ANNA Kiriakoulakis started Tai Chi twelve years ago as a total beginner, when she was not in the best mental disposition and her body was getting seriously affected by arthritis after years of desk work and prolonged standing during teaching.
Tai Chi seemed odd to her at first, with its slow and fluid moves and totally at the antipodes of her fast daily routine. It was an invitation to stop time and look after herself.
With regular classes and practice it didn’t take long for Anna’s mental perspective to improve.
Anna says: “To my delight, my arthritis was gone and alongside my body became more flexible, my balance and core stronger and my mind felt a lot sharper and more focused overall.
It felt like being reborn and becoming a better version of myself, and I was… My husband noticed the changes too and we rejoiced at the fact that arguments became less and less. Besides a fitter, healthier body and sharper mind regular Tai Chi practice has also empowered me with a new inner calm.”
“As a qualified teacher, with a love of teaching, I am now using these skills alongside my Tai Chi knowledge to support others with their health and wellbeing. I specialised in Tai Chi for Health, which has helped me and my class members to recover from a string of health conditions. During Covid I was entrusted by the NHS to help stressed out health workers recover mentally and physically. Likewise, the Qigong and Tai Chi classes I delivered online during that difficult period helped my classes members staying fit and sound at mind; research has shown that Tai Chi can boost the immune system and resistance to infections.”
“Along the journey I started feeling more of the hidden energy of Tai Chi and exploring more and more the deeper martial art and self-defence aspect of it. Tai Chi can be taught both as a health discipline and as a martial art.”
“I am currently teaching Yang 24 across Warrington. Yang 24 is the world’s most practised Tai Chi form. It is gentle enough to be learned at all levels and can be practised right from beginner to advanced level.”
“Yang 24 moves have an origin in self-defence. Depending on the readiness, aptitudes and curiosity, the martial art perspective can be explored in the classes. This brings on the philosophy and principles of Tai Chi: practising it can become a way of life by encompassing its deepest values of respect, compassion, and empathy at the centre of the learning.”
“My classes are generally mixed with ages ranging from early thirties to eighties, and many of the members really enjoy looking at the wholesome aspect of Tai Chi.”
“Tai Chi is not a quick fix and requires a little patience, alongside some regular practice and an open mind. Is it not a price worth paying to be able to reach and maintain good and greater state of health, mentally and physically and maybe, to become a happier you?”
To try a class with Anna, please contact 07904 186541 or email [email protected]
Anna Kiriakoulakis
