Internal Work is a martial arts and meditation class based on the traditional training methods of two Chinese Internal martial arts known as Tàijíquán and Xíngyìquán.

Each class will be different, but you can expect a mix of gentle stretching, breathing exercises, meditation and mindfulness activities, and movements and techniques from internal martial arts.  All aspects of the class are low-impact and suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities.

Internal Work is open to everyone. While classes are primarily designed for adults, younger students (12+yr old) are welcome to attend with parental supervision. Experience is absolutely not necessary, and classes are open to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced students. The activities in the class are not physically demanding and are easily adjusted to the needs of students. 

Please bring comfortable exercise clothes and flat shoes to class. Ensure you bring plenty of water and sun protection as well as we will be training outside.

Before your first class your instructor will have a brief conversation with you to discuss any concerns you might have, and assess what your specific needs might be. We will make our best effort to ensure your experience and expectations are aligned.

Please feel free to contact us before attending if you have any other questions.

We respect that people join classes for a variety of reasons. Some come for the meditation and breathing exercises, others come for the authentic traditional martial arts. Each class is tailored to the needs of the students attending. Activities are not mandatory and your participation will always be voluntary. Each student will be provided with assistance and instruction according to their needs and goals.

Yes, you can expect to learn Tai Chi (Tàijíquán) at our classes or private lessons. We also include content from its sister art Xíngyìquán (Form & Intention Fist), as well as other internal arts traditions.

The Internal Work curriculum includes the complete martial arts of Tàijíquán and Xíngyìquán. Previous training in martial arts will confer a significant advantage to your learning. You will find there is a depth and sophistication to the content taught that expands upon your previous experience and knowledge. The internal arts have an impressive set of forms, techniques, applications and weaponry which would be a great asset to martial artists. Special emphasis is placed on ensuring the curriculum is practical, realistic and technically accurate in fighting contexts.

Nèi jiā 內家 - Literally ‘Internal Family’ - refers to a group of Chinese martial arts that predominantly focus on spiritual, mental, and energetic development, instead of external ‘physical’ development. Internal martial arts emphasize calmness of the mind and spirit, and relaxed, natural movement.

Tàijíquán (‘Tai Chi’) 太極拳 - Literally, ‘Supreme Ultimate/the Absolute Fist’ is a Chinese internal martial art based the Daoist concept of Yin Yang. It is known for its slow moving, gentle, low-impact movements and mindful breathing.

Yáng style Tàijíquán is taught at Internal Work classes, with content including the 24-Form Simplified Tàijíquán, and 32-Form Simplified Taiji Sword.

Xíngyìquán 形意拳 - Literally, ‘Form & Intention Fist’ is also a Chinese internal martial art based on the Daoist cosmological concept of the Five Phases. The art is direct, powerful, co-ordinated, and focused.

Hebei province branch (Shàng Style) Xíngyìquán is taught at Internal Work classes, with content including the Wǔ Xíng Quán (Five Phases Fist), Shí'èr Xíng Quán (Twelve Animal Shapes), Bāzì Gōng (Eight Character Skills), and Weaponry (Sword, Sabre, Staff, and Spear)