Do any of these sound familiar?
- I spend long hours sitting or at a screen and feel stiff, sore, or uncomfortable by the end of the day.
- I put off joining classes or groups because the thought of walking into a room full of people terrifies me.
- I struggle to hold everything together all day, then lie awake at night replaying things over and over, then wake up exhausted.
- I’ve tried things that are meant to help, but they haven't yet.
- I want something I can do consistently without it becoming another source of pressure.
- I spend long hours sitting or at a screen and feel stiff, sore, or uncomfortable by the end of the day.
- I put off joining classes or groups because the thought of walking into a room full of people terrifies me.
- I struggle to hold everything together all day, then lie awake at night replaying things over and over, then wake up exhausted.
- I’ve tried things that are meant to help, but they haven't yet.
- I want something I can do consistently without it becoming another source of pressure.
This is where The Inner Sanctuary comes in
The Inner Sanctuary is for you if you feel already overwhelmed and want support that doesn’t add more pressure or expectation
The Inner Sanctuary is grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a long-established system that looks at the body as a whole rather than separating physical and mental strain. In TCM, how you move, how you breathe, how you rest, and how you respond to pressure all influence how your body feels day to day.
Qigong comes from this tradition. It uses slow, deliberate movement and attention to support posture, balance, and ease unnecessary tension. The movements are slow, flowing, and fluid, with an emphasis on comfort and repeatability.
Tai Chi is a form of Qigong that uses precise, flowing movement sequences, traditionally practised in set forms.
Shibashi was developed as a simplified Tai Chi Qigong system. It keeps the core principles of Tai Chi while removing the complexity of long, formal sequences. Shibashi uses a small number of repeated movements that are easier to learn, remember, and return to, while still working with posture, balance, breath, and controlled movement.
In The Inner Sanctuary, Shibashi provides a practical way to experience Tai Chi Qigong without the pressure of learning detailed forms. The simplicity and repetition make it more accessible for people who feel overwhelmed, tired, or mentally stretched, while still offering a structured, meaningful practice that can be returned to week after week.
How this supports your body and mind
Mentally
Improved ability to focus and stay with one task at a time
Fewer racing or repetitive thoughts during and after practice
A clearer head after busy or demanding days
Physically
Reduced muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, jaw, back, and hips
Improved posture and balance through regular, controlled movement
Less stiffness after long periods of sitting
Emotionally
Feeling more able to cope in situations that previously felt overwhelming
Greater confidence in handling day-to-day pressures
Feeling more like yourself again
Physiologically
Reduced stress response through slower, controlled movement
Better coordination between breath and movement
Increased awareness of tension before it builds
Less difficulty switching off after the day
Neurologically
Improved attention and body awareness through slow, repeated movement
Less time spent in fight-or-flight mode
Clearer communication between brain and body
Support for nervous system stability through rhythm and repetition
I chanced across Nikki’s class on a FB post. With some apprehension I booked a couple of classes, having not attended an exercise class for several years.
I was pleasantly surprised with the friendly warm welcome from Nikki and other class attendees. What a relaxing and invigorating form of exercise Tai Chi is.
You can switch off from everyday stresses and focus on the tai chi moves and your breathing. So easy nowadays to rush ahead with everything, Nikki’s class allows you to stay in the moment and take some time to breathe and move.
Great class with an informative and fun instructor. Allie
Having been only used to Yoga practice I had not experienced any formal Tai Chi Qigong and was a little unsure if it would give me the same benefit.
I need not have worried, from the very first session Nikki put me and the whole class at ease. Her style of teaching is excellent, she ensures everyone is able to go at their own pace and ability. I look forward to Monday evening for a little me time.
My husband has also joined the group as a way of gentle exercise to help with knee joint pain.
Thank you Nikki you’re a star.
Membership Options
Full Membership
Monthly Subscription
£34.00/month
Weekly In-Person Class
Priority Booking
Unlimited Online LIVE Classes
Ladies Only Online Class
Access to Inside the Sanctuary
Weekly Update Newsletter
Access to:
- The Relaxation Room
- The Class Collection
- The Study Hub
- Private Group
- Facebook LIVE Classes
- Zoom Online Classes
- Monthly Q&A Calls
- Priority Booking
Online Membership
Monthly Subscription
£25.00/month
Unlimited Online LIVE Classes
Ladies Only Online Class
Access to Inside the Sanctuary
Weekly Update Newsletter
Access to:
- The Relaxation Room
- The Class Collection
- The Study Hub
- Private Group
- Facebook LIVE Classes
- Zoom Online Classes
- Monthly Q&A Calls
- Priority Booking
What to Expect
Sessions are relaxed, enjoyable, and fun, without being loud or high-energy. You’ll move through slow, flowing Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi movements practised standing, with clear instruction and a consistent pace. (seated options available if required)
There’s no pressure to keep up, perform, or do anything perfectly. You can work within your own range, take breaks if needed, and adjust how much you do from week to week.
You don’t need prior experience, flexibility, or a certain level of fitness. Comfortable clothing and a small clear space to move are enough.
Some people notice changes quickly, others more gradually. There’s no expectation.
And if you go wrong it doesn't matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any experience with Tai Chi or Qigong?
No. Everything is taught from the beginning and repeated regularly, so you can join at any point, whether you attend in person or online.
What if I feel anxious about attending a class?
That’s very common. You’re not expected to speak or share. In-person classes are calm and low-key. For online classes, being on camera is required so movement and posture can be seen and supported safely.
What if I miss a class?
That’s fine. If you attend online, recordings are available so you can practise in your own time. In-person participants can use the online options or catch up with an additional class the following week, where possible.
Is this suitable if I have aches, pain, or limited mobility?
Yes. The movements are slow and controlled and can be practised standing or seated. You’re encouraged to work within your own range and adjust based on how your body feels on the day.
Do I need to practise every day to benefit?
No. Weekly practice is enough for most people. Consistency over time matters more than doing more.
Is this therapy or medical treatment?
No. These are movement and wellbeing classes designed to support posture, movement, and how you feel day to day. They don’t replace medical or psychological care.
I love Nikki's Tai Chi Shibashi lessons very much. I found the teachings very easy to pick up and follow. I felt the energetic and healing benefits from the very first session and I look forward to going back every week.
I love to move in effortless and smooth flow, it is very soothing for the nervous system!
Nikki has a very warm, positive, welcoming and friendly demeanour.
Thankyou, Nikki, for introducing me to this wonderful form of Tai Chi.