Testimonials
"We’ve been students of Marc for over 7 years now and in all that time his never ending patience, love and enthusiasm for authentic Chen Style Tai Chi has never faltered.

Over this time, we have had the opportunity to attend a few seminars around the country with various other teachers. Attending with an open mind and the intention to see how we compared with similar students.

We are always delighted to see how well Marc has taught us.

He is extremely generous with his teaching and willing to impart his experiences and knowledge of the inner depths of Tai Chi for those students wishing to dig further than just scraping the surface.

If you are contemplating this wonderful and absorbing form of Tai Chi for health, fitness or for martial interest, make 2018 ‘The Year of the Dog’’, the year in which to do it."

Di and Paul H

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Thanks a lot Marc. The honour was mine to have you as teacher. The skills I gained were only the reflection of what you have been giving to the class, and to me. What I have learned, understood, gained is priceless. I remember the first classes where I was just curious of what Tai Chi was, not knowing exactly what I wanted or looking for. And it was fine for you, you gave me a chance and the time to find out my way. I was amazed by your passion about martial art and Tai Chi, by your knowledge and expertise, and by your modesty. There is patience in everything you explain, everything you show. Always questioning yourself and ask for our feedback to improve your way of teaching. Always careful that everybody gets what they need. You've never tried to push people beyond what they can do, unless they've been asking for it :) This helped build self confidence and respect :)
I always had trouble with discipline, and yet I didn't have to think about it in this class, it was so obvious to me I have to come to the classes, not for duty, but for the pleasure and satisfaction of learning this amazing art that is Tai Chi.
You have managed to create a perfect environment in the Academy for learning Tai Chi. I wish everybody could see it :) It is heartbreaking for me to leave, and I will keep on going on this path. You've showed me the way, it is up to me now to continue this journey, taking with me all your advice, encouragement and teaching.
So thank you or everything, for your friendship. I wish you the very best and all the success that you and the Academy deserve."
Sybille A. - moving abroad.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Last year I started classes with Chen Tai Chi Academy Poole as a complete beginner. I learned so much but I now realize that I will always be a beginner – there is always so much more to learn through Tai chi – about this amazing martial art and about yourself. Through Tai chi I began to recognize things about myself and begin to develop an enlightening new perspective on life. The group helped me through a difficult time and, more than that, managed to give me happiness despite difficult things going on in life.  I left each class feeling calm and energized – no matter what had happened in the day beforehand!

 

Marc is a very patient and incredibly knowledgeable teacher and makes sure that everyone is catered for. The classes allow each individual to work at their own pace and level of challenge. He knows exactly how to explain things and always willing to look for many different ways so everyone understands.

 

I was extremely sorry to leave the class when I left Bournemouth, but I will always carry what I've learned there with me.

Thank you ever so much! Love and miss you all guys xx"

Sona Z. - moving abroad

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Chen Tai Chi Academy you are running is an extraordinary space and place for people from all ways of life who are interested in this amazing art. When we met the first time at the academy I instantly felt to be at the right place. You are teaching Chen Tai Chi with openness and support no matter of the student’s age and capability. No matter if someone enjoyed staying on the surface by having fun, and benefiting from all the healthy effects in his or her “one hour a week session” or if someone is dedicated to delve deeply into the vast territory of the Martial Art and philosophy of Chen Tai Chi. I always loved to be a part of the Academy and the community you created through the mutual learning. I will miss the cheery companionship of the “Tai Chi Brothers and Sisters” as well as the Sunday sessions. Through your teaching from your deep knowledge, insights and understanding of Chen Tai Chi and Martial Arts I have learned a lot, and I definitely will continue this path – always be willing to wear the white belt ;-)
For everyone who’s interested in Chen Tai Chi I highly recommend the Chen Tai Chi Academy and its outstanding teacher Marc Ditcher–just pop in and get a feeling of it…
Again thank you for the wonderful Tai Chi time! All the best for your future, and I’m quite sure we’ll see each other again one day!
With deep gratitude
Thorsten"

Thorsten K - moving abroad

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I began training with Marc in 2008 primarily because of a back injury and thought it would be a gentle form of exercise to strengthen my core. However after a few weeks of classes I realised there was so much more to be gained from Taiji. Marc's patient and expert tuition coupled with his enthusiasm for the art has led me further on the Taiji path than I ever thought I would go. What I initially thought was just some gentle exercise has developed into a real desire to learn and push myself to develop the skills that Marc is teaching.

The academy has become a great place for those wishing to further their Taiji with regular workshops and seminars, open training on arranged Sunday's and private tuition. Marc is always on hand to answer any questions and make corrections as needed. The classes are relaxed and friendly and the opportunities are there to learn not just hand forms but also sword forms and push hands, which lead into developing martial skills. I have trained push hands with Marc for a few years now on and off and in this limited time have begun to develop the martial aspect of Taiji which also helps progress the understanding of the forms. Marc's patient and relaxed style of teaching has helped me to break through barriers that I had put in the way of my learning and his knowledge of Taiji philosophy that he willingly imparts has not only helped in my Taiji practice but also in my personal life. I would recommend the academy to anyone interested in learning Taiji."

Nigel S

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Marc is a real expert in the art of Tai Chi and has a talent for teaching. I learnt more from him in 2 years than I ever did from 7 years of previous Tai Chi teachers."     Mike L

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I've been attending the academy for about 4 years and in that time I feel my ability has improved a great deal. Marc's high level teaching and demonstrations of tai chi are professional, clear and precise. I strongly recommend the one-on-one lessons, to me they have been very beneficial in learning about correct posture (something I've struggled with for years) and advancing in the forms. The academy has a warm friendly atmosphere and is very enjoyable to be part of."     Andy B

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"After a long wait & search to find a suitable Taichi club I feel quite rewarded that I have finally found one. Marc's style of teaching is what I have been looking for - clear explanations, positive energy, calmness and endless patience! But most importantly, helping me understand the principles of the form by way of demonstration / application. The members of the club are equally enthusiastic and are helpful, warm, friendly people. I have been with the club for over a year now. I love the fact that with Taichi, I will always be learning, thus making my continual training endless..."     Marie M

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Having played sport all my life, in particular Football and Karate in the sixties and seventies, many of the injuries sustained then have inhibited my search for other sports later in life, so finding something suitable was a challenge. Knowing very little about Tai Chi other than the usual footage that most people see on travel programs about China, I found Chen Tai Chi Academy was right on my doorstep.

After attending the first group class, I was hooked! It was nothing at all like I imagined. The hall was not filled with ancient people waving their arms in the air. Instead it was an eclectic mix of all ages and abilities. Marc, the teacher, was brilliant! His easy going informative approach and pearls of wisdom related to Tai Chi was entertaining and made the class enjoyable. I opted for private lessons as well, that's where the fun really started! I found out how patient he really was with someone naturally blessed with two left feet! Now, some three years down the road, the former injuries to ankles, wrists and knees have lessened and my posture, balance, fitness and health have all improved. For me, Marc was a real find and to date, he's still working on my two left feet."      Paul H

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My sons encouraged me to take up Tai Chi to hopefully help both my physical and mental well-being (following the diagnosis of a terminal illness some time ago). Initially, I was somewhat apprehensive, but after only two lessons I found myself wanting to find out more about Tai Chi.

Marc is passionate about Tai Chi and passes on his skills and knowledge to beginners like myself in a very down-to-earth way.

Personally, I find myself enjoying and benefiting from the exercises as well as the Tai Chi routines; there is a sense of achievement when a new move is more or less mastered!

Rachel N

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------