Early Encounters with Qi Gong
Early Encounters with Qi Gong My early encounters with Qi Gong and Classical Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan radically changed my relationship to my reasons for training — smoothing out…
Taoist Mind Body Practice - Why Stillness Matters
Claude responded: —
No mysticism. No religion. Just you — a mind, a body, and a willingness to slow down.
These practices begin with three simple things: posture, breath, and learning to move with calm, clear intent. That’s enough to begin rebalancing your nervous system, restoring ease, and discovering a genuine inner sense of freedom — to move well and feel well.
Classes are open to everyone, whatever your age or physical condition. Group sessions run online and in person; private sessions are available for those who want personal guidance. Come as you are.
See Events for an introductory session to the work.
About Chris Ray Chappell
with H.H the 12th Gangri Karma Rinpoche
Since 1988, I have been in dedicated study and practice across the movement, martial, and contemplative arts — teaching and researching Taoist Internal Arts professionally since 1995. From 2004, repeated visits to China gave me direct access to transmission in Tai Chi Chuan, Ba Gua Zhang, Hsing-I, and Hun Yuan Qi Gong through active lineages, much of it outside the public domain.
My background spans classical martial arts, professional ballet and contemporary dance, Pilates, myofascial bodywork, and formal Tibetan mind-training — all field-tested in real-world situations, from professional performance and film to clinical rehabilitation and high-performance coaching. I hold recognised lineages in each of the internal arts I teach, ensuring what I pass on is authentic and carefully preserved.
That depth is what allows me to meet each student where they are. Whether you’re recovering from injury, seeking peak performance, or simply wanting to age well and feel more at home in your body — you’re in experienced hands.
What our clients say
“Chris Ray is a rare instructor who is able to combine an understanding of modern physiology with the traditional practices of qigong and martial arts. He draws on his deep experience of dance, martial arts, meditation and yoga to explain synchronised mind and body control in a manner that is concise and practical. Over almost two decades, I have worked with Chris and witnessed him develop his students based on their individual requirements, from rehabilitation through to peak physical and mental performance. It takes personal commitment and is not easy, but if you are looking to make profound change with a dedicated and sincere instructor, then I cannot recommend Chris Ray highly enough."
Julian McIntyre
CEO of McIntyre Partners
“Chris Chappell has an approach to the internal arts which is simple: does it work and can you learn it? In this, he follows a traditional Chinese logic. The Chinese don't ask why, they ask how. Chris combines utterly fearless practicality with a ruthless eye for perfection and a nose for bullshit. In all our China adventures, I have had to rely on him for guidance. Chris has insights into bodywork which amaze me, and his continuing education, most recently in Myo-fascial Integration, is testament to his high standards and restless search for perfection. There is no better person in England, and perhaps in Europe, who can teach Chi Gong and Tai Chi, than Chris Chappell. I am proud to call him my colleague, but he is also my mentor, and my Tai Chi Elder Brother. If it's Internal Arts you seek, look no further.”
Jan Golden
Dir. Tai Chi
Our Recent Blog Posts
Fasting the Mind
Fasting the Mind: A Taoist Path to Inner Stillness Chris Ray Chappell There’s a particular kind of mental heaviness most of us know well. Thinking that circles back on itself,…
Your Body Is Trying to Tell You Something. Are You Listening?
Your Body Is Trying to Tell You Something. Are You Listening? Chris Ray Chappell · March 2025 Pain Going In vs Pain Going Out — Why Discomfort Might Be the…
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.