Principal Instructor: Alan Baker BSc PGCE(FE)
Beginning his Taiji (Tai Chi) study in 1985, Alan originally learnt Classical Yang Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) in Oxford under Richard Druitt, who was himself trained by John Kells of London. John Kells was an indoor student of Dr. Chi who was an indoor student of Cheng Man Ching. Since then Alan has studied under various teachers both in the U.K. and China (1996, 2001, 2003). For the last ten years Alan has been studying Chen Style taijiquan with Karel and Eva Koskuba of the Chinese Internal Arts Association. Karel is a 20th generation Chen style instructor and indoor student of Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang.
Alan BakerIn this time, as well as Tui Shou and Ta lu (Push hands), Alan’s study has covered:
  • Classical Yang Style Short Form
  • Classical Yang Style Long Form
  • Chen Style Laojia (Old Frame)
  • Chen Style Xinjia (New Frame)
  • Chen Style Xinjia Pao Choi (Cannon Fist)
  • Taiji Sword (Two Routines)
  • Taiji Sabre (Two Routines)

Alan has had the good fortune to attend seminars and workshops with some of the top Taijiquan practitioners in the world, including Grandmaster Chen Xiao Wang, Wang Hao Da, George Xu, Jan Silberstorf and Mike Sigman.

Whilst working for Oxfordshire Adult Learning (1990-2007) Alan undertook professional Teacher Training, graduating with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Further Education) in 2000.

Student Instructors
Although Alan leads classes, students are often split into small groups and taught by more senior students. If you attend classes you will probably, at some point, be taught by one of the following student instructors.
Li Reeves
Li Li began studying with Alan over fifteen years ago. She can instruct students in all aspects of Yang and Chen Style Taijiquan including sword and sabre.
Li: “Tai chi excited me, the exercises, the Chi Kung (Qigong), the legends and the Form. The desire to know more grew; I attended workshops and experienced several different instructors, but at the end of the day decided the attitude and teachings of Alan most suited me. The martial side came as a bonus. After a while I ventured into sword play and a new dimension to T’ai chi opened up for me. I initially learnt Yang style but am now studying Chen Style.
I was taken with the fact that once self consciousness is overcome T’ai chi can be practiced anywhere any time, at a bus stop, in the office or in the park. Although I practice less now the quality of my practice seems deeper. I have made some very good friends and enjoy exchanging views. We are all very different people in shape size and ability physically, but I feel T’ai chi has something to offer everyone.”
Vicky and Andy Mortimer
Having studied taijiquan for over ten years Vicky and Andy and are competent in all aspects of Push hands, Yang style short and long forms, Chen Style lao jia and sword routines.
Vicky: “I found Alan’s classes in 1998, and after some initial scepticism I was soon hooked. Tai chi gives me a chance to study how my mind and body works, which is both therapeutic and informative. When I am not practising t’ai chi (which is far too often) you will find me mountain biking, dancing or programming. For me tai chi has added a new dimension to other activities and improved my self confidence. But, like most things in my life, I try not to take my t’ai chi too seriously – mostly its exercise that feels great, and that is enough.”
Frances Watkins
Frances has studied Taijiquan with Alan since 1999 and can instruct students in Yang and Chen styles as well as Push Hands.”I developed an interest in Qigong following nearly 20 years of practising yoga and started to pursue Zhan Zhuang standing practice in 1997. In my quest to learn more, I came across Alan’s Taijiquan Yang style classes, in which he taught not only Qigong warm-ups, but occasional standing, followed by this incredible routine of interlinked movements – the Form.

My study has covered Yang Style Short and Long Forms; Chen Style Laojia and Xinjia Forms, as well as Push Hands and Chansugong (Silk Reeling). I have had the good fortune to attend workshops by 19th Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang (Chen Style Laojia) and Karel and Eva Koskuba of the Chinese Internal Arts Association (Push Hands, Eight Animals and Ying & Yang Qigong). Over the years, I have also studied or attended workshops on Shaolin Qigong (Yijin jing), Taiji Ruler Qigong, Guolin Qigong for cancer patients and Five-Animal Primal Qigong.

My fascination for these ancient Chinese internal arts never ceases; the improvements in structure (posture), relaxation and mindfulness – however small – spill over into everyday life, gradually increasing both physical and mental well-being.”

Guy and Jenny Thomas
Studying Chen Style taijiquan for about five years, Guy and Jenny have completed both Lao jia and Xin jia hand forms as well as a sword routines. As with the other Student instructors they are also competent in Push hands.