by Jocelyn Watkin | Mar 7, 2023 | Information |
This is an exciting and FREE opportunity on Saturday 11 March, 2023, with Kia Ora Tai Chi & SpinPoi, Cornwall Park and the Re-Creators team:
- 10 – 11.30am: Create your very own poi. This is truly a zero-waste class!
- 12 noon – 12.30pm: Learn how to swing and spin your poi and enjoy the feeling of body connectivity and flow with SpinPoi
- You are welcome to attend both of the above sessions or just one if you wish.
Saturday 11th March
10 am-11.30 am: Create your own poi with the Re-Creators team
- Suited for ages 8+, parent participation is encouraged.
- All materials and equipment will be provided. Things might get a little messy, so wear old clothes!
- Registration is not required – poi making workshop is available while material stocks last.
Location: Cornwall Park, outdoors, next to Acacia Cottage (opposite the Huia Lodge Discovery Hub and the Cornwall Park Bistro (the original tea rooms)). Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates. Acacia Cottage is at Location 8 on this map.
Parking: There is limited parking near Acacia Cottage. More parking is available at Location 6 or near the cafe at Location 4 on this map. If possible, please plan to arrive in Cornwall Park well before the start time of the workshop. Parking spaces can fill quickly as many visit the park to enjoy its beauty in the sunshine.
At the workshop: You’ll be using reclaimed t-shirts and wool stuffing off-cuts to make your poi. T-shirts are upcycled and reused in every step of the process in this workshop, from making the poi’s braid and pompom, to wrapping the poi ball. Every scrap of waste made during the poi-making process is incorporated back into the poi. This is truly a zero-waste class!
This drop-in workshop will be held outdoors next to Acacia Cottage in Cornwall Park.
I’ll be there to help the Re-Creators team and to assist and encourage you. When you finish making your poi, I’ll show you some swinging and spinning moves so you can twirl your poi with ease.
At 12 noon to 12.30pm, Saturday 11th March
Free SpinPoi group session with a qualified SpinPoi instructor. That’s me (Jocelyn of Kia Ora Tai Chi)
- Learn how to swing and spin your poi.
- Enjoy the feeling of flow and body connectivity found in SpinPoi.
- Bring your own poi. (A limited number will be available for those who don’t have their own.)
- All ages and skill levels are welcome, although it is more suited for ages 5+. Parent participation is encouraged for all children.
- Bring your water bottle, and a sun hat/sunblock and wear comfy clothing and footwear.
Location: Cornwall Park, on the grass in the Native Arboretum (below Acacia Cottage). Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates. The Native Arboretum is at Location 7 on this map.
Parking: There is limited parking near Acacia Cottage. The nearest parking to the Native Arboretum is at Location 6 or near the cafe at Location 4 on this map. If possible, please plan to arrive in Cornwall Park well before the start time for SpinPoi. Parking spaces can fill quickly as many visit the park to enjoy its beauty in the sunshine.
All welcome for this free, family-friendly and super fun group class to learn SpinPoi! This is an exercise inspired by Māori tradition, which was adapted in the 21st Century to become a scientifically-proven way to help your brain and body feel amazing!
This SpinPoi session is open and free to anyone to have a go.
You don’t need to have attended the earlier poi making workshop to join in with the group SpinPoi session.
Find out more:
by Jocelyn Watkin | Jan 28, 2023 | Information |
How magical would it be to discover an ancient healing art from China, which could help you to improve your overall health and wellbeing in the modern world? Absolutely amazing.
As a qualified instructor, I offer a rare, in-depth opportunity to experience the magic of qigong (pronounced chee-gong), a rejuvenating technique involving deep, meditative breathing and flowing movements that is 1,000s of years old.
At this workshop, and through the healing power of qigong, you’ll learn how to do self-care and to nurture yourself with:
- Deep, mindful breathing to calm your mind and release tension from your body.
- Gentle yet powerful movements to restore your energy levels.
- Relaxing self-massage to soothe your aches and support your body’s healing process
Ideal for beginners.
When: Saturday 11 February 2023, 10am to 1pm (please arrive no later than 9.55am)
Where: Reremoana School hall, 15 Scotsmoor Drive, Wattle Downs, Manurewa, Auckland 2103. Refer to this map: https://goo.gl/maps/soNPiz5gexGBgF4p6
Parking: Plenty of free parking is available on the half-circle shaped driveway in front of the school.
Open to anyone aged 18+, who is seeking to rebalance and rejuvenate their body, soul and strength.
Cost: $75 per person (payable by online banking. The account number will be provided once you RSVP). Please refer to the cancellation policy below.
What to wear: Comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to move in, and flat-soled shoes. Please also bring a jersey or hoodie to keep warm when we are sitting still for some of the time.
Please bring: Water bottle and a snack
Places are limited to just 12 people.
