FAQ

Please browse our answers to the FAQs. You may find what you are looking for.

FAQS ON CLASSES

For coming to the classes, what do I need to wear?
 Just wear something casual and attend. We do, however, require people to take off their shoes at our venue. So best to wear socks and shoes that are easy to take off.
Do I need to bring anything?
If you are attending a weapon class, you may wish to bring your training tool. Otherwise, nothing is really needed. Some students like to bring a bottle of water.
How big are the classes? 
We tend to be small to medium but intimate. Classes are usually smaller in holiday seasons.
What are the classes like? Can I watch? 
The classes are usually soft and gentle. However, it is not a spectator's sport. You are welcome to take part in the classes but not watch-only.
I am rather elderly/young. Would the class suit me? 
The classes are open for all age and all level of experience unless stated otherwise.
Are there any concession for elderlies, students or etc?
Sorry, we have no such concessions. However, if you joined as a member of our Association, there will be discounts.
How much are the classes?
Please call our number or email us for information.
Do you take cheque or credit card?
Sorry, we have a cash-only policy.
Do I need to book to attend class?
No, these are walk-in classes. As long as you are within the level required, you can just turn up on the day. If you are unsure, just give us a call.
Will classes be open on XXX day?
Any long periods of closure will be announced on our website, ‘Latest News’. Otherwise, we are open every week. If you want to make sure, just give us a call.
Is Master Lam personally teaching the classes?
Depending on the discipline, the classes will be taught by either Master Lam or Sifu Tin Yu. However, on some instances, our Association instructors will also supervise the classes.
I am of XXX religion/faith. Is it okay to learn Chi Kung?
Chi Kung is secular in nature. So you can be whatever religion/faith you like.
How long is the course?
Master Lam teaches in the traditional manner and the classes are ongoing. There are no ends in arts!
I have some pain/health issues. Is it still okay for me to attend class?
Yes, but please let the class instructor be aware of your issue. Of course, it is best to resolve the issue first. Please click here.

FAQS ON CHI KUNG

What is the difference between Chi Kung and Qigong?
They are just different romanisation of the same Chinese name.
How long does it take to learn Chi Kung? 
Like any art, it is a lifelong study.
Can I mix and match Chi Kung with other disciplines? 
Though it is possible, we strongly advise you not to do so on your own. Not everything is immediately compatible. It is unwise to practise in such a manner without a deeper understanding of the art.
Would you mind commenting on my postures/movements if I send or email you a photo or video clip? 
Arts like Chi Kung cannot be taught in such a way. You must personally come to lessons.
Can I coach my friends and family on Chi Kung? 
We strongly advise you not to. Best to bring them along to the classes.

FAQS ON TAI CHI

Which style Tai Chi do you teach?
We teaches the Lam Style which is one of the earliest style to be publicly taught in UK.
I know the Lam Style Tai Chi form already. Can I attend the advanced Tai Chi class?
Yes, but Master Lam may need to see you perform the form during class to ascertain that you are suitable for the class.

FAQS ON MEDITATION

My knees hurt and I cannot cross my legs. What should I do?
Don’t worry. Chinese meditation has a different orientation so there is less emphasis on strenuous sitting.
I am of XXX religion/faith. Is it okay to learn this meditation?
The meditation is more philosophical than religious. So it is secular. You can be from whatever background.
What do I need to bring for meditation?
You may want to bring a blanket to cover your shoulders, especially when the weather is cold.

FAQS ON DA CHENG CHUAN

When can I start learning Da Cheng Chuan?
At our Association, we consider Da Cheng Chuan as an extension of Zhan Zhuang. Therefore, you need to have attended our Chi Kung classes first. After a few months of regularly attendance, you can ask Master Lam personally about when you can join the Da Cheng Chuan class.
I have studied Chi Kung elsewhere. Can I start learning Da Cheng Chuan?
You still need to have attended our Chi Kung classes first. But let the class instructor know your intention. Then he can gauge whether you are ready for Da Cheng Chuan.

