The Teacher

Hamid Momtahan BA, MA

Between 1970-1973 I studied hard and external martial arts. Then in 1992 I began studying Qigong with Amadis Cammell. Soon afterwards, in 1996, I discovered T’ai Chi on one of my business trip to China. As Chinese say; when you are ready the teacher will come!

Since 1996 I have been a student at ‘The T’ai Chi Centre’ under the tuition of Master Mark Raudva.  In 2000, I completed an Instructor Training Programme with Master Mark Raudva.  In 2006 I began studying with Grand Master Dr John Kells founder of British T’ai Chi Ch’uan Association.  Further to this, I regularly study with Master Steven Moore at his ‘T’ai Chi Heart-Work’ intensives in London.

In 2008 I took an early retirement as Business Development Manager and Educational Technology Developer from Thames Valley University and after 30 years service in various educational establishments.  In the same year I established South London Taichi, focusing on teaching T’ai Chi to corporate businesses and mature people. 

I have completed Professor Cheng Man-ch’ing’s Short Form, Yang Chengfu’s Long Form, the Left-Side, Weapon Form (Sabre), alongside Qigong, Sticking, Heartwork and Spirals (silk-reeling) exercises.  Partner Work, Pushing-Hands, and Ta Lu have been all integral part of this learning process. I am currently learning T’ai Chi Dance, other Weapons Forms (Straight Sword and Staff).  Since January 2009, I started learning Water Style Boxing (Liu He Ba Fa) from Paul Andrews in Brighton and Sifu Nathan Menaged in USA. 

While I acknowledge the martial aspect of the T’ai Chi art, my approach to teaching is essentially a non-combative soft T’ai Chi, focussing on relaxation, fitness and health.

I was invited to run introductory sessions in T’ai Chi for UCU (Universities & Colleges Union) members in Lambeth, Clapham Park Project (Women’s Group), Balmuir Gardens GP Surgery, Ferndale Community Centre-Brixton, Wandsworth Council - Festive Reunion Event (MEND) and Active Days Conference - 2009 supported by the Age Concern in Wandsworth.  In recent months I have taught many sessions in the following Centres across London, Wandsworth Primary Care Trust-St Michaels Day Centre in Clapham, Graveney Day Care Centre in Tooting, Age Activity Centre in Tooting, St John’s Hill Centre in Battersea, Battersea Scout Centre, Elmwood Court in Battersea, Ashmead Care Centre, Open Door Community Centre, Primrose Hill Community Centre in Camden, Amida and Nuffield Health Clubs in Twickenham, Lambeth Festival of Sport 2009 and Active Workplaces Project for NHS-PCT around London (Government Office of London).

I am currently teaching T’ai Chi to the over 50s for Wandsworth Council in Katherine Low Settlement in Battersea, the Women of Wandsworth - WOW Mums in Battersea, Myatt’s Field Park, Lambeth Council initiative, one-to-one classes in the West London area and T’ai chi at workplace for a private company in Fulham - London.  I also teach Balance Improvement for the GP Referral Scheme for Lambeth Council in Ferndale Community Sports Centre in Brixton, the Society of the Sacred Heart and since October 2009 in the reCentre Health Clinic in Balham - London.

I am also a qualified First Aider and active volunteer with St John Ambulance serving in South West London region.