To RSVP, or if you have questions, please text Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or use the contact form on the website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
Who is the instructor?
Jocelyn Watkin has helped people of all ages and abilities to reduce stress and improve their overall health, fitness, balance and well-being with qigong and tai chi since 2003.
She is the founder and director of Kia Ora Tai Chi with extensive experience in teaching qigong and tai chi face-to-face or online for regular weekly classes, workshops and retreats, at schools, a medical centre and a retirement village.
She is registered as a group exercise contractor (with own choreography) with the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), which is the recognised quality mark throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand.
She is approved as a strength and balance group exercise provider with the Accident Compensation Commission and has numerous tai chi and qigong instructor qualifications. She also has a New Zealand Diploma of Teaching.
Testimonial: “I really enjoyed your style, Jocelyn. Friendly, caring, informative and non-judgemental. You made me feel relaxed and welcome. Thank you.” (Participant in the Stardome mini-retreat, March 2022)
What is qigong?
For thousands of years the Chinese have had a secret. A secret that helps to increase longevity, a secret that assists the body to heal from injury, illness and trauma.
That secret is qigong, a deep meditative breathing exercise that connects the mind to the body and helps with overall well-being and healing.
How does qigong help your body to heal from injury, pain or illness? A number of clinical trials have confirmed that qigong is proven to increase blood oxygen saturation in your body. That alone is excellent for healing.
There are many different aspects to assist the body and mind to heal, such as:
- Medical treatments and interventions
- Sleep and rest
- A healthy diet
- Moderate exercise
- Reducing stress.
Qigong can help and support the body with all of the above.
Qigong’s deep, meditative breathing supports your parasympathetic nervous system (also called the ‘rest and digest’ system). The movements, when co-ordinated with your breath and awareness of energy can help you to slow down, relax and to release tensions in your body. This helps you to sleep well, too.
If your body needs energy to repair and heal from injury or illness, qigong breathing can help to increase oxygen level and flow (energy) right down to your smallest cell.
Qigong exercises will massage and stimulate internal organs, which can also help with healing.
Qigong is about releasing stress, not suppressing it.
To reduce inflammation, you need to reduce the damaging effect that constant stress has on your body. Qigong breathing can help you to let go of stress so you can settle your mind and body.
Healing is multi-faceted and we need a number of different things to help us to heal our minds and bodies and to recover from illness, injury and trauma. Qigong can support this process.
Find out more about the healing benefits of qigong:
Cancellation policy
The workshop must be paid for in full ($75 per person) to reserve your place.
All payments are non-refundable but, if you can’t attend, you can nominate a friend, colleague or family member to take your place.
Please do not attend this workshop if you have Covid or you have a cold or ‘flu-like symptoms. In this instance and if you can’t find someone else to take your place, you will be provided with a credit towards another Kia Ora Tai Chi workshop, retreat or class.
In the unlikely event that Kia Ora Tai Chi cancels the workshop, you will be refunded in full.
COVID-19 policy
Please do not attend if you are sick or have cold or ‘flu-like symptoms.
All participants will need to respect the need for social distancing at all times during the workshop. The venue is big and there’ll be plenty of room for everyone to spread out. The massage exercises are all self-massaging. There will not be any paired exercises or touching by others.
The hall will be well-ventilated and hand sanitiser will be provided.
We will abide by the NZ Government’s health advice and regulations as they apply at the time of the workshop.
Jocelyn (the instructor) has been fully vaccinated for Covid-19, including with a 2nd booster.
To RSVP to this workshop, or if you have questions, please text Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or use the contact form on the website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
by Jocelyn Watkin | Jan 12, 2023 | Information |
Free tai chi and qigong with me every Sunday morning (9am) and Tuesday evening (6pm) in Cornwall Park from Sunday 15 January until Tuesday 28 March 2023. All sessions are outdoors so are weather dependent.
Ideal for beginners of all ages and abilities, particularly those seeking a calming and nurturing exercise experience that is also effective for fitness and balance.
The linked postures and steps of tai chi, along with deep, meditative breathing (called qigong), are designed to improve your overall health and can also strengthen leg and core muscles.
Tai chi and qigong are good for your body as well as your mind and are helpful at reducing stress.
These 45-minute sessions in Cornwall Park and are free, fun and suitable for all ages and abilities, especially beginners. You are most welcome to invite family, friends and colleagues to join in.
Summer Tai Chi in the Park sessions are funded by the Cornwall Park Trust Board so you can all attend for free.
Here is all of the information you need:
- Where are the sessions? In Cornwall Park about halfway up Pōhutukawa Drive and under the trees to the left of the road. (Same place as previous years).
