I am a Body-Mind & Movement practitioner and teacher based in Glasgow and Ayrshire – with a background in Tai Chi & Internal Martial Arts, Qigong, Yoga & Meditation.
My interest in martial arts and asian culture began in the 1980’s, as a child attending Karate classes for several years (and watching bad 80’s kung fu & ninja movies with school friends). I’ve also had long standing interest in psychology and spirituality. I chose to study psychology at university in the early 1990’s and although I completed an honours degree, I wasn’t convinced by the ‘scientific’ (pseudo scientific) approach – at this time, I was going through challenges with panic attacks and related issues, and didn’t find that the mainstream psychological approach and the ‘medical model’ of mental health offered solutions to these seemingly deeper issues. This experience may have unconsciously drawn me to explore Tai Chi and other practices.
I began practising Tai Chi Chuan & Qigong in 1997 and trained for many years in the Cheng Man-ch’ing lineage of Yang Style Tai Chi. I trained initially with local teachers, and from the year 2000, began attending workshops and residential courses with teachers from around the world – since 2014, I have been hosting visiting teachers from Asia, Europe and the USA. Over this time, I have explored several other styles of Tai Chi ( e.g. Huang Sheng Shyan Style, Wu Style), other internal martial arts and various forms of Qigong & Neigong. My exploration and learning continues with teachers, peers, students and friends. My primary teachers at present are Bret Hall (Cheng Man-ch’ing Tai Chi), Paul Rogers & Paul Britten (Wu Style Tai Chi, Baguazhang).
In the early 2000’s, I was introduced to ‘Scaravelli-Inspired’ Yoga by a Tai Chi friend – an approach named after the teaching of Vanda Scaravelli which shares similar principles to Tai Chi. I’ve been fortunate to study with many inspiring teachers in this approach, which deeply informs my teaching and practice of Tai Chi & Qigong, and gives it a unique edge. While this approach is hard to define, it involves a deep exploration of what is actually happening in the body, breath and mind in practice – in relation to ground, space and centre – looking beyond the outer forms and exercises.
In 2015, I began an in-depth and rigorous Scaravelli-inspired training programme with Marc J Acquaviva and completed a 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2022. This experience was transformative on my own practice and development as a teacher.
I was drawn to explore meditation more formally around 2006, initially attending regular classes with a local Sri Lankan Buddhist monk. This gradually led to me attending dozens of meditation retreats over many years (as well as exploring reiki, shamanic work and other approaches) – including retreats with Thich Nhat Hanh, 10-Day ‘Vipassana‘ retreats and regular retreats at Dhanakosa Retreat Centre.
TESTIMONIALS
“Alan’s classes and workshops are very relaxing, energising and fun! I like the dynamics between physical practices and theory, explaining body postures and movements. I’ve been to classes before where it was only about imitating teacher’s movements. I feel like theoretical aspect of is really important to understand what you’re doing so you can get the maximum benefit of it. Mindful, knowledgeable and patient, Alan is a great teacher.”
“Alan’s classes and approach are very thought provoking. I feel I now have a better understanding of different concepts (and the connections between them) and have been able to deepen my practice. I would thoroughly recommend Alan.”
“Alan is an excellent teacher who is focused on the finer details of Tai Chi. He is good with students of all abilities and happy to help them progress.”
“I’ve been to quite a few of Alan’s courses and want to say that he’s a great teacher. He’s easy going and informative. The classes are relaxing. He focuses a lot on the underlying principles which are, to my mind, the essence of the practice. I’ve been dipping into Tai Chi on and off for nearly 30 years and feel very happy to have found Alan’s classes so close to me. I highly recommend giving them a try if you’re looking for an instructor.”
“Alan has an abundance of patience and his classes, while concentrating on the technical aspects, are friendly and relaxing. Alan is very skilled at what he does and is a very good teacher.”