Classes - Student Messages
Dear Keith, thank you so much for the lovely class tonight. I usually do some tai chai practice each day and I feel that this has been a great benefit for my health. I have always suffered with throat infections, having a narrow throat canal has made this problem worse. Since practicing tai chai I find the problem is much improved. I am so pleased that I joined your classes, thank you so much.
Kindest regards, and a happy new year to you and your family
Glynis
Hello Keith, just a line to thank you for a fabulous Workshop day which was both good and constructive. I feel that Maggie & I are now ahead of our Monday group. Our group is fortunate to find such a devoted & knowledgeable instructor. Linda
Hello Keith, I just wanted to thank you for the brilliant Qigong course yesterday, I really enjoyed it and do appreciate all the work you had put in to make it such a great day.
"Great Big Thank You", you have obviously spent quite a time on these directions, thank you so much they will be invaluable. I am looking forward to Monday with even more enthusiasm. I'd like to add how much I have enjoyed the last two meditation classes, the pace of the session is just right for the beginner. Thanks again, Marion
Hello Keith, we all enjoy your classes, but yesterdays was the best ever, we all came out on a high!
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
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
Dear Keith, thank you so much for the lovely class tonight. I usually do some tai chai practice each day and I feel that this has been a great benefit for my health. I have always suffered with throat infections, having a narrow throat canal has made this problem worse. Since practicing tai chai I find the problem is much improved. I am so pleased that I joined your classes, thank you so much.
Kindest regards, and a happy new year to you and your family
Glynis
Hello Keith, just a line to thank you for a fabulous Workshop day which was both good and constructive. I feel that Maggie & I are now ahead of our Monday group. Our group is fortunate to find such a devoted & knowledgeable instructor. Linda
Hello Keith, I just wanted to thank you for the brilliant Qigong course yesterday, I really enjoyed it and do appreciate all the work you had put in to make it such a great day.
"Great Big Thank You", you have obviously spent quite a time on these directions, thank you so much they will be invaluable. I am looking forward to Monday with even more enthusiasm. I'd like to add how much I have enjoyed the last two meditation classes, the pace of the session is just right for the beginner. Thanks again, Marion
Hello Keith, we all enjoy your classes, but yesterdays was the best ever, we all came out on a high!
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
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
Good morning Keith,
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 - August 2020
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 - August 2020
World Health Qigong Day - 2019
Keith, a thousand blessings and thanks to you for your time yesterday.
It really synchronised everyone's qi and I'm sure gave them healing they didn't know they needed.
We have already had someone from High Wycombe say they want to come to your class!
And let's hope others investigate the benefits of qi gong elsewhere in the country.
With love and gratitude,
Alex - September 2019
Keith, a thousand blessings and thanks to you for your time yesterday.
It really synchronised everyone's qi and I'm sure gave them healing they didn't know they needed.
We have already had someone from High Wycombe say they want to come to your class!
And let's hope others investigate the benefits of qi gong elsewhere in the country.
With love and gratitude,
Alex - September 2019
Hi Keith, hope you and the crew had a lovely day on Saturday. I just want to say I really missed you guys and I apologise for being distant and scattered recently.
I also really appreciate everything you have done for me with teaching and healing, I'm not the most organised person at the best of times and with my recent illness I've been just so foggy. I hope to be back to regular practice this week coming.
I hope you understand that this past year since I've been coming to qi gong has been a continuation of major life changes over the past 3 years. I'm growing into a new physical body as I repair and my entire lightbody is undergoing revolution.
Thank you for your patience and perseverance. I am grateful and honoured to have you as a teacher 🙏
Alex - July 2019
I also really appreciate everything you have done for me with teaching and healing, I'm not the most organised person at the best of times and with my recent illness I've been just so foggy. I hope to be back to regular practice this week coming.
I hope you understand that this past year since I've been coming to qi gong has been a continuation of major life changes over the past 3 years. I'm growing into a new physical body as I repair and my entire lightbody is undergoing revolution.
Thank you for your patience and perseverance. I am grateful and honoured to have you as a teacher 🙏
Alex - July 2019
I have suffered with a frozen shoulder "doctor and physio diagnosis" for 11 months. This has been very hard to live with as I was unable to move my right arm backwards and up, which for a female makes it impossible to do up your bra!
After having painkillers, a cortisone injection into my shoulder and several physio appointments the pain did ease but I still couldn't move my arm backwards.
I joined Keith's tai chi class for interest, with a friend, and on our 3rd lesson whilst doing the 36 movement I heard a large crack noise in my shoulder area. That evening I realised I had total movement of my arm again backwards and upwards.
