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Having learned and practiced Tai Chi as a young man, I recently renewed my study and have been practicing daily for four years. I can teach Yang Style Tai Chi Forms 8, 13, 16, 24, 32, 37, 40 and 42 forms. I also teach the recently adopted "Bafa Wubu" form, China's new Tai Chi standard. I use the "S…

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Hey love! My name is Stacie. I am a Conscious Mindset Mentor and Transformational Life Coach for women who are ready to unveil the Truth of their inherent VALUE and WORTH and step into the next, highest version of themselves that they fully deserve. I provide authentic support and guidance through…

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I find the human body to be a marvel of divine creation and of highest intelligence equipped with an extraordinary capacity to heal. I am a graduate in Occupational Therapy from the College of St Catherine class of 1990 with a specialty interest in pediatrics. I have thirty plus years of exp…

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I have 40 years of energy arts experience, including a Doctorate in Chinese Energetic Medicine . My experience also includes Tai Chi, Reiki (Levels 1 and 2 certified), yoga and meditation. I have been passionate about teaching and applying Qi Gong to improve the wellbeing of my clients -- par…

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Heidi L Gillis is certified as a Personal Fitness Trainer (W.I.T.S.) & Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. With specializations as Older Adult/Senior Fitness Specialist, Lifestyle Fitness Coach, level 1 Qigong F.I.T. and TaiChi F.I.T. , TCH Board Certified Tai Chi for Rehabilitation Instructor,…

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FAQs:
What is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise originating from ancient China, where it started as a famous martial art. These days, it’s practiced around the world as an effective exercise for health.
It’s impossible to describe this complex art in one sentence. Tai Chi can be many things for different people, but regular practice will improve your well-being.
At the heart of it, Tai Chi is a moving meditation in the form of a series of gentle exercises that create harmony between the mind and body. The ultimate purpose is to cultivate our inner life energy (qi) to flow smoothly and powerfully through the body. This is a spiritual experience, as much as a physical one.
Movements are fluid, graceful, circular, and slow. Breathing is deep, aiding visual and mental concentration. This relaxes the body and allows the life force to flow freely.
This practice is so effective because it consists of exercises that are equally balanced between yin and yang (opposite forces that complement each other, such as dark and light, or female and male).
Tai Chi is easy to learn. Many people embark on a life-long journey to deepen their experience, as there are always new levels of understanding to uncover. This is part of the appeal.
Tai Chi can be practiced almost anywhere and the cost of learning is relatively low. It’s suitable for anyone because exertion levels can be adjusted to suit your physical condition.
What Does a Tai Chi Instructor Do?
Tai chi instructors teach students the basic techniques of the martial art of tai chi. Classes may involve introducing new participants to the moves and themes of tai chi, adjusting lessons to account for physical limitations, and providing personalized encouragement to each of your students. Tai chi instructors usually conduct live sessions, but some also record videos and teach online classes or offer remote lessons to students. Fulfilling the responsibilities of a tai chi instructor requires maintaining the qualifications and certifications to teach in your area, excellent communication skills, and several years of experience practicing tai chi under another trainer.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Classes are usually taught on a weekly basis. Many practitioners recommend practicing tai chi for about 15 to 20 minutes twice daily at home since regular practice is essential for mastering the forms and achieving lasting results. Before beginning a tai chi program, you should check with your doctor and discuss your health needs with the tai chi instructor. Exercises can be modified depending on your mobility, history of injuries, chronic pain, joint swelling (if present), and medication that may affect balance.
Is Tai Chi Safe to Do?
Tai Chi is safe for everyone to do. Regardless of age, fitness level, or baseline health, Tai Chi can be done safely and with ease. For anyone who struggles with balance, Tai Chi can be practiced in a chair to prevent the risk of falls.
Is Tai Chi Difficult to Learn?
It’s difficult to learn Tai Chi on your own, there are online tutorials that can guide you in your journey but having a teacher and other students to practice with will result in faster learning. If there are any poses you may have a hard time with, having other students motivate you is great for learning Tai Chi. A teacher can also help you adjust poses and positions to best suit your limits and make practicing Tai Chi more enjoyable.
Tai Chi takes time to master, like many exercises and hobbies tai chi needs practice to make it perfect. You will not be perfect on your first try, and that’s fine many people have a hard time mastering Tai Chi. However, it’s not necessary to master Tai Chi to receive its benefits.
Who Can Do Tai Chi?
