Testimonials

Student reviews

“Pat is a brilliant teacher who is patient and understanding. I have enjoyed following her calm and clear leading of T’ai Chi for many years.” – D G

“I have balance problems but T’ai Chi has guided me to understand better just how my body works. Pat’s enormous knowledge and her meticulous personal attention to our individual journeys is so helpful and encouraging.” – C B

“I was a complete newcomer to T’ai Chi and have thoroughly enjoyed the instruction we have received. It provides a calming environment, good but gentle exercise and the company of an interesting group of people.” – T J

“I joined the Tai Chi classes last year having been disappointed with a previous experience. I always learn something new at every class and come away with nicely tingling muscles and a clear mind. Fantastic, challenging and fun too, this is perfect in every way”. – M B

“Pat has such knowledge and teaching experience it has been a privilege to work with her guidance and to start to understand how T’ai Chi can really help me learn about how my body and how mind work together – it is something I realise now that I have ignored for far too long.” – J B

“T’ai Chi was a complete mystery to me before I started but on recommendation I joined Pat’s class to help me with my balance issues. It does take time but with Pat’s  patience and huge knowledge I am starting to understand the real benefits of knowing just how body and mind can work together.” – R S

“As a beginner I’ve been coming to Pat’s weekly Tai Chi class in Chesham for 10 months. A small class size allows for plenty of attention from the teacher. It is a friendly group and there are socials and workshops to complement the weekly teaching. Pat is an excellent instructor,  knowledgeable and extremely patient. She expects precision in the movements. Overall an enjoyable and beneficial experience, would throughly recommend.” – M H

“My wife and I have been attending The Chesham and Amersham Tai Chi School for a couple of years now. We look forward to our lessons and life’s problems seem to melt away during the class. Pat is very thorough about posture, balance, and the spirituality behind the learning. There are no arm waving exercises, but a focused and delightful approach to tai chi.”  – D L

“Having previously suffered from polymyalgia, I found that my body had become really stiff and inflexible and I really wanted to  change. This, coupled with a bad shoulder injury, ruled out attempting any alternative form of weight-bearing exercise such as Pilates, Yoga or Weightlifting.
I joined Pat’s Tai Chi class and found exactly what I was looking for. Over the last two years I have improved my balance, breathing, strength and inner calm and really appreciate Pat’s firm but caring teaching style” – H M

“Doing Tai Chi has helped me develop my physical strength and improve my balance, as well as enabling me to focus my mind and achieve a state of relaxation through concentration on deep breathing and meditation. Pat is an excellent teacher, a dedicated Tai Chi expert who combines friendliness and warmth with structure and feedback, to ensure students can progress with Tai Chi in a safe and supportive environment.” – C B

“I joined tai chi (CATS) on recommendation as I was experiencing some stressful life events. I wanted to feel strong and confident again. After 18 months I can say my life has turned around.  What I got from attending tai chi was significant health and mental health benefits.  Under Pat’s watchful eye I have been given skills to help me feel grounded. Everything I have learnt I have been able to apply to my everyday life.  Pat has shared her knowledge and skills positively and with great humour. Going to tai chi has given me a new outlook on life and also a new friendship group where I feel supported and challenged.” – S J

“T’ai Chi gives focus, awareness to detail, which reflects in everyday living. A very positive expression when life is frantic, allowing a realisation to step away from the need to follow. The teaching is delivered with great attention to all aspects of T’ai Chi. The phrase “as patient as a saint” comes to mind, for which extended gratitude is given to Pat, thank you.” – R S

“The benefits I get from T’ai Chi are ongoing. My balance and mobility are better and being older it makes my brain work … it isn’t until you find someone who knows about these things, you realise you haven’t been doing the  ‘REAL’ T’ai Chi. There is so much to learn and Pat is patient enough with you to explain what is what and how one can use T’ai Chi in everyday life.” – P S

“It has greatly improved my balance and posture. My general well-being has also improved. The class is a friendly hour to look forward to each week. The tuition is very friendly but thorough. Having previously attended a different class I now feel that I am (slowly!) mastering the real T’ai Chi.” — S R

“Tai Chi has brought peace and a sense of well being into my hectic life. The classes are well constructed and fun and Pat is excellent at teaching us the finest moves and is extremely patient. It’s the best thing I have ever done.” — P P

“I’ve been with Pat for around three years now. Her weekly class is a lovely opportunity to quieten my restless mind, focus on being in the moment and get my body to move more freely. There is much to learn and it is challenging, but also a pleasure and Pat is warm, supportive and always encouraging” — M F