I do not know if my original diagnosis was correct but whatever was originally wrong with my shoulder, Keith's class fixed it.
I am eternally thankful to him for this, life is back to normal.
Kim: Beginners Class, Aston Clinton
We have been attending Keith's beginner's classes for a year now and have thoroughly enjoyed the classes themselves but even more, the health benefits we have noticed as time has passed.
Keith is a very patient and sympathetic teacher and has a deep knowledge of Tai Chi and its history which he imparts to us as we learn.
Just recently we seem to be making a lot of progress and are learning a 36 movement form which seemed very tricky at first.
Our last lesson (March 1st) was particularly productive and enjoyable as we are nearing the end of this form and in spite of the diversity of the students both in age and physical condition, we all seem to be close to conquering it.
This is incredibly encouraging.
Tai Chi has become a very important part of our lives and we both practise a lot at home between lessons. This has paid enormous dividends and has made learning new movements much easier.
We really look forward to our classes and feel so relaxed and tranquil after each session. We have seen improvements in both our physical and mental health as well as being shown a tiny glimpse into a fascinating culture.
Thanks Keith!
Barbara and Bill McGillivray - Wendover Class
Keith is a very patient and sympathetic teacher and has a deep knowledge of Tai Chi and its history which he imparts to us as we learn.
Just recently we seem to be making a lot of progress and are learning a 36 movement form which seemed very tricky at first.
Our last lesson (March 1st) was particularly productive and enjoyable as we are nearing the end of this form and in spite of the diversity of the students both in age and physical condition, we all seem to be close to conquering it.
This is incredibly encouraging.
Tai Chi has become a very important part of our lives and we both practise a lot at home between lessons. This has paid enormous dividends and has made learning new movements much easier.
We really look forward to our classes and feel so relaxed and tranquil after each session. We have seen improvements in both our physical and mental health as well as being shown a tiny glimpse into a fascinating culture.
Thanks Keith!
Barbara and Bill McGillivray - Wendover Class
Hi Keith, wanted to say thanks again for yesterday's class. Don't know whether it was ending with the meditation session that's done it but I feel incredibly calm and serene this morning...thank you so much.
Layla - High Wycombe Class
Layla - High Wycombe Class
On Saturday night after work, my girls and their boyfriends took me to Bierschenke in London, a German restaurant with an oompah band, and I was literally dancing on the table.I cannot believe the difference Tai Chi has made to my balance and well being. I also got offered the job that I had the interview for. Again this would not have been possible before your Tai Chi lessons.
Jackie - High Wycombe Class
Jackie - High Wycombe Class
Sincere thanks for remembering to send these exercises to me. So much appreciated. As I have done, with all the other tips you have given us over time, they will certainly be used. I don't know if you remember, but last night we did refer to my blood pressure. I just wanted to share with you about my visit to the nurse at my doctor's surgery. She told me that I had lost weight from last time they checked it, the blood pressure was absolutely spot on and the BMI was good to. I did proudly tell the nurse I am now practising Tai Chi to which she replied I should keep it up.
Pam - Aston Clinton Class
Pam - Aston Clinton Class
As promised, I just wanted to write a few words to thank you for enabling me to get to the next level of my recovery, following the removal of my brain tumour in February 2014. As I think I explained, the 4 cm plum sized tumour was pressing on the part of my brain that is responsible for vision, breathing and balance.
I cannot recommend Tai Chi highly enough. The stiffness in my neck, caused by the incision to my muscles and removal of part of the back of my skull, has disappeared and my balance is virtually back to normal. So much so, that I have been standing on a ladder and painting my kitchen ceiling! This would have been impossible for me 6 months ago.
The physio who was working on my shoulder impingment earlier this year, had previously been a Teacher of Tai Chi. He fully supported my decision to enrol in your class, so I was reassured that it would be suitable for my abilities. My right shoulder movement has also greatly improved from Tai Chi.
As you are aware, I had started doing between 10 minutes and 40 minutes each morning with a DVD, however, since joining your class and hearing your teachings, I find it really is invaluable to have face to face instruction and insight into the reasons why learning the correct movements is so important for the flow of chi.
I look forward to your class every week. Please feel free to pass on my details to anyone who is considering your classes, as I would be happy to give you the highest recommendation.
Friends and family have commented on my increased energy and vitality since taking up Tai Chi. I am so pleased to have a 'spring in my step' once again!