People of all ages and fitness levels can practice tai chi and gain health benefits. It is non-competitive and gentle. The ‘no pain, no gain’ philosophy of some other forms of exercise has no place in tai chi. If it hurts, you’re trying too hard. The idea is to relax and enjoy the peaceful movement.
What Conditions Respond Well to Tai Chi?
Tai chi improves overall fitness, coordination, balance, and agility. People who practice tai chi on a regular basis tend to have good posture, flexibility, and range of motion, are more mentally alert, and sleep more soundly at night. Tai chi is both a preventive and complementary therapy for a wide range of conditions. Specifically, it is beneficial for chronic pain, gout, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, headaches, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and sleep disorders. Tai chi is also beneficial for the immune system and the central nervous system, which makes it especially good for people with chronic illness, anxiety, viral infections, depression, or any stress-related conditions. The deep breathing of tai chi regulates the respiratory system, helping to treat respiratory ailments, such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. It also stimulates the abdomen, which aids digestion and helps relieve constipation and gastrointestinal conditions. Many clinical studies indicate that elderly people who practice tai chi have better hand-eye coordination and are less prone to falls, both serious health risks to people in that age group.
What is Better for Seniors, Tai Chi or Yoga?
This is a great question! Tai chi and yoga share multiple benefits, including improving your balance, flexibility, mobility, mood, and strength. Both can help you to reduce pain and any risk of falls.
In terms of whether one is better than the other, yoga and tai chi are like cousins in fitness. While tai chi movements flow as a dance-like martial art form, yoga tends to be about holding poses. Both forms of exercise can be either low-impact or rigorous, so that’s a factor to take into account when you’re choosing a class.
Is there an answer for which is better? Currently, no studies show one beats the other in terms of assisting with longevity. Additionally, beginner-level classes are fairly easy for each. You’re able to adapt exercises to your own capabilities and extend them as you grow in your chosen exercise. The answer will come down to your own health, physical conditioning, goals, and preferences. It’s worth trying both and figuring out which you prefer.
Does Tai Chi Help Prevent Falls in Older Adults?
Tai chi may be beneficial in improving balance and preventing falls in older adults and people with Parkinson’s disease. It is unknown whether tai chi can help reduce falls in people who have had a stroke or people with osteoarthritis or heart failure.
A 2019 review looked at different types of exercise for preventing falls in community-dwelling older people. The duration and frequency of tai chi sessions varied among the studies. Compared to control interventions that were not thought to reduce falls, there was low-certainty evidence that tai chi may reduce the rate of falls by 19 percent (based on 7 studies with 2,655 participants) and high-certainty evidence that tai chi may reduce the number of people who experience falls by 20 percent (based on 8 studies with 2,677 participants). Other forms of exercise were also helpful. The authors found high-certainty evidence that balance and functional exercises—exercises that are similar to everyday actions like rising from a chair, stepping up, or rotating while standing—could reduce the rate of falls by 24 percent (based on 39 studies with 7,920 participants) and lower the number of people experiencing one or more falls by 13 percent (based on 37 studies with 8,288 participants).
A 2021 review analyzed three studies of tai chi’s effect on falls in people with Parkinson’s disease. The 3 studies included a total of 273 participants who did 60-minute tai chi sessions two to three times per week for 12 weeks to 6 months. The analysis indicated that tai chi had a significant positive effect on reducing falls when compared with both no intervention and different interventions like resistance training and stretching.
A 2020 summary of three reviews that included some relevant studies found that tai chi may help improve balance and reduce falls in people with Parkinson’s disease, but the certainty of the evidence was considered to be low.
What is the Difference Between Tai Chi and Qi Gong?
The primary differentiation between tai chi and qi gong lies in the movements. Tai chi focuses on specific postures, while qi gong encourages a more free-flow type of movement.
Each tai chi posture has a unique name and meaning, which when combined is akin to a slow dance. Those who are just beginning their tai chi practice can follow the flow and imitate each posture, but it may take time for them to master the proper form. The moves could also increase in complexity and intensity as you add more challenging poses and applications.
Meanwhile, qi gong also focuses on a string of movements, but they are less complex and a lot simpler than tai chi. Qi gong movements are accessible and you can easily practice them since they don’t require any memorization. At times, you can even repeat one single movement over and over again. In some cases, it doesn’t involve any movement but focuses on just breathing.
