Faaaaaaaaaabulous!

So I'm back from the first lesson, and totally blown away by my first tai chi experience.

The class was small and apart from Sophie the teacher I was the youngest person there, that in itself is a boost. My classmates were all very experienced, so I got a bit of extra help. Watching them go through their paces - forms - was fantastic, and I can't wait till I'm able to do it with them.

I was taught how to get the correct posture, amazing just how bad mine was! I learned the easiest forms and even had a go at 'push hands'. I didn't really know much about tai chi before I went, and I still know very little, but it seems like a really slow version of Kung Fu, the push hands thing is about blocking and leading your opponent rather than allowing them to lead you.

I doubt it'd be that useful if I got mugged, but it seems to be about learning control, of yourself and how to control others, so while it wouldn't stop a knife wielding maniac, perhaps it'll make me more aware of other people's body language and help me to avoid ever being in such a situation.

To think if I hadn't had a touch of insomnia the other week in Leeds, I'd never have seen Mind, Body and Kick Ass Moves on the telly, and would never have experienced what I did tonight...aint telly grand?