John Ding International Academy

of Tai Chi Chuan Guildford Branch

Alex Swainson is the local instructor, teaching in and

around Guildford.  In many ways, Alex’s Tai Chi Chuan training began in 1998 when he started to meditate, became inspired by Bruce Lee and started to explore different philosophies.  He became increasingly drawn to eastern approaches because the philosophy was more practical and offered a more accurate description of his inner experiences, which started to happen spontaneously aged 21.  He took up Tai Chi in 2004, but did not glimpse the potential of the art until 2006, when he met Master John Ding.

Amazed by the profound changes experienced during a week long retreat working under his new teacher, he started to train intensively, devoting more and more time to the art before dedicating himself entirely to Tai Chi in July 08.  He has become an experienced teacher, having spent over 1500 hours teaching more than 600 people of all ages during the last three years.

Alex is authorised by Master Ding to teach Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. His main aim as a teacher is to play a small part in helping and guiding people to become self-responsible, gain understanding about how to follow the natural laws of creation and realise their true nature; in other words, helping people to follow ‘the Tao’.  This is done by creating a environment for students to explore and gain insight into Tai Chi principles, which are derived from our ancestors’ keen observations and reflect the natural order of things.  Once a certain level is reached, insight is gained that enables the student to apply these principles in their everyday lives, including healing (both oneself and others), personal / professional development and self-defence.  As an essential part of learning, Alex frequently demonstrates applied postures, movements, principles and self-defence applications via exchange of hands (Gau Sau) with his students.  

Students also test each other in a non-competitive and supportive way.  This

gives both student and teacher confidence that principles are being applied

correctly and therefore optimum benefit can be drawn from the practice; that is, with sufficient care and dedication, of course!  It is all too easy to waste time practising Tai Chi incorrectly; through this approach Alex aims to minimise wasted effort.

Alex teaches / has taught a number of practitioners and instructors of various disciplines including Jitsu, Aikido, Karate and various Shaolin & Wudang arts.

Student feedback on Alex’s classes is available here.

Video footage of Alex pushing hands is available here.

Training Profile*

Total time under instruction: 1000+ hours**

Total time spent teaching: 1500+ hours

Training undertaken per week: 20-25 hours

Teaching undertaken per week: 10-15 hours

One Day Workshops attended: 23

Tai Chi Instructors Weekend Courses: Jun 07; Jun,Nov,Dec 08, Dec 09, Jun 10     

One Week Retreats: Dec 06; Aug and Dec 07 (open); Apr 08, 09, 10 (annual instructors’ retreat)

* Refers to training undertaken since November 2006 with the John Ding Academy.  

** Refers to total amount of class time learning under Master Ding and his senior instructors.

Figures last updated 08 December 10.

JDIATCC Guildford

T: 07812 469133

E: alex@guildfordtaichi.co.uk