Background and History of Tai Chi
Zhang Sanfeng, a martial artist who lived in China in the late 16th century, created the practice of tai chi. According to legend, Sanfeng had a dream about a snake and a crane engaged in battle. Their graceful movements inspired his non-combative style of martial arts. This ancient form of movement has been practiced in China for centuries and is still a daily routine for tens of thousands of people there, especially the elderly. It was first introduced to the United States in the early 1970s and has since grown in popularity.
How to Get Started With Tai Chi
If you’re ready to give tai chi a try, you might be wondering how to get started. Here are a few tips that will point you in the right direction.
1. Find an instructor: The best way to learn and practice tai chi is with an instructor. You can look for classes at senior centers, local fitness facilities, the YMCA, or tai chi centers. If you’re unable to locate any on your own, try searching online.
2. Watch the class first: Talk to the instructor ahead of time about observing the class before you commit. This allows you to see the moves in action and get a feel for the class. If you can, try to talk with a few of the participants to see how they like doing tai chi.
3. Check out YouTube: Beyond the more formal videos you can find online, YouTube is also home to some great clips on different tai chi moves.
How Tai Chi Works
There are various perspectives on how tai chi works. Eastern philosophy holds that tai chi unblocks the flow of qi. When qi flows properly, the body, mind, and spirit are in balance, and health is maintained. Others believe that tai chi works in the same way as other mind-body therapies, and there is ample evidence that paying attention to the connection between the mind and the body can relieve stress, combat disease, and enhance physical well-being.
Tai chi has three major components, movement, meditation, and deep breathing.
1. Movement. All of the major muscle groups and joints are needed for the slow, gentle movements in tai chi. Tai chi improves balance, agility, strength, flexibility, stamina, muscle tone, and coordination. This low-impact, weight-bearing exercise strengthens bones and can slow bone loss, thus preventing the development of osteoporosis.
2. Meditation. Research shows that meditation soothes the mind, enhances concentration, reduces anxiety, and lowers blood pressure and heart rate.
3. Deep breathing. Exhaling stale air and toxins from the lungs while inhaling a plentitude of fresh air increases lung capacity, stretches the muscles involved in breathing, and releases tension. It also enhances blood circulation to the brain, which boosts mental alertness. At the same time, the practice supplies the entire body with fresh oxygen and nutrients.
The 10 Tai Chi Principles
Stand straight, relax your neck, and suspend the head naturally erect from the crown point without strain or tension. The image to model is “hanging by a string from the top of one’s head” such that the head and neck align by the force of gravity alone.
2. Correct position of chest and back.
The chest is kept slightly depressed inward which helps enable one’s breath to sink to the lower belly. The upper back is slightly bowed outward while the pelvis is tucked under.
3. Remain relaxed with no tension.
Relax and loosen all the joints, particularly the shoulders, and elbows, and sink them so that they are flexible, connected, and able to integrate into the proper structure. Relaxed does not mean limp. Proper structure is held with a minimum of muscular exertion with gravity providing the downward stacking, providing power from the root into the ground. Tai Chi transfers energy in the form of vibration much like a whip that has no tension. When the musculature and joints are relaxed, aligned, and connected the wave or pulse of the movement is conducted through them with no retained tension.
4. All movement comes from the center.
The waist is the “ruler.” All movement comes from the waist, whether it is a hand movement or a step. Make the waist cause each movement. The waist as the “ruler” must be relaxed, initiating, controlling, guiding, and distributing the direction and amount of energy transmitted.
5. Harmonize the upper and lower parts of the body.
The vibration of any Tai Chi movement roots at the feet, releases from the legs, is controlled by the waist, moves eventually through the back and arms, and finally is expressed by the fingers. Achieving this coordinated path first requires that the feet are at all times firmly attached to the ground like the big roots of a tree. The knees must remain slightly flexed. Finally, the upper and lower body must move harmoniously so that all parts of the body are strung together without the slightest break.
6. The entire body moves as a single unit.
The entire body should move as one complete unit, not just a hand, leg, or arm. Once one part of your body moves, every other part of your body should also be in motion; when you are still, everything should be in stillness. “Be still as a mountain…move like a great river.”
7. All movements are performed in a smooth manner, with no unevenness, and continuous, allowing no interruptions.
All Tai Chi movements are performed smoothly and evenly. This means that the movements in training never speed up and then slow down. There is never a detectable start and finish from one form to the next. A common image used is that of reeling silk thread from a cocoon. Reeling too fast or suddenly will break the silk while reeling too slow or in the wrong direction may tangle it.