“I would recommend your Tai Chi class to everyone. I feel I have got great benefit over the last few years from being able to come to your classes. You are an excellent teacher and very patient and explain the reasons and the aims of Tai Chi as well as the actual movements. You make it satisfying and professional on several levels. I come away from the class feeling invigorated. It was most helpful that you carried on despite all the difficulties during Lock Down. Thank you.” — B P B

“Pat is an excellent Tai Chi practitioner & teacher. She is happy to share her knowledge with her students. She is patient, disciplined & makes the classes fun.” — P K

“I initially took up Tai Chi when I retired 3 years ago as a result of the ongoing stress I was experiencing in my job. I found that Tai Chi gave me something to concentrate on which helped my recovery.” — L R

“I started with CATS last year when Bucks Adult Learning stopped their Tai Chi class and have found it to be an interesting and educational insight into traditional Tai Chi which I find complements the other classes I attend.” — D M

“I’m not exaggerating when I say that T’ai Chi has changed my lIfe! I have arthritis and previously used my muscles and joints very tentatively, but with the gentle yet powerful T’ai Chi movements, and with Pat’s patient guidance, I can now walk, bend and stretch with confidence. As with all good teachers, Pat has high expectations of her students, treating us all as individuals, giving us personal attention when required, and makes our classes very enjoyable. There’s always a warm, friendly atmosphere in the room, and I for one feel physically and mentally uplifted at the end of each lesson.” — D B

“After having an operation on my knee I started to attend Pat’s Tai Chi classes as part of my recovery to enable me to walk without aids. As a result of attending Pat’s classes I have improved my balance, mobility, and confidence. Tai Chi has also helped my mental health to feel positive about myself and to use the breathing techniques in everyday life. Thanks to Pat and her patient, kind teaching, what started as rehabilitation has soon turned into a favourite pastime.” — S B

“Learning Tai Chi is  great for my health as I find it brings me a greater sense of clarity to my mind and really helps me to relax but stay focused. Physically it has really helped my core strength and balance and especially my stomach muscles. Really friendly class and nice learning environment. Pat is a wonderful teacher with a wealth of knowledge and passion for Tai Chi, would highly recommend Chesham Tai Chi School. — A O

“I turned to Tai Chi as a way of regaining flexibility, strength and balance after a shoulder accident rendered me unable to do yoga or pilates. I find that your classes are an oasis of calm, peace and tranquillity yet definitely work the body. Even after a few lessons, I am already feeling the benefits of learning how to breath, stand and position myself correctly and although I am at the very beginning of my ‘TC journey’, I find it both empowering and liberating.” — H M

“Very holistic and balanced class, love it. Helps me with  blood circulation and arthritis. Pat has a very holistic approach. Thank you for teaching me.”—U S

“Pat has decades of experiences of teaching and recognises that people learn in different ways. She listens to the class and changes her teaching strategies to suit. While Pat is precise and firm, the classes are fun and full of lovely people. Increases awareness and connection, ‘being present’  stops the ‘monkey mind’.” — H T

“I have been coming to your Tai Chi classes for about 3 years now and am so grateful for the positive affect they have had on my life. My back pain is relieved and I feel so much stronger. Thank you.” — C S

“The teacher is very competent, experienced and very helpful, ready to correct mistakes but also to encourage and give suggestions. Her deep knowledge of T’ai chi is what makes her classes so involving.”— J S

“Energy, relaxation, mood enhancer, improved breathing, a sense of calm. I am enjoying the way T’ai Chi continues to evolve, and the dedication and patience in the way it’s being taught.” — G L

“Pat is a serious T’ai Chi practitioner with a deep knowledge of the philosophy underpinning T’ai Chi. If you want a superficial approach, this is not for you. I feel so lucky to have found this class – you learn the techniques correctly, which means that you strengthen your muscles and joints and avoid twisting, straining and injuries.” — J D

“We find it grounds us and gives us each a better awareness of our own life force and how we use our bodies. T’ai Chi significantly assists me with my balance and body awareness. The classes succeed in giving a deeper understanding of T’ai chi and its principles after first teaching the form at an introductory level. Pat puts a strong emphasis on helping her students develop the ability to express and focus their ‘intention’ and to follow their inner core without being distracted by active thoughts.” — J W and P W

“Benefits: Improved balance, flexibility and well-being. Teaching: Supportive and carefully planned.”— A P

“I feel that doing Tai Chi definitely helps keep all my bodybetter toned as I age. Learning and remembering new movements is also goodfor my brain. After a class I feel relaxed.” — B P

