by Jocelyn Watkin | Mar 25, 2023 | Information |
Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a way to rebalance yourself when you felt ‘out of kilter’. Absolutely! Through the ancient, restorative art of 5-Element Qigong you can learn how to harmonise and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.
Workshop 1, Part 1: Saturday 15 April 2023, 10am – 1pm in Manurewa
Workshop 2, Part 2: Saturday 29 April 2023, 10am – 1pm, in Manurewa
According ancient Chinese philosophy, everything in the universe (including humans) is composed of five elements – Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire. When these five are in balance, all is well. When they are not, you feel ‘out of sorts’, tired and often stressed.
As a qualified qigong instructor, I offer two very special and in-depth workshops to learn 5-Element Qigong, which harmonise your movements and breathing inline with the five elements.
In the 1st workshop (Part 1) on Saturday 15 April 2023, you’ll learn:
- Gentle, restorative Yin movements in 5-Element Qigong for the spleen (earth), lung (metal), kidney (water), liver (wood), and heart (fire).
- How to rebalance yourself when you feel ‘out of kilter’ with the curative power of 5-Element Qigong.
- About the fascinating five elements: Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire, how they are inter-connected, including to the seasons, emotions, colours, and the sensory and body organs.
- The ancient history of how these elements combine Yin with Yang to improve strength and balance.
- How to self-care and nurture yourself with healing qigong to release tension and stiffness.
To RSVP, or if you have questions, please text Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or used the contact form on the website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
In the 2nd workshop (Part 2) on Saturday 29 April 2023, you’ll learn:
- Gentle, yet powerful Yang movements in 5-Element Qigong for the stomach (earth), large intestine (metal), bladder (water), gallbladder (wood), small intestine (fire).
- How to combine Yin with the Yang movements in 5-Element Qigong to help fully rebalance your overall health and wellbeing, reduce stress, and let go of tension.
- More about the fascinating five elements: Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire
- Restorative journaling to calm and settle your mind so you can create your own tranquil and centred inner-universe to avoid the build-up of unnecessary stress and tension.
- A free journal will be provided.
Cost: $75 per person, per workshop. $120 per person for both workshops. (Payable by online banking). The account number will be provided once you RSVP. Please refer to the cancellation policy below.
To RSVP, or if you have questions, please text Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or used the contact form on the website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
When:
- Workshop 1: Saturday 15 April 2023, 10am to 1pm (please arrive no later than 9.55am)
- Workshop 2: Saturday 29 April 2023, 10am to 1pm (please arrive no later than 9.55am)
- Attend just one or attend both.
Where: Reremoana School hall, 15 Scotsmoor Drive, Wattle Downs, Manurewa, Auckland 2103 Refer to map: https://goo.gl/maps/QXmMTrs5hdcbwscb7
Parking: Plenty of free parking on the half-circle shaped driveway in front of the school.
Ideal for beginners.
Open to anyone aged 18+, who is seeking to rebalance and rejuvenate their body, soul and strength.
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: Note pad and paper, water bottle and a snack. A free journal will be provided for Workshop 2.
Places are limited to just 12 people.
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.
Jocelyn also teaches restorative and mindful journaling to help people manage and relieve stress. When combined with calming, meditative breathing (qigong and reiki) and the mind/body connection of tai chi, journaling becomes even more restorative. The tai chi and qigong releases tension in both mind and body enabling people to focus more easily and more clearly on the changes they can make to reduce and better manage stress in their lives.
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.
One of the main reasons people want to learn qigong is that it helps with overall well-being and healing.
Qigong is about releasing stress, not suppressing it. Through special qigong breathing you can learn how to let go of stress.
What is restorative journaling?
Writing or drawing in a journal (also known as journaling) can help you to process and understand what is happening in your life, to accept what you can and can’t control, and to focus what you want for your future.
You don’t need to write in sentences if you don’t want to. You can also draw, mind map or doodle, if you wish.
Journaling can reduce frustration and anxiety, free yourself from uncertainty and indecision and take back the control of your thoughts and your life.
It can help you to overcome the overwhelm and create a plan for lasting change and freedom.
Jocelyn learned about the power of journaling when recovering from post-traumatic stress nearly 25 years ago. It enabled her to break the power stress had on her and also freed her thoughts to plan for a better and different life.