8. Maintain a clear distinction between substantial and insubstantial.
Agility is the result of non-double weighting. This means that one’s weight is never maintained equally over both legs. One leg is always heavy and one leg is light. By only maintaining one point of substantial contact with the ground you gain the ability to move quickly, much like a ball that moves easily across the ground because it only has one point of contact with it.
9. Breathe deeply from your lower belly and in harmony with the movements.
The breath is deep and full, filling oneself with Tan tien (2-3 inches below your navel.) Each movement is linked precisely with the breath, so that as one expands the body, there is an exhale, and when one contracts the body, there is a inhale. Since the breath is linked to very slow movements, your breathing will also be very slow.
10. The mind leads the body.
In Tai Chi, one focuses the attention on the mind, instead of on force. Therefore, use your mind to direct your movements, and let the body follow. Keep the mind fully conscious, aware, and with intent along each and every tiny point along the path of the movement and each point of the body. The mind and breath are king and queen and the bones and muscles are the court.
The 4 Pillars of Tai Chi
Tai Chi consists of ‘Four Pillars’ or types of practice, as well as a variety of physical exercises and meditative practices. The Four Pillars are Qigong, Form, Pushing Hands, and Application. Each Pillar develops the ability to coordinate the body, internal energy, and sensitivity to oneself, the space around, and other people, to a higher degree. Initially many movements focus on gently opening and stretching the joints and muscles of the body, releasing tension that has often been there for years. By increasing the flow of blood and energy, they help to fully nourish all parts of the body. Many of our students report that they feel very relaxed and energized after a session of Qigong and that they sleep very deeply that night!
Qigong
Qigong is the foundation of Tai Chi, wherein the student learns to move their body and feel their internal energy (Qi), through simple, relatively static movements, and the use of the will (Yi) to guide the energy as it flows through its natural channels (known as Jing Luo, or meridians).
Form
This is a flowing sequence of movements, lasting from 5 to 20 minutes. The Form very effectively develops physical skill and health and constitutes a very enjoyable kind of moving meditation. Each movement can be practiced at increasing levels of depth as the student develops. There are many variations of the Form within the different Tai Chi lineages and their schools, but they are all derived from the same original Form, and the principles of movement are always the same.
Pushing Hands
Pushing Hands (Tui Shou) is a kind of partner exercise, where two people develop sensitivity and coordination together. This is a very enjoyable, playful, and free-flowing kind of exercise.
Application
Application is the most advanced aspect of physical training and in some ways the most rewarding. In application, the student explores the deeper subtleties of the Form’s movements, in a dynamic fashion with a training partner. Applications test and perfect students’ understanding of the movements, developing high levels of mind-body coordination, awareness, sensitivity, and confidence.
Different Types of Tai Chi
There are 6 internationally recognized styles of Tai Chi all with their characteristics.
Dong Yue Taijiquan
This new style of Tai Chi is called Dong Yue Tai Chi and was created by Professors Men Hui Feng and Kan Gui Xiang in commemoration and welcome to the New Millennium. Dong Yue Style has many different forms such as Barehand forms (eg. Form 1 and 2), Weaponry forms (eg. Sword, Broadsword, Short Pole, Spear etc.), and Duel forms (eg. Sword to Sword). Form One demonstrated by Professor Men on January 1st consists of 15 basic and typical movements taken from Chen, Yang, Sun, Wu, and Woo styles. It takes about 3-4 minutes to complete practicing the whole form.
Sun Style
Sun Style was created by Master Sun Lutang (1861-1932) from Wanxian County in Hebei Province. He was a master of two internal Chinese Martial Arts styles Xingyi Quan (Hsing-I - free mind animal imitating boxing) and Bagua Zhang (Pa Kua - Eight diagram Palm). He later learned the Woo style Tai Chi. Based on the Woo style Tai Chi Master Sun adopted the stepping methods of Xingyi Quan - (advancing mutually follows retreating; advancing must have a follow step, retreating must have a moving back motion) and the waist method of Bagua Zhang - nimble and agile, to create the Sun style.
Stances are upright and natural and footwork is nimble and agile. Movements are short and compact, and each hand technique is accompanied by a corresponding stepping action. Sun style is also characterized by its unique open-close hand movement. This movement helps to concentrate chi in the palms of the hands for the delivery of short, deadly strikes.
