching classes only online.
Please let us know by email if you would like to join any of the following online classes.
Daytime Online Classes
Monday - Beginners 1.30pm to 2.30pm 
Warm up, energy work, Daoyin stretching/warm up exercise form (new), Closing
Tuesday- Intermediate 10am to 11am 
Warm up, energy work, Daoyin stretching/warm up exercise form (new), Closing
Wednesday - Intermediate 4pm to 5pm
Warm up, energy work, Silk Reeling Exercise, Shibashi 18 Form, Closing
Evening Online Classes
Monday - Beginners 6.30pm to 7.30pm 
Warm up, energy work, Daoyin stretching/warm up exercise form (new), Closing

To register for any of the above online classes please contact Keith:
keith.fensom@gmail.com
​07787 224823

We are planning to restart "in person" classes in halls at Aston Clinton, Wendover, High Wycombe and possibly Jordans during the first half of 2021 subject to the Covid situation. Most online classes will continue during 2021.
To register for "in person" hall classes please contact Keith:
keith.fensom@gmail.com
​07787 224823

 Yangsheng School of Tai Chi & Qigong

​Meet the Instructors
Sifu Keith Fensom - Founder and Senior Instructor
Level 2 Instructor - British Health Qigong Association
Member: NHS Networks - Tai Chi for Health and Rehabilitation 
DBS Certification

Nourishing One's Life
The Meaning in our Logo
The Yin and Yang symbol has a great meaning and was first referred to in the 4th Century BC and is mentioned in the ancient Book of Changes. The symbol and the small dots indicate that there can never be Yin without Yang and never Yang without Yin. It is the notion of complimentary opposites and is an all-encompassing constant process of change in our natural environment such as day and night, summer and winter, hard and soft, open and closed etc. When applied to Tai Chi we apply opposites so that they flow from one to another and are in complete balance. In Tai Chi walking we transfer weight from one leg to another in a slow and controlled way, when our movement is closed this is Yin when energy is stored, and when open it is Yang and the energy is released. Even the sides of our body can be described as either Yin or Yang. So there is a constant interchange of Yin and Yang in our movements when practising Tai Chi.     

The Chinese characters are the word "Yangsheng" which has the meaning "Nourishing One's Life". Today's way of life can be fast and furious and it is easy to forget to slow down and take time to relax and re-nourish one's life energy. The goal of Yangsheng is to create a balanced interaction between mind and body by the practice of specific exercises with the primary aim of achieving a healthy and long life.  

Keith began his interest in the martial arts over 45 years ago, as a student of Shotokan Karate under Sensei Paul Perry at Jin Sei Kai - Kanazawa Ryu, and was fortunate to attend many workshops lead by the late Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa - 10th Dan. This was followed by further years of training under Sensei John Van Weeden at TASK (Traditional Association of Shotokan Karate).

After a break of a few years from martial arts Keith was introduced by a good friend in 1999 to Tai Chi Master Miss Rose Lee which resulted in him joining her very large Tai Chi Club in London, and attending classes initially in Kings Cross and later at her home in Crouch End together with regular well attended workshops in Yorkshire. Miss Li's lineage starts from a young age in China where she trained at the famous Fire God Temple in Beijing.
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After several years with Miss Li, Keith decided that it was time to search for a club closer to home and joined the Ru-Chi Academy in Aylesbury under Grand Master Rudie Bynoe, which started his journey into Qigong and the system of healing and self-healing. 

Keith's Tai Chi Master: Keith feels it a privilege to train and continue his Tai Chi study with Master Wang Hai Jun who is an official lineage holder of Chen Style Tai Chi (12th Generation).

My Tai Chi Teacher - Master Wang Hai-Jun

Master Wang Hai Jun was born in 1972 in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. At the age of 9 his father arranged for him to move to Chen Village to live and study with Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, who is one of the “4 Golden Tigers” of Chen style Taiji.
In the autumn of 1988 Master Wang Hai Jun gained entry to the Wuhan Physical Culture University, one of the top Universities of its kind in China. He competed successfully for his university in many competitions. After graduation Master Wang Hai Jun was assigned the post of coach of Pingdingshan Wushu Research and Study College.
He is a senior state Wushu referee, the president and head coach of Zhengzhou Wushu Research and Study College, and coach of Henan Chen Zhenglei Taiji Culture Co Ltd. He is an official lineage holder of Chen style Taiji (12th generation) and has been certified as 7th Duan in the Chinese National Wushu Association Duan Wei System.
He has an extensive list of accomplishments in competition. In 1992 he won three gold medals in National Competitions and won the championship in Push Hands at the National Taiji Boxing, Sword and Push Hands competition. In 1994 he won 2 gold in Taiji boxing and Sword at the International Wenzian Taiji Championships and won the 80kg in Push Hands at the National Wushu Championships. For three consecutive years, 1996, 1997, and 1998, Master Wang Hai Jun won gold in Form, Sword and Push hands as well as the all-round champion’s gold medal at the Chinese National Championships, the highest level of championship in China.
Master Wang moved to Manchester, England in 2001. He is enormously kind and generous with his knowledge and teaches across England, Ireland, Europe and USA.

​Qigong: Keith is a member and authorised instructor of the British Health Qigong Association which is run by Masters Faye and Tary Yip. Keith currently teaches the following Qigong forms and exercises: Ba Duan Jin, Shibashi, Daoyin Yangsheng Gong 12 Fa (12 Movement), Taiji Yangsheng Zhang (Stick Form), Yi Jin JIng, Zhan Zhuang, Microcosmic Orbit, Silk Reeling and various meditation practise.

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​Steve Griffin - Instructor​
Having studied various martial arts over the years, Steve has been practising Chen style Tai Chi since 2011, initially with the Ru-Chi Academy and now with Yangsheng School of Tai Chi and Qigong. Steve has a great ability in memorising the various and sometimes complex movements of the different forms, which allows him to impart this information to the students. Steve was fortunate to have worked in China for 3 years where he also studied Mandarin.