Testimonial: “Jocelyn was very relatable because quite often what was being taught had been used by her in real life.” (Participant in the Stardome mini-retreat, March 2022)
Cancellation policy
The workshop(s) must be paid for in full 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.
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 this workshop if you are sick or have 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.
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. There will not be any paired exercises or touching by others.
The venue 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.
To RSVP, or if you have questions, please text Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or used the contact form on the website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
by Jocelyn Watkin | Aug 29, 2022 | Information |
Kia ora and thank you for your interest in Kia Ora Tai Chi and in learning tai chi and qigong.
What others say about Kia Ora Tai Chi classes:
“Calming”, “Keeps the body moving”, “Inspiring”, “Encouraging”, “Feel centred”, “Sleep better”, “Feel in control”, “Wonderful”, “Fabulous”, “Loved it” and “A gift”.
A new beginners’ tai chi and qigong class will start In Manurewa on the evenings of Monday 12th and Wednesday 14th September 2022, 6.30 – 7.15pm.
Jocelyn Watkin and the Kia Ora Tai Chi team welcome adults of any age and ability as new beginners.
The venue will be the Manurewa South School hall, which is located at 18 Totara Road, Manurewa. (Please refer to the map below.) The classes will be held every Monday and Wednesday evening (except for public holidays and during a break over Christmas and New Year).
If you’d like more information or to RSVP, please text or phone Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or please use the Contact Form.
What to wear: Please wear loose comfortable clothing and bring a something warm like a hoodie, jumper, cardigan, etc. Please also wear flat-soled shoes (such as sneakers, trainers or tennis shoes). Please also wear a facemask on arrival and when talking with others. You can remove your facemask during tai chi if you wish, as long as we can all physically distance ourselves. Please also bring a bottle of drinking water.
What to expect: All of the classes begin with a sequence of easy, flowing, warm-up exercises which are low impact and gentle on your joints. These exercises are designed to improve your balance and core strength. You can do tai chi while seated, if you wish.
Then, Jocelyn and her team of instructors will guide you through a tai chi form – a series of linked postures and steps, which are also designed to strengthen your leg and core muscles and improve balance. The steps are performed in a slow, focussed manner and accompanied by deep breathing (known as qigong, which means ‘breath work’ and ‘energy work’).
Price:
- Come along for a free class on Monday 12th and/or Wednesday 14th September 2022. You are welcome to attend both for free.
- After 14th: Prices start from $10 to $15 per class (depending on how many classes are purchased in advance). A discount is available for those who are referred by ACC and Age Concern for the Community Group Strength and Balance Exercise programme (“Live Stronger for Longer”). You must be aged 65+ AND be referred to qualify for this discount.
Covid-19 protection requirements to attend classes:
- High-quality face masks must be worn on arrival and when chatting to others before the class starts/after the class finishes. Some students are immuno-compromised. Everyone made a unanimous decision to continue to wear masks when coming to class to support and help those who are less fortunate with their health. This is regardless of any lesser requirements recommended by the NZ Government. If you wish, you can remove your mask during the class, as long as we can all physically distance ourselves. Please do not wear home-made fabric masks.
- Anyone who wants to keep wearing a mask throughout the class is welcome to do so and their views/wishes are respected by others.
- The hall will be well-ventilated as we have the doors open in ALL weathers, so please wear layered clothing to keep warm. Fortunately, warmer weather is on the way. There is a lovely outdoor deck off the hall and we do tai chi on that in the summer months.
- Please stay at home if you have a cold or flu-like symptoms or if you or someone in your household has Covid. You are not charged for missed classes under these circumstances.
- All instructors are vaccinated, including with two boosters.
If you’d like more information or to RSVP, please text or phone Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or please use the Contact Form.
Participants in the evening classes are encouraged to attend on both Monday and Wednesday evenings. However, if you are committed to practicing at home then it is OK to attend just one class per week.
The above map shows the location of the evening classes in the Manurewa South School hall. The entrance to the hall and the parking is at 18 Totara Road (please don’t go to the main entrance to the school, which is on another street).
Please text or phone Jocelyn Watkin for more information about any of her classes, courses, workshops or retreats: 027 493 9851. Alternatively, please use the Contact Form to get in touch.
