Nottingham Cloud Dragon School of Tai Chi

I’ve been attending this class for around 6 years. Andrew is a fantastic teacher with many years of experience. The class caters for all, from beginners to experienced people. Everyone who attends the classes are nice and friendly. I’m so glad I chose to attend this school amongst all the other schools that are out there. It’s a pleasure to be part of such a great Martial Art School.

Having studied in other Tai chi schools, none have shown the depth of understanding and clarity of purpose as Cloud Dragon school with Sufi Harris as a teacher.

I’ve been Andrew Harris’s student for 14 years and studied many martial arts before taking up tai chi chuan at the Cloud Dragon School. It’s definitely the most rounded and interesting style I’ve trained in and the tuition is second to none. Highly recommend this school.

Friendly, expert, the full art, so self defence and competition training as well as health and fitness. The teacher intelligently adapts classes according to the students' current needs. Have been attending for 14 years.

I recently joined the cloud dragon school and from the first lesson I was made to feel very welcome by Sifu Harris and his students. With only boxing experience I was put at ease from the first lession as Sifu Harris explains and demonstrates the forms with great detail making it easy to follow and he is always happy to go over things one on one if you have a problem. The students have also beenVERY HELPFUL which adds to a great atmosphere . Sifu Harris is happy to teach all aspects of tai chi chuan which is an advantage to other schools I have inquired about. Be it for health reasons or to learn a very interesting complex martial art your made to feel welcome What ever your reason for attending. Myself went along for the health benefits but quickly found myself hooked to the full martial art. The school has a good mix of age and gender and I would highly recommend it. I look forward to every lesion knowing I will leave with more knowledge of what is a very interesting art/sport I can take in to older age. My only regret is I did nt find cloud dragon sooner.

Following a really bad skiing accident (on a dry slope less than 15 miles from home! ) I had been unable to do anything very much in the way of serious exercise due to muscle and hip damage and the resulting pain for nearly 3 years. Mobility in the hip and one leg was considerably reduced. I had never done Tai Chi though long been fascinated and finally decided that I could lose nothing by trying what I hoped would be this more gentle form of exercise. Unable to initially find a class locally I thought I'd nothing to lose so bought Andrew's DVD. That was one of the best decisions I could have made. He takes you gently and steadily through the routines. Slow enough for the rawest beginner to catch up. I was really enjoyed it.Then, quite by chance I found a class that had been running for some while - the newest of those taking part had joined three years earlier - so I felt a complete numpty - but I needn't have. With the head start I'd had from Andrew's DVD and the opportunity to come home and use it when I came home from class I've been able to really get going.So. Whether it's to help you along the way or to completely get you started I'd really recommend this DVD without question.Not only that - after three years with almost no exercise I'm finding this is making me feel really good. The really impaired hip mobility is already changing and that's not because I'm 'pushing it' - it just seems to be happening organically - possibly because I'm learning to relax as I move.All in all - a really good buy and I'd recommend anyone to try classes too.Moreexpand_more

I am a complete beginner where martial arts are concerned, and also rather new to regular exercise in general, and so went along to my first class as an overweight, unfit, unhappy woman, who lacked physical strength or confidence. I was warmly met by Sifu Andrew Harris and his students. Right from the first demonstration of a Pushing Hands practise exercise I realised that through Tai Chi Chuan I could learn to use my body to neutralise any aggressor, through technique rather than physical strength. This led to a 'light-bulb' moment, when I saw that, with sufficient practise, I could become faster, leaner, more agile and attentive, without the need to be bigger than my oponent. This is the key to this martial art - the judicious application of force, made possible through an alert mental state and good technique. Everyone in the class - however advanced - has assisted me in the learning of this art, helping me to adjust and refine the movements I am required to perform. There is a sort of family spirit in which those more capable help those of us who are at a lesser stage. Lessons are divided into different sections, giving variety and continual mental and physical stimulus, and partnered drills form an exceedingly useful basis for much of the work - which has the added bonus of allowing you to experience how your class-mates move and react. Andrew is a calm and encouraging teacher, who always leads by example as he helps you to refine your movements. Positivity is the order of the day - no-one is ever admonished or be-littled.I cannot speak highly enough of both Andrew and the environment of his school, and so would heartily recommend the Cloud Dragon School of Tai Chi to anyone who has the necessary dedication to benefit from all his experience and that of his students.Moreexpand_more

I am training at this school and have been for a few years having "converted" after many years studying another martial art. Although I found the switch to Tai Chi Chuan to be disorienting at first the training is paying off. Sifu Andrew Harris has the ability to explain things in a straightforward way making some of the classical concepts more understandable. The more diligently you are prepared to work the more you will benefit from his time & teaching. The school has a broad range of students, from those who are seeking a healthy and harmonious lifestyle to those who are seeking effective martial skills.