- Directions for those who haven’t attended before: Drive, cycle or walk into Cornwall Park from Greenlane Road West. That entry road is called Pōhutukawa Drive. My tai chi sessions will be about halfway up Pōhutukawa Drive on the left-hand-side and under the trees. Look for me and my instructors in our red Kia Ora Tai Chi shirts. If you get to the roundabout you’ve gone past us. Refer to the park’s visitor information website for a park map: Cornwall Park visitor info
- Days and times: Sunday mornings at 9am (we’ll be there from 8.45am) and Tuesday evenings at 6pm (we’ll be there from 5.45pm).
- How long are the sessions? 45 minutes
- What to bring: Water bottle, a sun hat/sun block and wear comfy clothing and footwear.
- If rainy or when there are high winds: Look for the cancellation notice on the Kia Ora Tai Chi Facebook page: www.facebook.com/kiaorataichi/ or text me on 027 493 9851. Or you can check with the park’s visitor centre (the Huia Lodge Discovery Hub, open 7 days from 10am – 4pm) https://cornwallpark.co.nz/contact
- More information: https://cornwallpark.co.nz/summer-events-programme-2022-23
I would so love to see you under those lovely shady trees in the park. I will teach a number of exciting and different tai chi and qigong forms as the sessions progress and until the last one on Tuesday 28 March.
As well as my tai chi and qigong sessions, there are lots of other free activities in the park. Check out my SpinPoi session in the park on Saturday 18 February. Find out more in this link: https://cornwallpark.co.nz/uploads/logos/Summer-Events-2002-2023-Web.pdf
Find out more
by Jocelyn Watkin | Oct 23, 2022 | Information |
All welcome to a special and fun series of SpinPoi classes with Jocelyn of Kia Ora Tai Chi. Thursday mornings, from 27th October to 1st December 2022, 11.45am to 12.30pm.
You’ll swing along with easy-to-learn poi movements set to music and finish with tranquil and peaceful tai chi. This is a fun exercise with a qualified instructor, which will boost fitness, strength, balance and well-being.
Attend just one class or come to them all.
Limited number of poi available. Bring your own pair of poi, if you have a set.
Venue: The Wharekai Room, Te Matariki Clendon Community Centre, 17 Palmers Road, Clendon Park, Manurewa, Auckland 2103.
Cost: $5 per person, per class
Ideal for: Seniors and beginners of any age and ability. You can do this seated, if you wish.
No need to RSVP, just come along. All welcome.
Questions? Please phone or text Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or use the Contact Form
More info:
SpinPoi keeps your mind and body happy
by Jocelyn Watkin | Oct 1, 2022 | Information |
If you’d like to stress less and live best, then the FREE Triple 5 qigong challenge is for you.
What is the challenge? Just five minutes of qigong per day for five days in a row from Monday 3 October to Friday 7 October, 2022.
You’ll learn five calming qigong movements (one per day) from me and you’ll practice each one for five minutes per day. I’ll be with you all of the way with pre-recorded, “how to” videos and encouragement. Did I mention all of this is free?
What is qigong? It is a mindful, meditative exercise programme with deep breathing. The practice originated in China thousands of years ago and has many proven health benefits.
Who am I? I’m Jocelyn Watkin and I’m a qualified qigong instructor.
This is how the Triple 5 will work:
- It will start on Monday 3 October and run for five consecutive days.
- Each day, I’ll email you a link to a 5-minute YouTube video of me showing you a qigong movement, which will help you to reduce stress and improve your overall health. I’ll also upload the daily video onto the Kia Ora Tai Chi facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kiaorataichi
- You have a go at this qigong by following me in the video at least once that day and for at least five minutes. As the video is pre-recorded, you can watch it anytime in the 24 hours of that day and, if you wish, you can hit the replay button as often as you want.
- Each day, you’ll respond with just one word or 1 – 2 sentences telling me how that day’s qigong felt to you. You can do this by emailing or texting me, or writing in the comment box on the Facebook post in which the video appears.
- That’s it.
If you’re keen on the Triple 5 qigong challenge, please use the Contact Form to provide me with your email address no later than Monday 3 October so I can email you the links to each daily video.
Wait there’s more…
If you do the five minutes of qigong per day, and then email me or comment on the Kia Ora Tai Chi Facebook page with at least one word per day about your qigong experience, then I’ll put your name in a draw for a FREE one-on-one, 1-hour qigong session with me online.
What sort of qigong will you be doing? Gentle, healing qigong movements so you can stress less and live best by:
- Clearing your head and centering your body.
- Releasing your neck and shoulder tension.
- Reducing strain and pain in your wrists and fingers.
- Resting and refreshing your tired eyes.
- Strengthening your legs and muscles.
- Improving your balance.
Can beginners join in? Yes, absolutely. Please invite family, whānau, friends and colleagues to join in. It is free for everyone and as it is online, it doesn’t matter where you live in the world or what time zone you’re in.
