Patrick Foley was brought up in Singapore and Malaysia and still has very strong ties to the culture of the Far East. He was first inspired by the martial arts when he was introduced to a Kung Fu master in Malaysia at age 15. He began his exploration of Tai Chi in the late 1980's, after 5 years of judo, jujitsu and karate training with 8th Dan judo sensei Joe Robinson. Unfortunately competition training had left him with two very damaged knees, and he was told to drop all contact sports. In 1991 Patrick joined Tai Chi teacher Brian Cooper's Brighton class (Inside Tai Chi), continuing to practise under his guidance to this day.
Originally learning Rose Lee's version of the old Wu long form with Brian, Patrick was then introduced to lineage-holder Bruce Frantzis (Energy Arts), on whose methods Brian had decided to focus his teachings. He has studied the Wu-style short and long forms, Taoist Neigong, Push Hands, Bagua and Meditation with Bruce and Brian. He has also studied various other Tai Chi and Chi Gung styles, including Fan Form, with teachers in Malaysia.
Since 2010 Patrick also began studying with Master Sam Masich, to better develop his understanding of traditional Taijiquan subjects, including the full 5 Section Taijiquan curriculum, Yang 108, Yang sword and sabre and push hands (tui shou). Studying these traditional subjects has been a deeply satisfying and liberating experience and Patrick was accepted as Tudi (Indoor Student) by Master Masich in 2019.
Patrick began teaching in 2004 and is an senior instructor of the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain, and certified Level 2 Energy Arts instructor, Five Section Taijiquan instructor (Full Curriculum), Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi Set 1 Certified and Tai Chi for Health and Energy instructor (lapsed).
Private Lessons with Patrick
Patrick has many many years of study and teaching behind him, and has probably made all the mistakes a student could make, and learnt from them (mostly!). Studying directly with him can offer you a fast track method of progressing in your practices. One hour of a teacher’s direct attention is also worth many hours of attendance in a regular class.
Availability
Private lessons with Patrick are generally available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and occasionally at weekends if he is not teaching a workshop. If you just want to have a chat regarding your requirements please call him on 01725 514546 or use our contact form.
To register for a lesson please click here.
