About David Hall
I began practising Tai Chi in 1995 under the guidance of Paul Brewer, initially learning the Cheng Man Ching form. Paul later introduced me to Tai Chi 37, which became the foundation of my practice. I also attended seminars with his teacher, Dr Shen Hongxun, who taught Tai Chi 37 and had a profound influence on my understanding of energy, movement, and internal work. In 2000, I was given permission to teach, and since then I’ve worked with a wide range of students—from local authority classes for older adults to small private groups.
I've always been active and played a lot of sport, including cricket, hockey, tennis, and plenty of running. But over time, back problems made high-impact activities harder to sustain. That’s what led me to Tai Chi. It helped me stay flexible, improve my posture, and brought a sense of calm focus I hadn’t found elsewhere.
I now teach both Tai Chi and Qigong as complementary practices—Tai Chi with its martial roots, and Qigong as a more meditative, internal form. My classes are friendly and accessible, with a focus on relaxation, posture, and mindful movement.
I'm also fortunate to be supported by my long-standing students and co-teachers, Russell and Ruth. Russell has been studying Tai Chi with me for over eleven years and now co-teaches our Wednesday evening Tai Chi 37 class, while Ruth has studied with me since 2017 and co-teaches the Friday morning Cheng Man Ching class. Both support new and experienced students as they learn and develop their practice.
I live in Dorset with my wife, Françoise. I enjoy going for long walks, and reading—especially about philosophy, music, and the quiet strength in people like Leonard Cohen and Gandhi.
Meet Russell
I first came to Tai Chi over eleven years ago as a student, having previously trained in Ki Aikido for many years. From my very first classes, I knew I'd found something I wanted to pursue and I've had the privilege of learning alongside David ever since.
Today, I co-teach the Wednesday evening Tai Chi 37 class, supporting both new and experienced students and assisting with the teaching of the form.
Away from the class, I'm a keen strength trainer and ultra marathon runner. I enjoy exploring how the principles of Tai Chi -balance, posture, relaxation and efficient movement -translate into everyday life and endurance sport. Whether on the trail or in the training hall, I've found that Tai Chi provides a calm, stable foundation that benefits both body and mind.
I'm delighted to be part of Hall of Energy and look forward to welcoming both new and returning students to our Wednesday evening classes.
Meet Ruth
In 2017 I joined my first Tai Chi class with David, where I began learning Tai Chi 37 form. Nine years later and I still relish attending classes. I experience not only the physical benefits of improved balance, posture and coordination, but also a sense of inner calm, focus, and wellbeing.
Wanting to develop my practice further, I joined David’s Friday morning class around two years ago to study the Cheng Man Ching form. It has been both a rewarding and inspiring challenge, and I now assist David in helping others learn and practise whilst I continue to learn.
I came to Tai Chi from a background in martial arts and Thai Yoga Massage. I enjoy continuing to learn how these complementary systems of movement and treatment give greater understanding and appreciation of how body and mind function together.
