Business Details
42 Years
experience
Authentic Tai Chi Chuan Instruction in London
Thai Chi Chuan was founded by Dan Docherty, a distinguished martial artist and former Royal Hong Kong Police inspector, who trained under the renowned Sifu Cheng Tin-hung. With over four decades of experience, our lineage traces back to the Wudang Mountain traditions, blending rigorous self-defence techniques with holistic health benefits. Dan's competitive success in full-contact martial arts competitions across Southeast Asia, including victories over judo and boxing champions, established the practical efficacy of our approach. We specialise in transmitting the authentic teachings of Cheng Tin-hung, who trained Chinese full-contact champions and Royal Hong Kong police officers.Our curriculum encompasses traditional Tai Chi forms, Nei Kung (internal strength), and Qigong, tailored for practitioners seeking physical fitness, mental discipline, and self-defence proficiency. As pioneers in demystifying Tai Chi's classical texts, we provide authoritative translations and commentaries grounded in decades of practical application. Our global network of instructors continues Dan's legacy, ensuring accessibility to students worldwide while maintaining the integrity of this centuries-old martial art.
Services
Tai Chi Chuan classes
Nei Kung training
Qigong instruction
Martial arts seminars
Instructor certification
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in Wudang Tai Chi lineage
- Our founder competed successfully in full-contact martial arts
- We provide authoritative translations of Tai Chi Classics
- Our instructors maintain direct links to Cheng Tin-hung's teachings
- We combine self-defence with holistic health benefits
What people say
Authentic Wudang lineage
Practical self-defence focus
Deep historical knowledge
Experienced instructors
Holistic health benefits
Services
Tai Chi Chuan classes
Traditional Tai Chi instruction preserving Cheng Tin-hung's Wudang lineage. Focuses on self-defence applications, form practice, and internal energy development. Suitable for all skill levels seeking physical fitness and martial proficiency. Combines historical authenticity with practical combat effectiveness.
Nei Kung training
Specialised internal energy development techniques from Wudang tradition. Includes breathing exercises, meditation, and body mechanics to enhance martial effectiveness and health. Requires formal Bai Shi initiation ceremony for authentic transmission.
Qigong instruction
Health-focused Qigong practices derived from Taoist Immortal Family traditions. Combines movement, breath control, and meditation to improve wellness. Includes both solo exercises and partner drills for energy circulation.
Martial arts seminars
Intensive training events covering specific aspects of Tai Chi application. Topics include combat techniques, form analysis, and historical context. Led by senior instructors maintaining direct lineage connections.
Instructor certification
Comprehensive program for aspiring instructors. Covers technical mastery, teaching methodology, and lineage responsibilities. Requires years of dedicated practice and formal assessment by senior masters.
People
Dan Docherty
Founder
Scottish martial artist who trained under Cheng Tin-hung in Hong Kong. Competed successfully in Southeast Asian full-contact competitions. Taught Tai Chi internationally since 1984. Authored authoritative translations of Tai Chi Classics.
Cheng Tin-hung
Sifu
Hong Kong-based master who trained Royal Hong Kong police officers. Developed Practical Tai Chi Chuan's reputation through competitive success. Authored four books on Tai Chi Chuan. Taught Dan Docherty from 1975.
Questions
What is Practical Tai Chi Chuan?
A martial art combining Wudang tradition with practical self-defence, developed by Cheng Tin-hung and preserved by Dan Docherty.
Who was Dan Docherty?
Founder of Practical Tai Chi Chuan International, a former Royal Hong Kong Police inspector and competitive martial artist.
How can I learn Tai Chi with you?
Through global instructors listed on our website or online resources including videos and written materials.
What makes your approach unique?
Direct lineage from Cheng Tin-hung and emphasis on practical application versus theoretical interpretations.
Do you offer health benefits?
Yes, our practice improves fitness, mental focus, and traditional Chinese health practices.
