REAL STORIES FROM REAL STUDENTS
The best introduction isn't from Jay. It's from his students.
They show up every week. Recovery from surgery, chronic illness, decades of sport catching up with the body, or simply wanting a stronger, calmer way to live — everyone arrived with a different story. Here’s what they’d tell you if you asked them.
Dawn
Practising with Jay — 7 years
"I never dreamed I would get my strength and life back but this changed everything."
After a brain tumour operation and months in hospital, coma, ICU, intubation. Having to relearn breathing, speaking, eating, walking, how to move my body. Months of physio. I had no strength, balance or confidence. I couldn't walk properly, dragged my right leg. My muscles had wasted away and needed a walker as vertigo was so bad. I didn't know where to start, how to rebuild myself? Then I found Jay and Tai Chi.
I had been learning with Jay for 4 months when my husband (58) died suddenly. Shocked and overwhelmed with grief. Jay was a rock, encouraged me to keep practicing. Just turn up and do my best. Move and breathe. Tai Chi gave me a way to slowly reconnect with my body and mental health.
Over time I have rebuilt strength, improved my coordination and found myself again. It hasn't just helped me physically — it's helped me rebuild my confidence and my life. I have made a full recovery. Incredible. Never dreamed it could happen, and found love again. So much so, I have bought myself a Lambretta scooter. Confident biker chic is back 😁
I am the strongest (including mentally) and fittest I have been in over 10 years. Life is amazing. Also, I have made great friends and met some truly incredible people. The Tai Chi community is from all walks of life. I am so grateful to be part of this.
Jay as a teacher... very patient. Funny, sometimes ❤️. Never boring (7 years I have been practicing with him). His background in understanding the human body means he knows where each of us individually has pain or weakness, and adjusts the movements to accommodate — then shows us how to build up strength.
I come away from practice sometimes feeling challenged, but always feeling better, happier. No matter how difficult life is, I can switch off. It is my safe place. 🙏🏻❤️
"I felt like my body was working against me. Now I feel calm and in control."
I had a chronic condition for years that meant migraines, tinnitus, vertigo, fatigue. The symptoms were hard to deal with in themselves, but what built up over time was a constant fear of a debilitating migraine coming on. I was confused and exhausted from trying to figure out what was going wrong, and what I should and shouldn't do. I knew I needed to exercise, but everything seemed to trigger a migraine, and I just felt like my body was somehow working against me.
With tai chi it was completely different. The movements themselves are soothing and help to reduce stress, but the benefit has been much deeper than that. When you've had a condition for years, it's no surprise to know it can take time to resolve. Jay is incredibly patient. In 4-5 years physically my posture and strength have improved, and my symptoms have reduced dramatically, but the biggest change was that Jay's teaching is all about paying close attention to what feels right and wrong, and responding gently to it, rather than trying to battle against it. I used to be constantly stressed feeling like my symptoms could flare up anytime out of nowhere. Now I am able to notice much more about what is happening in my body, I have ways to reduce tension and fatigue, and I now feel much more calm and in control of my day to day life.
Kate
Overcame chronic migraines, tinnitus & vertigo
Dan
Martial artist — Kendo, Shotokan & Mixed Arts
"The path I'd been looking for — challenging, but sustainable."
I have previously trained in various martial arts over the years including Kendo, Shotokan & Mixed Arts. I enjoyed the physical benefits of sometimes very intense training, of fitness, self confidence and self defence thru individual and competitive sessions. The intensity of training however, started to take a toll on my physical body. My desire to develop and train in the arts has never diminished and led me to discover Tai Chi. This internal art has given me an opportunity to continue on the 'path' in a different but more sustainable way. It's by no means less challenging but has less impact, but it has changed the way I approach my training.
Jules
Former runner, skier & tennis player
"It felt like my body was closing in on me. Tai Chi gave me control again."
I'd spent years running, playing tennis, skiing, practising yoga, pilates, body-balance — but eventually all that activity caught up with me and took a real toll on my joints. I reached a point where I could no longer enjoy the things I loved. Walking up and down stairs was painful, getting in and out of the car became a struggle, and even sitting still was uncomfortable. It felt like my body was steadily closing in on me.
Then I met Jay. Through his unique approach to Tai Chi and his thoughtful, effective teaching style, things began to change. Gradually, I started to move more freely again, with less pain and more confidence. What surprised me most was realising that Tai Chi is far more powerful and transformative than it first appears — it didn't just help me move better, it gave me real strength with a sense of control over my body again.
Martin
Rebuilt strength after cancer treatment
"I wasn't sure it was for me. Now I practise every day."
I originally came to Tai Chi not really knowing what it was, and honestly I wasn't sure it was for me. After going through cancer treatment, I was looking for something to help me rebuild, but I didn't expect much. What surprised me was how deep the practice is. The more I stuck with it, the more I noticed changes — not just physically, but mentally as well. Now I practice regularly, and it's become a core part of my routine. I feel stronger, calmer, and more connected than I have in years.
Karen
Managing arthritis through movement
"Not a quick fix — but it's kept me strong and moving."
When I started Tai Chi, I was already dealing with quite a lot of arthritis, and movement wasn't always easy. I wasn't looking for a quick fix — I just wanted something that could help me stay active and manage it over time. Over the years, Tai Chi has helped me build strength, improve my balance, and feel more confident in my body. It hasn't made everything disappear, but I do feel like it's helped me maintain my mobility and slow things down. Most importantly, it's given me something I can keep doing consistently, which makes a big difference.
Laszlo
Busy professional & parent
"After 15 minutes, something shifts."
My life is quite busy with work and family, my mind is always switched on. When I arrive at class, I often feel quite stressed and distracted. But after 15 minutes, something shifts. My mind starts to slow down, and I feel more present and relaxed. By the end of the class, I feel much calmer, clearer, and more grounded. It's become an important way for me to reset and improve both mentally and physically.
Curious what this could look like for you?
The best first step is usually a conversation. Tell Jay what you're looking for, and he'll point you in the right direction.