Tai Chi Chuan
Self Defence – Edinburgh
Practical Tai Chi Chuan for confidence, movement and self-defence. A new weekly class starting Wednesday 30 September 2026, open to all ages, genders and levels of ability.
More Than Slow Movement
Five Winds Tai Chi Chuan is pleased to bring a new Tai Chi Chuan Self Defence class to Edinburgh, led by Derek McMillan. This class explores the practical side of Tai Chi Chuan — combining movement, body conditioning, partner work and martial applications in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Whether you are completely new to Tai Chi Chuan or already have some experience, this class is designed to meet you where you are. The principles of Tai Chi Chuan offer real, tangible benefits for everyday life — not just in a martial context, but in how you move, carry yourself and interact with the world around you.
Sessions blend solo practice with partner exercises, giving students the chance to discover how Tai Chi principles feel in motion — not just in theory.
What You Will Develop
Build Confidence Through Movement
Balance & Coordination
Develop a stable, centred foundation for confident movement in any situation.
Body Awareness
Understand how your body moves and learn to use it more efficiently and powerfully.
Spatial Awareness
Sharpen your perception of your environment and those around you.
Agility & Movement
Move with greater ease, fluidity and responsiveness in any direction.
Confidence
Grow your self-assurance through consistent practice and progressive challenge.
Power & Structure
Learn to generate and direct force from a strong, well-aligned structure.
Class Content
What the Sessions Cover
Body Conditioning
Exercises to develop strength, mobility, stability and body awareness — the physical foundation of good Tai Chi Chuan practice.
Pad Work
Practical pad exercises to explore movement, timing, power and coordination in a dynamic, hands-on setting.
Pushing Hands
Partner exercises that develop sensitivity, balance, positioning and awareness — core skills in Tai Chi Chuan.
Martial Applications
Exploring the practical applications of Tai Chi Chuan movements through both solo and partner exercises.
The emphasis is always on learning through practice — developing confidence and understanding how Tai Chi Chuan principles can be applied in a practical, real-world context.
Everyone Is Welcome
Who It's For
Open to All
This class has been designed with inclusivity at its heart. You do not need any prior experience of Tai Chi Chuan, martial arts or fitness training to join. If you can move, you can participate.
The class welcomes adults of all ages, genders and physical abilities. Derek creates a supportive atmosphere where every student progresses at their own pace, without pressure or competition.
Whether you are looking to improve your fitness, build confidence, explore self-defence, or simply try something new — this class offers a genuinely practical and enjoyable path forward.
Class Details
Join Us From Wednesday 30 September 2026
When
Every Wednesday, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Starting Wednesday 30 September 2026
Where
St Columba's Hall
9 Upper Gray Street
Edinburgh, EH9 1SN
Cost
£10 per class
Drop-in — no commitment required. Pay as you go.
Who Can Come
Open to all ages, genders and ability levels. No experience necessary.
Meet Your Instructor
Led by Derek McMillan
Derek McMillan brings a warm, practical approach to teaching Tai Chi Chuan. His focus is on making the principles of this rich martial tradition accessible and useful for real people in everyday life — not just for competition or performance.
With a strong grounding in the Wu-Cheng tradition of Tai Chi Chuan through Five Winds, Derek structures sessions to be progressive and enjoyable, ensuring that students at every level feel challenged, supported and motivated to keep coming back.
His teaching style encourages curiosity and exploration there are no wrong questions, and every session is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of movement, body mechanics and self-confidence.
Interested?
Let Derek Know
If you would like to find out more about the class, ask any questions, or simply let Derek know you plan to attend, the easiest way is to get in touch directly. There is no formal registration process, just reach out and come along on the night.
Derek is happy to hear from complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Whether you have a question about what to wear, what to expect, or whether the class is right for you, do not hesitate to ask.
Go Deeper With the Full Wu-Cheng Syllabus
For those who want to take their Tai Chi Chuan further, the Five Winds Wu-Cheng Tai Chi Chuan full syllabus classfollows Derek's session at the same venue, running from 7:00pm – 9:00pm on Wednesdays, led by Adrian Martinez.
Traditional Hand Forms
Study the classical forms of Wu-Cheng Tai Chi Chuan in structured, progressive detail.
Weapons Training
Learn the traditional weapon forms that complement and deepen your understanding of Tai Chi Chuan principles.
Internal Strength & Self-Defence
Develop internal power, pushing hands and practical martial applications within a complete traditional syllabus.
Attending Derek's class first is a natural and seamless way to begin your Five Winds journey — the two sessions sit back-to-back at the same location, making it easy to step up when you feel ready.
Take the First Step
Tai Chi Chuan offers something rare a practice that builds your confidence, sharpens your movement and enriches your life, whatever your age or background. The Five Winds Tai Chi Chuan Self Defence class is your door into that world, with a friendly, experienced instructor and a welcoming group of fellow students.
No experience needed. No long-term commitment. Just turn up on a Wednesday evening in Edinburgh, and see what Tai Chi Chuan can do for you.
Starting
Wednesday 30 September 2026
Venue
St Columba's Hall, EH9 1SN
Time
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Cost
£10 drop-in