Vitals
Introducing Vitals — A Mindful Movement Practice by Samu Studio
For the last decade, my creative journey has been guided by a deep curiosity about balance — between body and mind, art and life, movement and stillness. Alongside my work in art and design, I’ve spent years practising Qigong, a traditional Chinese system of mindful movement that cultivates Qi — often described as life force or vital energy.
My exploration of Qigong has always been interwoven with other holistic disciplines, including Zen Shiatsu, a Japanese bodywork practice that works closely with the meridian channels — pathways of energy that flow throughout the body. Both draw from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), focusing on harmonising the internal systems, restoring balance, and fostering a grounded sense of vitality.
Over the years, this study has become more than a personal practice — it’s shaped how I see and create. The slow, deliberate movements of Qigong mirror the principles behind Samu Studio, my creative practice rooted in the Zen concept of Samu — “mindful work.” Whether I’m designing, sculpting, or leading movement, the intention is the same: to approach every action with awareness, simplicity, and care.
From Art and Design to Movement and Community
Much of my career has revolved around art, design, and visual storytelling — often created behind a screen or within a studio. Yet for years I’ve felt a quiet calling toward the movement and wellness space, a desire to bring something physical and grounding to the community.
While yoga and Pilates are well-established practices in Norwich and Norfolk, Qigong remains less visible, despite its deep roots and powerful simplicity. My hope is to help give this ancient art more airtime and to share it in a way that feels accessible, creative, and connected.
After years of practising, experimenting, and refining sessions with friends, I’m pleased to introduce Vitals — a mindful movement practice inspired by Qigong and designed to help you feel grounded, balanced, and alive.
What Is Vitals?
Vitals is the natural evolution of my personal and creative journey — a movement-based offering that lives within the Samu Studio ecosystem.
It isn’t a new brand or departure; it’s an extension of everything I’ve already been exploring through art, sound, and mindful design.
At its core, Vitals is a Qigong-inspired class that cultivates awareness, breath, and energy flow — not performance or flexibility.
Each session follows the natural rhythm of energy: Opening → Cleansing → Activation → Cultivation → Circulation → Expansion → Refinement → Closing.
Through gentle movement, guided breathing, and stillness, participants are invited to reconnect with their body, their breath, and the present moment. Some of the visualisations may feel unfamiliar or even a little ‘out there’, but that’s part of the beauty of this ancient practice — it invites us to slow down, listen, and trust what we feel.
The Interconnection: Art, Sound, and Movement
Within Samu Studio, art, sound, and movement are not separate disciplines; they’re different expressions of the same pursuit — mindful living.
Just as a sculpture takes form through patience and flow, Qigong allows the body to become a moving meditation, a living artwork in motion.
Vitals will continue to evolve as part of this wider creative ecosystem — a space where design, ritual, and embodiment meet.
Rooted in Place
Based in Norwich, Norfolk, I’ve been quietly developing Vitals over the past few years and am now in conversation with local yoga and wellness studios to bring these sessions to the community.
As the seasons change, I plan to host outdoor classes in parks, on the beach, and in natural settings where we can ground our bare feet and move together under open skies.
If you manage a studio, retreat space, or wellness venue in Norfolk, or if you’re interested in private sessions, I’d love to connect and collaborate.
Follow the Journey
If you’re curious to experience Vitals:
Follow on Instagram for updates and short guided practices
Join the WhatsApp community here to hear first about class dates and workshops
This is just the beginning — a soft launch for something I believe will continue to grow and evolve, much like the practice itself. Samu Studio will remain the home for all things art, sound, and movement — and Vitals will be the pulse that brings it to life.
Sam