Despite its martial roots, however, it is imminently appropriate for people in all walks of life. Its natural, simple stances make it an ideal exercise system for those who desire a low-impact exercise system, even the elderly. For younger, more athletic individuals, it provides a fascinating approach to self-defense.
This style of Taijiquan is suitable and practical for all types of people. No matter the physical condition, everyone can benefit and enjoy the practice of Sun style Taijiquan.
Wu Style
Quan You (1834-1902), a Manchurian member of the Imperial Guard in Beijing, was the founder of Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan. He learned Tai Chi Chuan from the founder of the Yang Style, Master Yang Lu-Chan. The Wu name originated when his son, Jianquan (1870-1942), changed his name since he was brought up as a Han national. He developed the style into one that is compact and gentle, having a reach of medium range.
Woo Style
Originally created by Wu Yuxiang (1812-1880) who studied the Chen style in Henan. It is characterised by simplicity, clarity and compactness, with soft and slow movements. The movements are small, the hand never going farther than the foot, with an upright stance and strict footwork.
Chen Style
Chen style is the original Tai Chi style created by Chen Wang Ting.
Yang Style
Based on the Chen style and created by Yang Lu Chan the Yang style is now the most popular style worldwide.
Benefits of Doing Tai Chi
Read on to learn more about the benefits and risks of tai chi, and how you can begin practicing this exercise.
1. Reduces stress
One of the main benefits of tai chi is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, though most evidence is anecdotal.
In 2018, one study compared the effects of tai chi on stress-related anxiety to traditional exercise. The study included 50 participants. The researchers found that tai chi provided the same benefits for managing stress-related anxiety as exercise. Because tai chi also includes meditation and focused breathing, the researchers noted that tai chi may be superior to other forms of exercise for reducing stress and anxiety. However, a larger-scale study is needed.
Tai chi is very accessible and lower impact than many other forms of exercise. The researchers found it to be safe and inexpensive, so it may be a good option if you are otherwise healthy and experiencing stress-related anxiety.
2. Improves mood
Tai chi may help improve your mood if you are depressed or anxious. Preliminary research suggests that regularly practicing tai chi can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s believed that slow, mindful breaths and movements have a positive effect on the nervous system and mood-regulating hormones. Further research is being done to establish a clear link between tai chi and improved mood.
3. Better sleep
Regularly practicing tai chi may help you to have more restful sleep.
One study followed young adults with anxiety after they were prescribed two tai chi classes each week, for 10 weeks. Based on participant reporting, the individuals who practiced tai chi experienced significant improvements in their quality of sleep compared to those in the control group. This same group also experienced a decrease in their anxiety symptoms.
Tai chi can improve sleep for older adults, too. In a study published in 2016, researchers found that two months of twice-weekly tai chi classes was associated with better sleep in older adults with cognitive impairment.
4. Promotes weight loss
Regularly practicing tai chi can result in weight loss. One study tracked changes in weight in a group of adults practicing tai chi five times a week for 45 minutes. At the end of the 12 weeks, these adults lost a little over a pound without making any additional lifestyle changes.
5. Improves cognition in older adults
Tai chi may improve cognition in older adults with cognitive impairment. More specifically, tai chi may help improve memory and executive functioning skills like paying attention and carrying out complex tasks.
6. Reduces risk of falling in older adults
Tai chi can help improve balance and motor function, and reduce fear of falling in older adults. It can also reduce actual falls after 8 weeks of practice and significantly reduce falls after 16 weeks of practice. Because fear of falling can reduce independence and quality of life, and falls can lead to serious complications, tai chi may offer the additional benefit of improving quality of life and general well-beingTrusted Source in older adults.
7. Improves fibromyalgia symptoms
Tai chi may complement traditional methods for the management of certain chronic diseases.
Results from a 2018 study showed that consistent tai chi practice can decrease the symptoms of fibromyalgia in some people. Participants in the study who practiced tai chi for 52 weeks exhibited greater improvements in their fibromyalgia-related symptoms when compared to participants practicing aerobics. Learn about other alternative treatments for fibromyalgia symptoms.
8. Improves COPD symptoms
Tai chi may improve some of the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In one study, people with COPD practiced tai chi for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, they had improvements in their ability to exercise and reported an overall improvement in their quality of life.
9. Improves balance and strength in people with Parkinson’s
In a randomized, controlled trial of 195 participants, regular practice of tai chi was found to decrease the number of falls in people with Parkinson’s disease. Tai chi can also help you to increase leg strength and overall balance.
