Norfolk and Norwich Taiji (Tai Chi) Qigong School

I thought I was too busy to fit Deniz's Self Cultivation coursse into my life. Not so. Qi Gong clears, enlivens and leaves me feeling two inches taller. Deniz has a rare ability to teach. He embodies the practice.

For me these classes are a unique opportunity to learn and practise a truly precious, life-changing skill. Qigong isn't just exercise, it's an insight into your body and mind and a way of befriending both. Deniz and Laurie Paradot are teachers with in-depth knowledge, integrity and contagious enthusiasm.

You are always an individual when Deniz teaches the class, taking time with you to tweak your pracice and organising partner work for the trickier parts of a Qigong form. The teaching is first rate, imaginative and stimulating.

The 12 month Self Cultivation course has been transformative for me, helping me move from a person interested in qigong in a leisurely way, practising now and then, to someone who now has the practice embedded into their life. From day one there was gentle encouragement and support to develop a daily personal practice, starting with only a few minutes of very simple movements, which are developed each month to build up an entire form over the course of the year. But it is so much more than simply learning a set of movements. The importance of the ‘internal work’ was always emphasised and Deniz’s teaching ranged over a large variety of subjects (meridian theory, meditation, self-massage, some physiology, koans, Daoist and zen philosophy and much more) that provided context, enhanced practice and made a huge difference to me in bringing qigong more fully into my life.On top of this, the sense of community among the group that built up over the year was pretty special and it was a genuinely sad moment when we came to sum up our experiences and say goodbye at the close of the final day.Deniz is an excellent communicator and, although the classes are lighthearted and fun, he takes this stuff extremely seriously indeed, meaning that you learn high quality and authentic practice. Highly recommended for those wanting to get deeper into this wonderful life art.

If your reading this then there is a chance you are wondering if Qigong or if this place can help? I never write reviews, but feel compelled to do so as this practice has changed my world for the better.I began working with Deniz and his team back in January 2018 as I suffer from FND, Fibromyalgia and have had severe mental health problems. Since this time I have regained the ability to walk without a walking stick, reduced some of my mental health medications and have stopped my fentanyl patches. My depression is now at a level where I feel human again - 'me', a happy 'me', something I lost years ago.My GP thought I would never stop these pain relief patches, they would just keep creeping up in strength - he is shocked and delighted with my progress. I have always been at a cross road in my life wondering which way to turn and I feel I finally have the start of a direction, which is an amazing feeling.Don't think you will just turn up and swing your arms about, there is a whole new world to this and it wonderful. So, if your still wondering after reading this, I would say yes it helps - on many levels. You've nothing to loose but give it ago.

When I retired a couple of years ago, my partner & I agreed to find a Chigong class to join. A friend recommended her teacher and we gave it a go. It seemed to fit the bill in terms of what we wanted to add to our lives but on reflection, it has added so much more. We attend as many lessons a week as we can fit in. Deniz is a fabulous teacher, he makes his lessons fun & informative and he is a master of his craft. I have recently completed the years Self Cultivation course which was especially valuable & took my practice of Chigong to new levels of awareness & understanding. I can't recommend these classes highly enough & would urge anyone to give it a go, you'll be surprised at what you discover.

Deniz is an extraordinarily gifted teacher.  He is warm, funny and serious at the same time.  His love and knowledge of Qigong is truley inspiring and he goes out of his way to make sure everyone has a deep understanding of how it's done properly, on many levels, and how to get the most from it.If you are wondering whether to do the Self Cultivation course, don't wonder any more, it will be one of the best decisions you'll ever make.  It seems to be exactly what each individual needs - somehow.If you are looking for weekly classes Deniz is your man. We are very lucky to have such a valuable resource in Norwich.