Jackie - High Wycombe Beginners Class
I cannot recommend Tai Chi highly enough. The stiffness in my neck, caused by the incision to my muscles and removal of part of the back of my skull, has disappeared and my balance is virtually back to normal. So much so, that I have been standing on a ladder and painting my kitchen ceiling! This would have been impossible for me 6 months ago.
The physio who was working on my shoulder impingment earlier this year, had previously been a Teacher of Tai Chi. He fully supported my decision to enrol in your class, so I was reassured that it would be suitable for my abilities. My right shoulder movement has also greatly improved from Tai Chi.
As you are aware, I had started doing between 10 minutes and 40 minutes each morning with a DVD, however, since joining your class and hearing your teachings, I find it really is invaluable to have face to face instruction and insight into the reasons why learning the correct movements is so important for the flow of chi.
I look forward to your class every week. Please feel free to pass on my details to anyone who is considering your classes, as I would be happy to give you the highest recommendation.
Friends and family have commented on my increased energy and vitality since taking up Tai Chi. I am so pleased to have a 'spring in my step' once again!
Jackie - High Wycombe Beginners Class
15 August 2016 - Hi Keith...The X-ray confirmed I have extensive osteoarthritis in my left hip and evidence of it coming in my right.
5 Days later - Hello Keith...Just wanted to let you know that since last Tuesday I have not had one single pain in my hip, groin or leg. I have been doing the two simple exercises every day and am very pleased but so shocked that it is providing pain prevention.
I wanted to thank you so much for helping me.
Jacquie - Aston Clinton Beginners Class
5 Days later - Hello Keith...Just wanted to let you know that since last Tuesday I have not had one single pain in my hip, groin or leg. I have been doing the two simple exercises every day and am very pleased but so shocked that it is providing pain prevention.
I wanted to thank you so much for helping me.
Jacquie - Aston Clinton Beginners Class
I have practised the exercises I remember and the improvement in my back is measurable.
Tai Chi has given me a new lease of life. Thank you.
Yangsheng Tai Chi Student
Tai Chi has given me a new lease of life. Thank you.
Yangsheng Tai Chi Student
'You ought to try it Mum, you'll enjoy it'. These are the words that encouraged me to attend beginners classes for this intriguing form of exercise. It has been something I very much look forward to each week and already I have found it very beneficial to my lungs which always seemed to be congested and has rid me of a cough. All this the wrong side of 70! What more could one ask for.
Pam - Aston Clinton Class
Pam - Aston Clinton Class
I cannot thank you enough for seeing me through a difficult time. Tai Chi has truly broadened my perspective on life and has fuelled me with an invigorating positive energy which I hope to be able to spread amongst my family and friends throughout my journey in the future.
Jordan - High Wycombe Class
Jordan - High Wycombe Class
I have arthritic hands and have not been able to curl my fingers over so they touch my palms, since coming to Tai Chi I now can!
Joy - Aston Clinton Class
Joy - Aston Clinton Class
Two of the greatest things about 2015 was discovering Tai Chi and finding you as the teacher. I love Tai Chi but I'm not sure I would have taken to it as much with a different teacher. You are already such a role model to me, you really help put me at ease doing something that, otherwise, would be completely out of my comfort zone. Your teaching is the perfect gift and I'm so grateful I've been able to share that with my Mum, who clearly shares my joy with your classes.
Lee - Aston Clinton Class
Lee - Aston Clinton Class
I have had a neck pain for 30 years, this morning I woke up with no pain!
John - Aston Clinton Class
John - Aston Clinton Class
Since coming to Tai Chi I can now sleep at night!
Tai Chi Student - Aston Clinton Class
Tai Chi Student - Aston Clinton Class
I have been attending tai-chi classes with Keith for just over 18 months. In the beginning it was all strange and new; attempting to co-ordinate the various movements reminding me very much of the confusing experience of learning to drive – like trying to remember to put the clutch in with your left foot while lifting off the accelerator with your right, while changing gear with your left hand while remembering to keep the car going in a straight line! After a few months of attending classes and doing practice at home, the various movements started to feel familiar and I was becoming more aware of what my body was actually doing. This increased awareness has had beneficial effects beyond tai-chi – in a general sense of being more aware of posture, breathing and the build up of tension - but also in a more concrete way: Earlier this year I decided to learn to play the guitar - which requires an ability to independently control individual finger movements for chord changes with the left hand and the picking out of note patterns with the right. I have noticed that developing this control is feeling much more natural than with previous instruments I have learned. I have a definite sense that this is directly attributable to the increased awareness of my body that the practice of tai-chi is helping me to attain.
Jon - High Wycombe Class
Jon - High Wycombe Class