10. Safe for people with coronary heart disease
Tai chi is a safe form of moderate exercise you can try if you have coronary heart disease. Following a cardiovascular event, regular tai chi practices may help you increase physical activity, lose weight, and improve your quality of life.
11. Reduces pain from arthritis
In a small-scale 2010 study, 15 participants with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) practiced tai chi for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the participants reported less pain and improved mobility and balance.
A larger, earlier study found similar results in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, 40 participants with knee OA practiced 60 minutes of tai chi, two times a week for 12 weeks. Following the study, participants reported a reduction in pain and an improvement in mobility and quality of life.
When compared to physical therapy, tai chi has also been found to be as effective in the treatment of knee OA.
Always talk to your doctor before starting tai chi if you have arthritis. You may need to do modified versions of some of the movements.
What to Expect from a Tai Chi Session
Tai chi sessions are usually group classes that last about an hour. Each session begins with a warm-up exercise. Then the instructor guides the class through a series of 20 to 100 tai chi movements that together comprise a "form."
A form can take up to 20 minutes to complete. Each form has a nature-based name that describes its overall action, such as "wave hands like clouds" or "grasp the bird's tail." At the same time, students are asked to focus on the point just below their navels, believed to be the center from which qi flows.
The teacher encourages the class to perform all movements in a slow, meditative manner, and to focus on deep breathing. At the end of the class, there is usually a wind-down exercise, relaxation, and meditation.
7 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your First Tai Chi Class
Here are some simple tips to help you get the most out of your first Tai Chi class:
1. Try to copy your instructor carefully. There’s no rush to get a form mastered. It’s better to go slow and get things right than to hurry the process and find yourself getting confused.
2. Try to know your left from your right. It’s easy to get confused by this distinction, even as an adult, if you don’t often think about it. But the instructions you get are likely to be things like “move your left foot forward” and it’s very helpful to know which foot that is.
3. Don’t push yourself too hard. The objective is to learn new skills and not to injure yourself. If you find a form is pushing you farther than you can go – adapt it to something more comfortable and explain why if your instructor asks.
4. Don’t be afraid to move to get a better view of your instructor. You’re not nailed to the floor in Tai Chi and you won’t offend anyone if you move around, and if you can’t see properly – how are you going to learn?
5. Be aware of other people around you. It’s rude to bash into other people, try to be mindful of others when you move.
6. Try to discuss anything you didn’t understand with the instructor at the end of the session. It’s OK to find out what you want to know but it’s best not to interrupt the flow of the rest of the group, either. Waiting until the end shows respect for everyone.
7. Enjoy the social aspect of Tai Chi. One of the best things about Tai Chi is the chance to meet and talk to other people. Before the session or after it, walk around and greet other people and introduce yourself. Stop for a chat and talk about what you enjoyed or what you’re finding difficult.
How to Find the Best Tai Chi Instructor
There can be a wide range of Tai Chi instructors. While there is no "right" or "wrong" way to teach Tai Chi, the following are some suggestions on what to look for:
- Make sure they are, indeed, teaching Tai Chi! Many instructors say they are teaching Tai Chi when they are teaching something entirely different, or are teaching some "hybrid" exercise form. Familiarize yourself with Tai Chi enough to know the difference.
- Being certified to teach Tai Chi is not a good determinator of a qualified teacher. In the world of true Tai Chi practitioners and Tai Chi instructors, certification means nothing. Most who study Tai Chi in-depth realize it is a lifelong journey and certification is merely a piece of paper. Be wary of those who get "certified" in a weekend!! Tai Chi is far too complex to learn on a weekend.
- Make sure they are SAFE! Use your good judgment. If you think they are having participants do things that are not in the comfortable range of motion for the average student or for your body, then don't do it! Don't just blindly trust.
- They should be TEACHING the movements, not just having students follow along.
- They shouldn't talk a lot. There should be more movement than talk.
- They should have a sense of humor and make it fun. Tai Chi doesn't have to be all serious and no laughter!
- There should be absolutely NO criticism of students.
- They should limit physical contact or request permission before touching during correction or instruction. They should always be gentle in their physical guidance.
- The very best Tai Chi instructors are humble.
- The very best Tai Chi instructor teaches the internal principles of Tai Chi...not just the movements.
The best determination of whether you have found the best Tai Chi instructor for you is you should leave class uplifted, invigorated, refreshed, inspired, and excited to learn more. If you do not feel those things, then I encourage you to keep looking for the best Tai Chi instructor for you.
Sources:
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.