Holistic Tai Chi Qigong Academy UK
Dancing Cat Tai Chi Qigong & Holistic Health
Classes & Professional Training & Health
Debbie & Mark Gannon
07958 353455
Most people start by attending our 6-Day Qigong Session Leader Course, which teaches, not just the movements but a completely inclusive way of delivering them to create a session that is suitable for people of all ages & abilities, in a structured format which allows for beginners to start at any time while providing an informal interesting learning environment alongside a deeply relaxing therapeutic moving meditation.
Those who are already leading sessions may find that our course provides an alternative way to deliver
Tai Chi Qigong to reduce stress and boost physical, mental and emotional well-being.
To find out more about certification levels and what to expect from a typical qigong session click here
Attend the 6-day
Tai Chi Qigong Session Leader Course
which is in 2 parts
part 1
Successful completion of the 6-day course leads to the temporary certification
Tai Chi Qigong Foundation Session Leader
part 2
Successful completion of the post course work will achieve full certification
Tai Chi Qigong Session Leader
Once you have achieved Session Leader Certification you are able to lead your own sessions
for relaxation, to de-stress and improve well-being
When you feel inspired to learn more we offer, on-line & in-person,
the course
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Detailed practical exploration of an 18 Qigong movement set
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Introduction to Posture, Body Alignment & Stance Structure
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Learning to harmonize the breath, body and mind
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Introduction to Qi Energy in relation to Qigong
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Exploration of the essence of Qigong as moving meditation
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How to deliver & lead effective sessions
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Essentials such as insurance & developing your own sessions
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Comprehensive course materials including, training manual & video
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One to one on-line, tuition & support between course days
the course
The 6-day course is £795 usually spread over 3 non-consecutive weekends, in Hinckley, Leicestershire.
On successful completion of the 6-day course, and the post course session reflection work, you will achieve Session Leader Certification for an energetically balanced set of 18 Tai Chi Qigong movements, which is the basis for a 45-60 minute session. The way we teach you to deliver the movements and the way that the movements can be adapted create sessions that are suitable for almost everyone.
This is an intensive course which requires a great deal of commitment to practicing the movements every day, not only on the 6 course days themselves but also during the intervening days and weeks.
We explore the foundation and essence of each movement. Practical and theory sessions cover body alignment, breathing techniques, energy, an introduction to Qigong related Traditional Chinese Medicine, instructing theory & practice and setting up and running sessions.
This course does not cover the 'martial' or self-defence aspect of Tai Chi Qigong, and concentrates only on the health and relaxation benefits.
Course student numbers are restricted to enable the teaching to be tailored to individual needs.
Additional Learning, the 7th Day
We offer an additional day as sometimes life gets in the way and our course attendees cant always manage the required practice, or some prefer extra time to enjoy and embed the course learning to achieve their Session Leader Certification.
This day is also for those who receive a 'refer' decision during the 6-day course, giving them time for the additional practice required to gain certification.
The additional £100, payment for this day is payable at the end of the 6-day course.
Please add this date into your diary, just in case.
Pre-requisites
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You do not need to have any previous experience of Qigong to attend this intensive course, only a passion to learn and a willingness to work hard and to practice.
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There is no pre-course work.
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You should be reasonably fit
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You should have a good understanding of the English language, written & spoken, as this is the language the course will be taught in.
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Should you require additional support then please contact us before booking onto this course.
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Sports Therapy Associations pre-requisite is Level 3 in Sports Massage
Who is this course for?
This course is open to everyone, from complete beginners to those with years of experience of various styles of Tai Chi, Qigong or indeed, any form of Martial Arts, who would like to establish their own Tai Chi Qigong sessions to improve health, relaxation and well-being of others.
Mindfulness Practitioners, Reiki Healers, Reflexologists, Holistic Therapists, Yoga and Pilates teachers, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and Chiropractors will find that Qigong complements what they already offer their clients and may well find that they already possess many of the skills needed to learn and lead Qigong sessions effectively.
Members of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) can complete this course and earn 30 CPD points.
