What is Taiji ? (tai chi / tai txi)
Taiji is a traditional Daoist practice that works with the subtle movements and changes of the body and mind.
Through slow, continuous movements, coordinated with the breath and intention, we gradually learn to move with greater awareness, relaxation and ease.
Taiji is a practice that develops through regular repetition, so the course is designed around two classes a week. This gives the body and mind enough continuity for the practice to begin to develop.
Beginners are welcome and no previous experience is necessary.
Classes in Emporda 2026/2027
Taiji is a practise that develops through regular repetition so the course is designed with two 90 min classes a week :
Monday 9.30 - 11.00
&
Thursday 14.30 - 16.00
Location: L´Arementera (Parc de Los Paisos Catalans / Sala Nova)
Fee: €180 / Trimester
Try a class with no commitment - taijiemporda@gmail.com
Benefits of Tai Ji
Taiji works on several levels - physical, energetic, emotional, mental and spiritual.
At a physical level:
the slow, continuous movements help to release unnecessary tension while developing strength, balance, coordination and greater ease of movement. The practice is coordinated with the breath, helping us to become more aware of what is happening within the body.
At an energetic level:
Taiji works with the circulation of Qi - our vital energy. Through relaxed movement, breathing and intention, we develop a deeper sensitivity to the subtle changes taking place within us.
At an emotional level:
as the body becomes more relaxed and the mind more settled, we can begin to notice our emotional patterns with greater clarity. The practice can help us develop a different relationship with our emotions rather than simply being carried by them.
At a mental level:
the continuous movements and focused attention bring the mind into a quieter, more concentrated state. Over time, this can develop greater presence, awareness and clarity.
Inner development and spiritual growth
Taiji is rooted in Daoist philosophy and was developed as a practice for cultivating the whole person.
With regular practice, the connection between body, energy and mind gradually becomes stronger. This can open the possibility of a deeper awareness of ourselves and of our relationship with others and the world around us.
In the traditional understanding of Taiji, this development is described through the cultivation of the three Dantians - the three principal centres of the human being.
It can become a journey of self-knowledge, inner development and spiritual growth - a practice that continues to deepen throughout life.
This is what we call the Inner Path.
What to Expect
All classes follow the same structure as outlined by our teacher Patrick Kelly:
The Five Loosening’s
A basic set of movements to help the mind / body connection. These exercises are based on the Tai Ji Principles and developed by Master Huang Xing Xian.
The Taiji Form
The 37 Move Tai JI Short Form - adapted by Zheng Manqhing from the Yang Cheng Fu Long form - builds on the Tai Ji Principles learnt in the loosening’s. With the form we deepen our practice, energy circulation and inner strength. Refining what is learned in the loosening exercises.
Partner Work (Tui Shou)
The 8 Pushing Hands exercises with a partner takes our training even deeper by training sensitivity to our own and our partners Intention, Energy and Forces.
Meditation
All training sessions end with a standing or sitting meditation where we consolidate our practise, taking the cultivated energy and refining it further. This process is described as Jing-Qi-Shen , that is Body Energy - Emotional Energy - Mental/Spiritual Energy.
Yeshim Yahya
My journey on the spiritual path began in London when I was 18, and led to many years of exploring different styles of yoga and learning from different teachers. Throughout that time, I was always searching for something deeper - I wasn’t sure what, but I knew that I hadn’t yet found it.
During a yoga retreat in Thailand, I met Barbara Fine, a senior student of Taiji teacher Patrick Kelly. Soon afterwards, around 2012 I began attending Barbara's international seminars, as well as training with Dave Wright in London.
After trying Tai Ji, I knew that I had found what I was looking for, which at the time I still was not able to articulate - a credible and structured teaching system in which a student can develop spiritually. There was no end to the possibility of inner refinement and depth. It was clearly a lifetime journey and one I was happy to be on.
Between 2016 and 2020, my practice took a break as I began my journey into motherhood and moved to Barcelona. In 2020 I was able to join online classes and Girona seminars with Guillem Barnado, also a senior student of Patrick Kelly.
In 2025, I moved to the Empordà region close to Girona, where I currently train at Yuan Shen with Lia Alves, a student of Patrick Kelly and Guillem Bernado.
Today, with the support of both Lia and Guillem, I am beginning my own journey as a Taiji instructor, doing my best to transmit the system of Tai Ji to beginners in the Emporda region.
I remain, first and foremost, a dedicated and grateful student, while I continue my regular training in Girona.
Tai Ji Lineage
The approach we practise comes through the teaching of Patrick Kelly and a lineage of Taiji masters whose teachings have been passed down and refined through generations: Yang Lu Chang (1799–1872), Yang Cheng Fu (1883–1936), Zheng Manqing (1901 - 1975), Huang Xing Xian (1910–1992).
Patrick has been immersed for 50+ years in the Daoist, Sufi and Yogic Teachings - openly sharing a deep and structured approach to the spiritual path. He has authored 4 books, translated into many languages and currently supports a world wide network of around 100 teachers and 1000s of students.
Patrick Kelly
Guillem has been training with Patrick since 2005.
He has taught at his schools in Girona and Thailand and in Patricks Kelly’s school in Shanghai.
Guillem is currently starting a new school in Hong Kong, whilst continuing to run seminars in Girona and Chicago when he can.
Guillem Bernado
Lia has been training Tai Ji since 2010 with Guillem and directly with Patrick since 2017.
Lia is currently teaching in Girona at Yuan Shen Studio on Mondays and Wednesdays, where I continue to train with her.
Everyone is welcome to join training at Yuan Shen.
Lia Alves