The Korean martial art of Hapkido has been gaining quite a following in London thanks to the efforts of Tammy Parlour, a fourth dan black belt who's the chief instructor at Chang's Hapkido Academy in the capital. Running alongside classes in this Korean martial are also classes in Ki meditation, a zen-like discipline which combines deep breathing techniques, gentle movements and meditation to promote mental clarity and calm.

Dr Michael Watson, Lecturer in Public Health says, 'Ki Exercise & Meditation practice offers moments in a busy week where I am able to step back and reconnect physically, mentally and spiritually. The series of slow gentle stretching exercises, combined with deep abdominal breathing ensures that I remain supple, whilst also stimulating my respiratory and circulatory systems.

At a deeper level I find myself becoming present in the "now", which enables me to see things more clearly and to understand what is most important. After a hard day at work, the stress or tension I carry into a class naturally dissolves and I am left feeling calmer, more relaxed and generally at ease with myself.'

London meditation classes run for 45 minutes and are held at Topnotch Health Club, 3 Tudor Street, London EC4Y 0AH on weekdays. London Meditation class details and times on www.Ki-Meditation.com