Stephen Nock
Qi Gong & Thai Yoga Massage Teacher
Stephen first trained in Thai Yoga Massage in Chiang Mai in 2011 and since then has trained in 13 other styles of Thai, Ayurvedic, Balinese and Moroccan massage which he offers from his massage practice in East Dulwich: www.thai-vedicmassage.co.uk
During the Pandemic he had to close his massage business for 8 months, so took the opportunity to do some online Qi Gong teacher training with Lee Holden Qi Gong and when restrictions eased as a Forest Bathing Guide.
Qi Gong is simple, easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In Chinese, Qi means 'energy' and Gong means 'work' or 'cultivate', so what you are doing in a Qi Gong class is simply cultivating energy! Some of the movements in the first part of the class are dynamic and energetic, but the class always ends with a series of more calming, meditative movements. So much so that Qi Gong is often referred to as 'moving meditation' or 'mindfulness in motion'.
And Qi Gong is as much about creating a sense of community and social connection as it is about maintaining flexibility and cultivating positive energy. So Stephen: tries to make his classes fun and chatty (he likes you to chat back too - heckling is encouraged!); and includes opportunities to socialise during lunch and in the pub after the workshop or Forest Bathing trip.
Last Sunday
12.30
Thai Yoga Massage, Qi Gong & Sound Bath Workshop
Every last Sunday of the Month, next session 29th October
This friendly monthly workshop is for gay men and their male friends who want to try something different. Maybe you want to come with your partner so you can learn some easy massage techniques, or come alone to make new like minded friends. There will be ample opportunity to socialise during lunch and at the optional post workshop drinks. Thai Yoga Massage and Qi Gong are suitable for any body type and level of fitness/flexibility.
• Guided Thai Yoga Massage Class
Stephen Nock of Thai-vedic Massage will lead this relaxing Thai Yoga Massage workshop. Working in pairs (you can either bring a friend or pair up with someone on the day) you will learn simple Thai Yoga Massage stretches and compression techniques. You will each give and receive a 40 minute massage under Stephen’s guidance. Thai Massage is performed with clothes on, so wear loose or flexible clothing such as you would wear for a regular yoga class.
• Lunch together at the studio, from Govinda’s Hare Krishna Cafe.
Feast on delicious Vegetarian Thalis, brought in from the amazing Govinda's and included in the price, over a relaxing and sociable hour with plenty of time to chat and digest.
• Short floor based Qi Gong Class followed by Guided Meditation and a Tibetan Singing Bowls Sound Bath.
Tried Tai Chi but found it too complicated? Qi Gong is so much easier. Involving simple stretches, deep breathing and guided meditation you get all the 'mindfulness in motion' benefits of Tai Chi without having to learn a complicated sequence of movements. We’ll end this session using Tibetan Singing Bowls both on the body, so you can feel the vibrations directly on your skin, and off the body using the sound waves from the bowls for a deeply immersive sound bath!
• Optional Post Workshop Drinks at the Retro Bar in Charing Cross (12 minutes walk from Brewer Street Yoga).
Those of you with stamina could even stay for the Busy Lady Bingo with Sheila Simmonds from 7pm!
Note that workshops are not included in any BSY class packages and must be paid for individually. If you have a valid MONTHLY UNLIMITED pass you qualify for a 20% discount. Please contact us for your personalised discount code before booking, as the discount can't be applied retrospectively.
Duration
Ability Level
3.5 hrs
Level One