Q: What is Tai Chi?
A: Tai Chi or Tai Chi Ch'uan translates into the Grand Ultimate Fist. It is powerful because it combines whole body alignment, mindful breathing, and relaxed movement to build deep internal strength and it calms the nervous system. Unlike current martial arts like karate, tae kwon do, or similar that rely on isolated muscle tension, tai chi derives power from structural efficiency, core stability, and fluid momentum.
Q: Why do people typically associate Tai Chi as an exercise for seniors?
A: Tai Chi focuses on proper balance, posture and breathing right from the start. The slower movements are allowing the practitioner to focus on these elements as they practice the movements of the form. Seniors often enjoy the slow circular movements for their joint health, the focus on balance, and increased circulation.
Q: Was Tai Chi designed for senior health benefits?
A: No, Tai Chi is a high level martial art originally created for self defense. Although the benefits of practicing correctly can improve overall health, it was designed as a martial art first.
Q: Who can benefit from practicing Tai Chi?
A: Anyone that is willing and able to practice Tai Chi will benefit in health and wellness. The longer someone is able to commit to practicing, the greater the benefits. I have taught students ranging from 12 to 84 years of age.
Q: What can someone expect from a typical Tai Chi class?
A: Some instructors rely solely on teaching the form. My teaching method incorporates exercises and stretches to help prep the body for the form, separate movements to practice balance and connection, guided explanations about the movements in terms of their self defense capabilities, and the form itself.
Q: How long does it take to learn a Tai Chi form?
A: There is no given length of time for someone to learn the entire form. Everyone should progress at their own level. You are learning a lot about yourself when you are learning the form. I typically teach the Short Form first which can take about three months for the average student. Students are then encouraged to improve their movements within the form and better understand them before continuing to the Long Form.
Q: What is the difference between the Short and Long Forms?
A: The Short Form is 24 moves and the Long Form is 108 moves. The Long Form is a continuation of the Short Form and introduces more complex movements.
Q: Are there different styles of Tai Chi?
A: Yes, there are five main styles- Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao, and Sun. Yang Style is the most practiced globally due to its even paced movements that are large and graceful.
Q: Are there other benefits to practicing Tai Chi?
A: There are many benefits such as physical fitness, stress reduction, improved balance, joint mobility, rehabilitation, increased circulation, organ cleansing, self defense, and more.
