Duncan Passmore

Duncan Passmore is Woolfox’s resident Tai Chi and Qi Gong  instructor. Duncan teaches the Yang lineage style, the most popular style of Tai Chi globally. He teaches the Yang 8 and 16 forms. For more experienced practitioners he teaches the Yang 24 form. 

Where did you learn Tai Chi and Qi Gong?

I developed a love of Tai Chi and Qi Gong whilst living in France with my wife, where we spent several happy years recharging our batteries following numerous years leading hectic lives in London.

What led you to start teaching?

Having practiced Tai Chi for many years and realising its benefits I decided to embark on studying the art to a deeper level, studying initially with Tai Chi Nation, based in Devon. It was here over several years of study that I obtained my teaching qualifications in both Tai Chi and Qi Gong. More recently I have continued my training with Deyin Taijiquan Institute and the British Health Qigong Association and have become an instructor member of both of these world renowned organisations lead by the inspirational Faye and Tary Yip.

What does a Tai Chi and Qigong class at Woolfox look like?

If you come along to a class at Woolfox we will first teach you how to relax your body through posture, then we work on your breathing to help you relax even more. You will then follow me through movements that originated in ancient China thousands of years ago. These soft flowing movements are really moving meditation. The most common feedback is that the hours class feels just like a few minutes and folks feel beautifully calm and reenergised.

When you’re not teaching at Woolfox where is your favourite place to hang out at the club?

I usually like to sit in the lovely relaxed atmosphere of Fika and indulge in a cappuccino accompanied by one of their delicious cakes.

Having spent many years living and working in Rutland what would you say is its best kept secret?