Da Kuai Academy is a renowned school of Chinese internal exercises (Nie Jia), offering Tai Chi, Hsing I, and Chi Kung classes in both Cambridge and London. Led by Adrian Murray, an experienced instructor with over 30 years of practise and extensive studies in the UK, Canada, Taiwan, the USA, and China, the academy welcomes both beginners and experienced students.
Tai Chi, the first offering of the academy, is not only a great tool for general fitness but also promotes mental and physical relaxation. Rooted in the theory of YinYang, Tai Chi is rich in philosophic ideas and presents a diverse range of exercises. Its primary characteristic is yielding, making it a unique practise.
Hsing I, another discipline taught at Da Kuai Academy, is a simple yet effective exercise that draws its structure from Chinese five element theory. Compared to Tai Chi, Hsing I is relatively easy to learn, but it requires repetition and exactitude for proficiency. It is a direct and spirited practise that offers numerous health benefits.
Chi Kung, the third form of exercise taught at the academy, focuses on promoting the wellbeing of one's chi or energy. This involves training the body as a vessel for chi and disciplining the mind to harmonise one's energy. While Da Kuai Academy focuses on general health aspects in Chi Kung, all forms of Chi Kung encompass spiritual, martial, or medical aspects to varying degrees.
Each exercise can be learned in different 'styles,' with each style similar to a game, such as a ball game or a field game, and each game having different variations, such as tennis or squash. In this academy, Adrian shares his insights and teachings on the Nie Jia styles he has practised.
Although both Tai Chi and Hsing I are martial arts forms, Adrian's interest lies more in the softer aspects of these practises, which is a common approach in the Western world. The focus is not on competition or fighting, but rather on the health and fitness benefits that these practises offer.
Da Kuai Academy's classes are not aimed at training teachers, and attendance does not imply approval for individuals to teach. The academy values the privacy and protection of personal information, as outlined in their privacy policy.
In addition to Tai Chi and Chi Kung classes, the academy also offers Hsing I classes on weekends. Hsing I is related to oriental medicine and is known for its simplicity and expedited learning process. It can be practised in small spaces and has the benefits of repetition and conditioning.
It is believed that Hsing I Ch'uan was created by the renowned Song Dynasty general Yue Fei, although some sources suggest it predating Tai Chi. The earliest written records of Hsing I date back to the 18th century when it was known as Xin Yi Liuhe Quan (Heart Mind Six Harmonies Boxing). The academy follows the Hebei school of Hsing I, which emphasises the mind leading and governing the movement of the body. The forms in Hsing I are characterised by short, efficient, and quick movements, which are characteristic of all internal arts.
Da Kuai Academy offers a holistic approach to Tai Chi, Hsing I, and Chi Kung, providing students with the opportunity to cultivate their physical and mental well-being through ancient Chinese practises.