A CLYDEBANK based Tai Chi instructor has kept his teachings going throughout the coronavirus pandemic by offering free online tutorials.

Bob McCafferty is a Tai Chi instructor who usually teaches his classes at the De-Stress Relaxation & Yoga Centre in Clydebank, the Erskine Red Macewan Activity Centre and the Whiteinch Community Centre, however current lockdown restrictions have put a stop to that.

Bob told the Post: “I started practicing Karate in the late 1960s and was a founder member of the very first karate club in Clydebank in 1967/68 meeting firstly in the old Clydebank College in Kilbowie Road and later in the now defunct Hardgate Hall, Clydebank.

“In 2010 I was awarded 1st Meijin (6th Dan Black Belt) by the Shoto Budo Organisation and thereafter I graduated towards practicing Tai Chi, a gentler martial art that I had been interested in since the early 1990s.”

Tai Chi is said to be practised by nearly 250 million people worldwide, attracted to the martial art by the physical and psychological wellbeing benefits that it boasts.

Bob continued: “Tai Chi is an ancient form of exercise, originating in China as a martial art for self-defence and is practised nowadays mainly for health and exercise purposes, harmonizing mind and body.

“I teach Tai Chi Qigong which is easy-to-learn exercise performed with slow, continuous, flowing movements that helps you to be relaxed and calm and release physical and mental stress.

“Regular practice of Tai Chi Qigong helps improve your breathing, posture, circulation, balance, flexibility, mobility, muscle tone and strength.”

Lockdown measures have not put a stop to Bob’s teaching completely, as he now offers several videos of the Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi forms that he teaches online.

He said: “Although it is best to practice in a class, under the present circumstances, I have made them available to anyone who wishes to practice at home. They are not instructional videos but can be followed on YouTube by entering ‘Whiteinch Centre’ into ‘Search’ and scrolling along.

“Classes begin with the three-line relaxation technique, to calm the mind and focus energy (Chi). This exercise uses visualisation, deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness.

“In my classes I teach a Tai Chi Qigong form called the Shibashi which develops co-ordination, posture, balance, fitness and maintains general wellbeing.”

With social distancing measures expected to be eased in the near future, Bob has a great idea to ease the lockdown blues: “If lockdown is gradually eased to allow more interaction, I’d like to invite anyone interested to take part in Tai Chi in the Park groups in Goldenhill Park, Duntocher and Dalmuir Park, observing social distancing, as this can be a very useful way to alleviate the isolation and stress of lockdown and even meet new people.”

And for all those struggling with the negative affects of lockdown, Bob has a special message: “It is good to keep active to maintain our physical and mental health through daily exercise preferably outdoors if the weather is suitable. Social distancing should be maintained whether walking, jogging, cycling and, of course, practicing Tai Chi.

“Phoning, texting or Facetime with family and friends whenever possible is good for our mental health.”