“I expected that TC would improve my balance, which it does, but the main benifit for me is the sense of calm that it brings. Also helping me cope with stresses of work. I have also found recently that I can turn around easily in tight spaces!The classes are all very friendly and relaxed. I tend to take life a bit too seriously and Pat helps me find physical as well as mental balance.” — C J

“I have benefitted most from Pat’s T’ai Chi classes by improving my ability to focus my mind and improve my breathing which in turn has enabled me to reduce stress and maintain a healthier blood pressure. I enjoy attending Pat’s workshops when time allows as they reinforce and consolidate my understanding and practice of T’ai Chi outside of the class. Pat emphasises the importance of practice and regularly reviews all aspects of the form, which is always beneficial. I also enjoy the aura of calm that is present when a group of us practice the form together.” — J J

“I find that T’ai Chi is a great way to relax and to calm my mind from the pressures of family life. The classes are fun, engaging and I have made some good friends.” — K N

“T’ai Chi benefits all ages from improving balance, helping stress levels and keeping blood pressure lower. All the classes at different levels are friendly and informative.” — C O

“T’ai Chi is relaxing and challenging all at the same time! It’s a lot, lot more than just a series of movements. Pat is a very thorough teacher; I wouldn’t want to learn from anyone else.” — L R

“I enjoy the class environment. Helps ease stiffness – maintains general fitness. Very good sensible easy-to-follow instructions. Promotes a friendly atmosphere all round.” — S B

“Have only started recently but have found it an enjoyable activity that really promotes calmness through focussing on the movements. Also appears to be helping the stiffness and pain in my calves and ankles. Pat is very patient and good humoured and the other participants have been friendly and welcoming. It is however, harder than it looks!” — J M

“It encourages a more relaxed state of mind. Class is relaxed and friendly and teaching thoughtful and thorough.” ­— J B

“A particular benefit for me was that it improved my sense of balance. The classes are small giving the possibility of more individual attention. The teaching is interesting because it shows the relationship between the movements and how they relate to self defence. “— A J

“I find it grounding and peaceful. I am less tense on my shoulders and neck and have noticed an ability to realise this in everyday life not just in class. Teaching is relaxed but informative. ” — J K

“Benefits are … calming of mind chatter … much greater body awareness. Class teaching … challenging but brings a warm feeling of connection.” — C S

“Firstly it makes you think about your body and how you use and appreciate it. Standing without putting pressure on our knees, not always easy but very important. The aim of taking these classes was to improve our sleeping patterns, which is a work in progress. Learning how to relax, for some people comes naturally but for others it remains very elusive, we are hoping learning to relax properly will remove much of our stress and relieve tension which builds up over time. The classes are very personal and very informative, with Pat guiding every pupils movements, encouraging and explaining how and why we stand and move in certain ways. We would recommend Pat’s classes to anyone who wants to learn a fresh and different way of improving your health and wellbeing. ” — G H & J H

“The benefit of T’ai Chi, which I have been learning since 2005, has helped with keeping my blood pressure down. Keeping my joints flexible. Once you have started to learn the movements you will start to gradually calm your mind. As time goes by this helps you to rethink in everyday life and to put the learning of T’ai Chi in prospective. The class is very calming and teaching is excellent. “— S N

“I find the small class friendly and supportive. Benefit from the slower movements now and on a good day I feel I am progressing! Great help to be able to regain stability following surgery. “— K H

“After many years of mobility issues, I have regained my balance and strengthened the bone density in my leg bones. I have also improved my concentration and my ability to relax. As an unexpected bonus, I have made some wonderful friendships. I really look forward to our weekly class. Pat is thorough in our understanding of the T’ai Chi principles, and is always ready to patiently go over and over moves when we feel unsure.” — M H

“It teaches me to stop and calm down with deep breath, in the day-to-day moment. Looks easy but once I learn and see myself in the mirror at home, I can see the difference from how the teacher looks, even for the ever so small movement. Very interesting to learn the subtle background thoughts and the reason as we go along.”— R A

“I gain a sense of calm, peace and relaxation. I have developed an awareness of my body and parts of my body which I had never appreciated before. Pat explains things very well and is able to use non-technical language to help her students gain an understanding. Most of our class has been together for a number of years, so we have developed a common bond and friendship, which is enhanced through residential courses together.” ­— R W

“T’ai Chi has become part of my life. When life’s little irritations can seem just too much I have learnt how to put my T’ai Chi training into my recovery plan. Breath, Grounding and protecting my space. I look forward to my class time as an opportunity to continue to learn with like minded friends, or “polish the marble” as Pat reminds us. Pat is firm but fair and encourages me to to reach my full potential.” — L G