I was a student under Sifu Andrew Harris for two years, only recently leaving his tutorage to attend University in London. He is an exceptional teacher who goes out of his way to make sure everyone in the class is receiving the encouragement and attention they need to progress. The class caters to students of all ages and levels with specific lessons provided for those who wish to compete in a more physical environment; although there is no pressure to compete in anything more than the Forms if the students do not wish to do so. Capable students however are encouraged to take part in the self defence aspect, such as Pushing Hands. Sifu Andrew Harris always takes the time to speak to each student within his lessons, talking over their progression and showing them the next step in their form with an incredible level of patience for those of us who need to go over it. Sifu Harris not only provides an exceptional level of support within his lessons but also outside of class; with private tuition available, along with a clear and precise instruction booklets on the Forms that also include pictures, and there is now a DVD available for purchase showing Sifu Harris going through several Forms. Not only is this incredibly helpful for the students, but it is especially useful to students like myself; who can no longer regularly attend class, but who wish to continue with the Form, and maintain a level of progression for when I am next able to attend. The class is incredibly interesting, abolishing the common belief that Tai Chi is all about the Hand Forms. The sheer dedication that radiates from Sifu Harris is exceedingly inspirational for the Students, giving us the motivation to work hard not only for competitions but for ourselves. I would highly recommend this class to everyone, from those who only wish to improve their health, to those of a serious martial art interest. It is truly a brilliant class with an amazing atmosphere, and an incredibly talented, motivational teacher, and I would recommend the Nottingham Cloud Dragon School of Tai Chi to anyone.Moreexpand_more

Although presently not studying directly at the school due to location, I continue to receive advice and coaching from Andrew. His friendly and professional approach to training is great and classes are accessible to all levels of ability and fitness, whatever your personal incentive for practising the martial art is. Andrew is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of Tai Chi and leads by example. He is a real motivator and his enthusiasm for the art form is infectious. I have absolutely no hesitation in warmly recommending his services to any individual or group serious about improving their physical health. For those who think that Tai Chi is just a form of Yoga or meditation, think again -it's so much more. This form of Tai Chi and the teaching received is a serious contender to the best for both those who are serious about martial arts and want to take it further and also for those who just want to improve their health, flexibility and general well being. You will definitely not be disappointed :-).

I joined the Cloud Dragon School, thinking Tai Chi was all about the Hand Forms. This myth was quickly dispelled and I learnt applications, pushing hands, self-defence, did conditioning training and even had a couple of goes at sparring. The teaching always clear, precise and patient, showing how all aspects of the art weave together. Everyone learns at their own pace, and whilst encouraged to participate in all disciplines, those who choose to keep to the Forms and light exercises are just as welcome and respected. So there really is something for everyone. Whether you want to train for Championships, or just feel healthier, you will find the tuition you need. And irrespective of whether a student trains for competition or not, the minibus road trips to competition venues are open to all. And mighty fine fun they are, too. It does need a little time, to really feel the benefits, but by the end of the beginners´ course, you´ll already feel a difference.I can recommend The Cloud Dragon School to anyone. Having now moved abroad, I realise just how special the school is. I miss the training, the fun, and, oh yes, the road trips to competitions.Moreexpand_more

I have been a student of Cloud Dragon for over six years and hopefully will continue to practice into immortality! I receive excellent tuition from a teacher who is inspiring, supportive and honest. This has meant my achievement in several competitions, which is also a result of training with a group of committed helpful students. It would be nice to see more female students attending class in future, so I can train pushing hands with them!

Andrew and the rest of the class where most welcoming and very helpful as well as the level of knowlage seemed very good thanks.

I very much enjoy training with Cloud Dragon School. Master Andrew Harris succeeds in providing excellent tuition at alllevels within the art of Tai Chi Chuan. His classes offer variety and encouragepersonal growth for all abilities, regardless of age or gender. Tai Chi is an art which trainsthe mind and body; results are not instant, but all good things are worth waiting for. Before you know it, you're hooked! .

I studied Wudang Tai Chi Chuan under Andrew Harris for several years, learning many aspects of this fascinating martial art. From flowing hand forms, weapons training and fighting applications - this school does it all, and does it very well. Students are not forced to do things they don't feel comfortable with, such as sparring - but if you want to spar, you can. Andrew has taught tai chi to a number of people who have gone on to become national champions. Excellent art, excellent teacher, excellent school. I would HIGHLY recommend not just checking this place out, but try it for at least a couple of months - that's when you'll begin to see what Tai chi can really do for you.

I train at this school. The instructor is highly experienced in all aspects of tai chi. The classes are of mixed sex and all abilities and age groups are catered for. Classes aren't to big either so there's plenty of 1-1 tuition provided. Classes cover forms tuition, tai chi applications and martial tuition is available for those who want that. Pushing hands is great fun, competitive yet friendly. Or you can stick with what you like. It's a friendly place to learn at your own pace to as there's no pressure to hurry.