About Karen

I’ve been teaching Tai Chi and Qigong since 2001. And practising since 1996, when I developed a health condition. A friend suggested it might be helped by Tai Chi. I enjoyed it so much – the mental challenge and the experience of deep relaxation – that it became a passion, and life-long love.

My aim to pass on my in-depth knowledge and expertise to people at every age and level of ability; my classes welcome a diverse group of people and I take an inclusive approach.

I have experience of working with students with on-going health issues, including helping people with Fibromyalgia, Long Covid, Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s Disease.

I practise mindfulness meditation and integrate this into my teaching, helping students to find peace in the present moment.

Karen with Grand Master
Chen Xiaowang in 2014

Training and Qualifications

I have completed instructor training in both Tai Chi and Qigong with the Chinese Internal Arts Association (CIAA), am a Senior Instructor with the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain, and have a City and Guilds 7370 teaching certificate.

I have been an indoor student of Karel and Eva Koskuba, who are 20th generation Chen family lineage disciples of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang.

Over the years I’ve attended workshops with Grand Master Chen Xiaowang and his son Master Chen Yin-Jun, Kenneth Cohen, Master Lo De Xiu, John Ding, Kinthissa, Mike Sigman, and the late Linda Chase Broda.

I've studied Chen Laojia (Old Style) and Laojia Paochui (Cannon Fist), Xinjia (New Style), Yang (108 Long Form), Push Hands and Yang Two-Person Form (San Shou), and Chen Style Straight Sword, Broad Sword and Spear.

I’ve taught various groups and organisations, including the BP Technology Centre, Guernsey Adult Education and Multiple Sclerosis Group, Healthcare Research Worldwide (HRW), Help in Hearing, Oxford Brookes University, Purley Park Trust, Revlon, simplehuman and the Women’s Institute (WI).

I have attended mindfulness training at the Metanoia Institute (Working in the Present Moment - Integrating Mindfulness Practice with Psychological Therapy, Coaching & Other Relational Work), and trained as a Clinical Hypnotherapist with the London College of Clinical Hypnotherapy.