Members of the Sports Therapy Association with Level 3 Sports Massage or above, can complete this endorsed course as part of their ongoing development, earning 16 CPD points.
Tai Chi Qigong, practiced as a health art, is becoming more in demand as people are being made aware through TV, radio and newspaper articles that it is excellent way to reduce stress levels and relax the mind and body whilst improving and maintaining mobility in the joints and muscles
It is deeply rewarding for those who practice it regularly
Completing this course will improve your own health and well-being as well as helping to spread the health benefits to others
Dates & Times
This is not an on-line course.
The studio is in Hinckley Leicestershire
The course runs on Saturdays & Sundays
We start at 10am and finish at 5pm
We limit places to 6 on each course.
2024
Autumn 2024
28 & 29 Sept, 12 & 13 Oct, 2 & 3 Nov 2024
(Extra Learning Day 16 Nov 2024)
4 places available
2025
Spring 2025
8 & 9 February, 22 & 23 February, 15 & 16 March 2025
(Extra Learning Day 29 March 2025)
6 places available
Autumn 2025
4 & 5 October, 18 & 19 October, 8 & 9 November 2025
(Extra Learning Day 29 November 2025)
6 places available
Book Your Place
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss the course and ask us questions, before you book
The 6-Day Course is £795
To book your place, please complete the booking form and pay the £100 non-refundable deposit
The remaining £695 is due on or before 30 days before the course start date
The additional learning day, if required, is £100, payable at the end of the 6-day course
You can see our cancellation policy here
On-line banking
Deborah Gannon, 60 11 06, 16126645
Credit/Debit card or PayPal
Please use the buttons below
Venue & Parking
The Holistic Tai Chi Qigong Academy UK
3, The Horsefair
Hinckley
Leicestershire
LE10 0AN
There are several car parks near to the studio
Please look for 'Long Stay' car parks
See all Hinckley car parks here
Hinckley is an ancient market town offering lots of cafes. restaurants, independent shops and a great market.
See more about Hinckley here
Travelling
&
Accommodation
By Car
Hinckley is ideally situated off the A5 in the Midlands and can also be accessed from M6, M69 if travelling via Birmingham, or the M1 and M69 if travelling via Leicester
By Rail
Hinckley railway station is 5 minutes drive or 15-20 minutes walking distance from The Shibashi Training Academy.
Where to Stay?
There are several hotels to choose from. Please contact us if you would like information about local accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What on-going support will I receive DURING the 6-Day Course?
You will have your course notes and detailed explanation videos for each movement. You can also contact us by phone, email or social media, should you have any questions. In addition we offer one to one support sessions between the course dates via video platforms such as Zoom, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, it is often easier to talk through movement together via video.
What if I receive a 'Refer' rather than a 'Pass' decision?
The assessment process is continuous, there is not a final exam. This is an intense course and we ask that you practice every day between course dates. Those who are able to practice as required usually pass the course. Sometimes unforeseen life events happen and you may not be able to practice as much as you hoped so do not reach the required standard to 'pass'. We offer an additional day, about 2 weeks after your course, to return to gain certification. This day is also for those who are unbale to attend all of the 6 course days offering time to catch up.
The cost of this additional day is £100
What on-going support will I receive AFTER the 6-Day Course?
You will continue to have access to the explanation videos. You can contact us via email, social networks or by phone as needed,. We also offer further training modules to refresh what you know, explore deeper to gain Advanced Session Leader Certification or learn additional Qigong Sets to deliver in your sessions.
Will I be able to learn & offer more than the 18 Movement Qigong Set?
Yes, the 6-day Qigong course is the initial certification. You can attend other training modules to learn additional Qigong sets and/or explore Qigong deeper to gain higher levels of certification.
To see the further training modules click here
To see the certification levels please click here
Some of your movements look different to what I have seen before, why?
We will not teach you how to place your arms and legs into positions. We teach you how to stand and move in a Tai Chi Qigong way. You may not yet have the flexibility to reach the bigger movements. In time, after lots of practice you may achieve bigger movements but we are all unique and you will move in a way that is unique to you and your body. We aim to help you find the way your body moves.