Tai chi is easy, fun and a really great exercise, which is good for your body and helpful at reducing stress. If you are unable to stand for very long, Jocelyn and several of her assistant instructors can also teach seated tai chi, which you can do alongside the rest of the class.
All of our tai chi classes are approved with the BIG TICK for the Community Group Strength and Balance Programme so you can “Live Stronger for Longer”.
What is tai chi? Described as “moving meditation”, tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines mental focus with deliberate and relaxed movements. Regular practice of tai chi can help improve strength, health and balance, reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Read more about the health benefits of tai chi.
Please text or phone Jocelyn to RSVP or for more information: 027 493 9851. Alternatively, please use the Contact Form to get in touch.
by Jocelyn Watkin | Jul 26, 2021 | Information |
Kia ora and thank you for your interest in Kia Ora Tai Chi and in learning tai chi and qigong.
Due to demand, the beginners’ tai chi and qigong evening classes are now full. A new beginners evening tai chi and qigong class will start in 2022, possibly in February.
If you’d like to be placed on the priority waiting list for next year, please text or phone Jocelyn Watkin: 027 493 9851. Alternatively, please use the Contact Form to get in touch.
In the meantime, there are still three very good opportunities to learn tai chi with Kia Ora Tai Chi.
- Learn tai chi online
The Tai Chi for Strength, Balance and Mobility online course has been designed and developed by Jocelyn (of Kia Ora Tai Chi) and can be completed at any time that suits you. You can learn at your own time and pace as the course is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and anywhere you have a computer, tablet, mobile phone or data capable big screen TV.
It is ideal for beginners and also for tai chi instructors who teach strength and balance classes. Check it out.
2. For those who prefer a face-to-face opportunity to learn tai chi
Half-day tai chi retreat to relieve stress, sleep better and create a calm and centred universe for you
Come along to Kia Ora Tai Chi’s out-of-this-world mini retreat at the Stardome to learn how to relieve stress, sleep better and create a calm and centred universe for you with tai chi and qigong.
Date and time: Friday 17 September 2021, 1.30 – 7.45pm.
Venue: Stardome Observatory & Planetarium, One Tree Hill Domain. (This retreat is designed and organised by Jocelyn (of Kia Ora Tai Chi), not the Stardome itself.) Discover more about this mini-retreat: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/stardome-retreat/
3. Free classes on Thursday mornings, any age and ability
Tai chi at Turuki on Thursday mornings, with co-instructor Aria
With co-instructor Aria, Jocelyn also offers a tai chi class on Thursday mornings, which accepts beginners at any time and of any age and ability. These classes are free and are held from 10 – 10.45am at Turuki Health Care in Mangere No need to RSVP, just come along. Click here to find out more.
Please text or phone Jocelyn Watkin for more information about any of her classes, courses, workshops or retreats: 027 493 9851. Alternatively, please use the Contact Form to get in touch.
by Jocelyn Watkin | Jun 15, 2021 | Information |
Join in with the Kia Ora Tai Chi team for a free tai chi and qigong session to celebrate Matariki and the wonderful Māori New Year.
Have fun, breathe better and make new friends with 5-Element Qigong, which is a meditative breathing programme to harmonise your mind and body. This is a great chance for a new and healthier you for the New Year.
You will also learn the beautiful and flowing Hikitia te Hā (“uplifting breathing”, also known as Māori Tai Chi).
Ideal for beginners of all ages and abilities. The whole session can easily be done while standing, seated or a mixture of both.
When: Saturday 3 July 2021, 2 – 3pm, please arrive from 1.45pm onward
Where: The theatre building, Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Road, Manurewa, Auckland. There is plenty of free parking at this venue, which is close to the motorway. Refer to this map
RSVP: Yes please, as places are limited to just 16 people. Please email or text/phone me: 027 493 9851 to reserve your spot. (Note: there is a limit of two people per booking)
Cost: Free (A big thank you to Nathan Homestead and Auckland Council for providing the venue at no charge).
Click here to learn more about tai chi and qigong
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in midwinter and is the start of a new year in the Southern Hemisphere.
In 2021, Matariki will be observed Aotearoa/New Zealand between 19 June to 11 July.
More about Matariki
Find out more about the Kia Ora Tai Chi team.
March 2021