A TAI Chi teacher with nearly a quarter of a century of experience is making his way to Bolton.

Manik Nicholson, who was a personal student of master K H Chu and was given permission to teach by him in 1977, is setting up classes in the town centre.

The first free class and demonstration is scheduled for Saturday, October 13, from 12noon until 1pm at Bank Street Chapel, near Bow Street car park.

Class

From Tuesday, October 16, between 7pm and 8.30pm, he will be teaching a regular class.

Manik, who lives in Darwen, has been practising the ancient art form for 24 years -- starting long before it became "fashionable".

He was first introduced by a Chinese master who lived near him in London.

As a PE teacher, Manik had always been interested in sport, including martial arts.

But Tai Chi was a discipline he really took to his heart and he is a firm believer in the vast range of benefits to be had from practising.

"It's about mind, body and sport," he explained.

"You can have lots of worries, and Tai Chi takes your mind off it because you have to concentrate so much.

"It's slow moving and a very exact and precise, it takes a lot time to learn.

"At a higher level it is quite effective, similar to self defence.

"And the medical values have also been researched.

"People do get a lot of benefit from it."

Just a year after being given permission to teach, Manik had one lung removed.

But within three days he was practising Tai Chi on the ward . . .

"They said I was one of the fittest guys they knew," said Manik.

"I don't know if I recovered so quickly because of Tai Chi, but it may have helped."

Manik has also lived and travelled in India at various times, teaching physical and health education at an international school and learning about meditation.

Now, Manik is 53 and a special needs teacher "by day".

As a qualified instructor of the John Ding International Academy of Tai Chi Chuan, he has also taught the art before.

But now it is becoming increasingly popular, he has decided to make a come-back as an instructor.

Effective

About Tai Chi, he said: "It is becoming more and more well-known and it has been shown to be effective.

"It's an internal art which doesn't rely on strength, but on subtle body mechanics.

"It works on the posture and body structure.

"It's like moving meditation -- very good for stress relief and for your body.

"And if you work on it hard, it gives you a good work out and makes you feel good."

Below, is a guide to Tai Chi -- where it comes from and its aims. WHAT IS TAI CHI? Tai Chi (its full name is Tai Chi Chuan) is an ancient Chinese form of co-ordinated body movements, focusing on the cultivation of internal energy (called Chi).

Its origins stretch back more than a thousand years within the philosophy and religion of ancient China.

Its aim is to harmonise the mind, body and spirit, promoting both mental and physical well-being, through softness and relaxation.

It is also applicable as an effective system of self-defence. When practised correctly, the movements (or form) of Tai Chi appear rhythmical, effortless and in continuous flow.

Through practise, the student becomes revitalised, relaxed, tolerant, self-confident, stronger and healthier in both mind and body.

It is also said to improve breathing capacity, lower high blood pressure, boost the immune system, slow the ageing process and improve balance and co-ordiantion.

Unlike most forms of exercise and sport, Tai Chi Chuan does not rely on strength, force or speed, making it ideal for people of both sexes, young and old alike, whether strong or weak.

It is this approach that is said to make Tai Chi such a unique art, and one that brings benefits in many areas.

Even with a small amount of practise, you should find beneficial effects on your health. STRIKING A POSE: Manik demonstrates the art of Tai Chi MASTER CLASS: Manik intends to pass on his expertise