Will I need Insurance?
You should be insured to lead your own sessions. We do not sell or provide insurance but we will discuss the options available to you during the course. If you are an existing heath professional or therapist you may be able to add Qigong to your existing policy.
Certification Guide
Foundation Session Leader
A Foundation Session Leader is a probationary Session Leader who has successfully completed the 6-day course and is undertaking the required post course training to gain full certification
Session Leader
A Session Leader has successfully completed the 6-day course & post course session work & is able to lead sessions which focus on relief from stress, relaxation providing a gentle but effective form of exercise, which may also help to improve well-being, balance & confidence
Advanced Session Leader
An Advanced Session Leader has gained experience in leading Qigong sessions and has undertaken the further training modules,
Body Alignment & Tai Chi Qigong Techniques & Energy Within Qigong training modules to enhance their understanding
What is a typical Shibashi Qigong Session?
We want all session attendees to feel welcome, and to know that the session will support them through all stages of life
Everyone is accepted for who they are and how they on on the day
Everyone is encouraged to listen to their own needs and to only do what is comfortable and to stop or sit when needed.
Nothing should hurt and the movements we deliver are flexible to accommodate everyone regardless of experience or ability
When attendees relax when they are able to be themselves, which has a deep relaxing and healing affect on the body and mind bringing about a deeper sense of well-being. The following Golden Guidelines are the heart of every session.
THE GOLDEN GUIDELINES
Do only what is comfortable
Stop if there is any pain for discomfort
Rest or sit down at any time and join in again if and when you feel ready
Move at your own pace
Move within your own comfort zone
Breathe in a way that feels comfortable to you and breathe normally if you can’t match the breathe to the movements
Don’t worry about getting the moves right. You cannot get YOUR Qigong wrong. If there is no pain then it is right, no matter what your arms and legs are doing!
Relax and enjoy the session
Feedback
We try to adapt each course to accommodate the training needs of those attending, but we also ask for feedback on the last day.
We need to know what the attendees experienced, so we can continue to evolve to meet the demands of this ever changing world.
What they said about our course ......
We asked for their overall impression of the course..........
Without a doubt the most informative, well run, course I've been on since 2005. I am on a lot of courses being a teacher and tennis coach
Very supportive throughout the course. Excellent. Very well balanced theory and practical. Constructive feedback. Thank you
The whole course has gone above and beyond my expectations. Thank you Debbie & Mark
Taught with passion and a great deal of care, instilling confidence and a lot of knowledge. I've loved every moment & thank you so much
Extremely well planned and thought through. Professional. Would absolutely recommend
What they said about our venue and resources.............
The venue was excellent and ideal to deliver the training. The resources were of the highest quality
Easy to find with easy parking nearby. All needs met. Couldn't have asked for more. Abundance of food/snacks and drinks available all day
Great venue, lovely space, easy to find and get to, facilities good- more nibbles than we could possibly finish off
A lovely room with lovely energy. We had everything we needed of resources
The venue was calm and peaceful. It was very clean. Plenty of drinks and snacks provided. Great course material
To what extent did the course meet your training needs?
It has exceeded all of my needs as the content was clear and in depth to a level I fully understood
The training has excellent for my own practice and helping me understand the importance of working to your own body, softening movements and feeling relaxed with breath
The training was delivered at exactly the right level and pace
Comprehensive with just enough of everything plus some extras that this group was keen to hear and tailored to our backgrounds
The course covered all requirements. The level of work was set hard enough to be challenging but not overwhelming. There was a good balance between practical and theoretical
What parts of the course did you learn from most?
With excellent ratio of 2:6 individual practice could be easily corrected along the way. Having 2 people leading the course gave us 2 different approaches
The energy work
I think the learning was continual throughout the course
Practical & tutorial equally great
Practical exercises! Especially one on one personal advice and suggestions for corrections. As nerve wracking as it was, getting up in front of people and being able to make mistakes in a safe environment.
What parts of the course could be improved?
Can't think of any
There are no areas that need improvement. All objectives were met and then some
Nothing that I can think of
None- honestly!
Can't think of anything