FAQS ON TAI CHI SWORD

Do I need to buy a sword?
In the long run, yes. But not a real sword. Props - like a wooden sword or a collapsable plastic sword - are fine. In the first few lessons, you can start with a long umbrella first before you decide to commit and buy a sword.
I am left-handed. Will that be a problem?
You would need to learn our sword form with your right hand. We had left-handed students who had learnt the sword with their right hand before. So this should not be an issue.
I am senior in age. Would Tai Chi Sword be too strenuous for me?
No, Tai Chi sword is slow and elegant. So it is suitable for all age.

FAQS ON CHINESE STAFF

Do I need to buy a staff?
For practising at home, maybe. At our venue, there are some medium length staff you can borrow.
I am senior in age. Would Chinese Staff be too strenuous for me?
It should fine. The staff form is relatively soft. But you should always check with the instructor first.

FAQS ON CHINESE BROADSWORD

Do I need to buy a broadsword?
In the long run, yes. But not a real sword. Props - like a wooden or polypropylene sword - are fine. In the first few lessons, you can start with a long umbrella first before you decide to commit and buy a sword.
I am senior in age. Would Chinese Broadsword be too strenuous for me?
Yes, the Chinese broadsword would be relatively more demanding than our other weapon classes.

FAQS ON FENG SHUI

How do I learn Feng Shui?
Unfortunately, Master Lam is not teaching this discipline at the moment. The consultation service is available but not the teaching. However, please visit our website from time to time to see if that has changed.
I am interested in having a Feng Shui consultation. How should I approach this?
Just give us a call. We will explain the process.

FAQS ON PRIVATE TUITION

How much is the private tuition?
Please call our number or email us for information.
How long is a private lesson?
It is usually 1 hour long. However, some people coming from afar likes to take 2 hour lesson. Some even do 4 hours - two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
How do I make an appointment?
Just give us a call and we can arrange it with you.
How frequent should I attend private tuition?
It all depends on your preferences and circumstances. Some students comes weekly. Some comes monthly. Some comes quarterly and train intensely for a whole week.
I will be staying in London for private tuition. Are there any hotel near your venue?
Although there are hotels and bed-and-breakfast nearby our venue, we are unfamiliar with them. So we cannot recommend any.
Do you do online teaching for public classes?
Unfortunately, our online teaching is for private tuition only. Public classes are taught in person.
What software do you use for online teaching? Do I need to download the software?
We will be using the Zoom software. You should not need to download anything. We will send you a Zoom link which you can open with any standard browser on your device.
What is the settlement procedure for online tuition?
We will send you a Paypal email. Upon confirmation of settlement, we will then email you the meeting details.
May I record my private lesson?
No, recording of any kind is not permitted for both online and on-site lessons.

FAQS ON BOOKS & DVDS

Can I learn from the book/video?
 Books and videos can only show small parts of a larger picture. We strongly urge you to seek a teacher and practise under a trained eye. In books and DVDs, no one can correct you when you are making mistakes.
Do you have XXX book available to purchase?
Unfortunately, we are not really into book-selling. So we do not have much inventory. The only available items are ‘The Way of Power’ DVD and ‘The Qigong Workbook for Anxiety’.
What is the delivery time?
Unfortunately, we cannot vouch for the delivery time. We dispatch by standard post without tracking so we are not in control of the time. However, by experience the delivery is usually within 2-3 weeks.

FAQS ON INSTRUCTORS

How do I become an instructor? 
It would take many years of dedications and commitment as well as natural talents. Master Lam only endorse his students as instructors when he sees them fitting. We recommend you not to take being an instructor as objective but to learn the art!
I cannot find a suitable instructor from your list. Can you recommend me anywhere else?
 We are in little contact with other bodies or organisations so we cannot recommend any particular person.
Can you tell me about this XXX person? 
We cannot comment on any specific person, institute or other arts due to reasons of non-prejudice.

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