FAQHow do I learn the Taoist Tai Chi† internal art of taijiquan?How do I find a class near me? What are the health benefits? What about if I have health problems or disabilities? How long does it take to learn the set? Who is the instructor and what are the costs? Is there more after the beginner course? How do workshops help to improve health? What are the purposes of other practices like Lok Hup, Sword Set, and meditation? Can I learn Tai Chi using videos or books? How do I learn the Taoist Tai Chi† internal art of taijiquan? Taijiquan is learned by doing. It takes about three to four months to learn the set, and the beginner class format is quite simple. The instructor will demonstrate a move several times, then perform it with the class, and finally watch the students as they repeat it. You do not have to be in great physical shape to start learning - people of all ages and conditions can learn. The moves can be performed in any comfortable clothing. It is recommended that you wear shoes that offer good support and balance, like comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, but there are no special uniforms. The Society does have a wide variety of T-shirts and sweatshirts available that have been designed by different branches. How do I find a class near me? To find details of classes nearest you, click here and choose your country's web site, where class information will be listed. Or, if you wish you can visit our directory to find the contact information for Society locations around the world. What are the health benefits? Regular practice of Taoist Tai Chi Society† taijiquan can bring a wide range of health benefits to the muscular, skeletal and circulatory systems. The flowing movements of taijiquan serve as a moving meditation that reduces stress and provides a way to cultivate body and mind. For more information, see the health benefits page. What if I have health problems or disabilities? Most people can do the taijiquan set in spite of handicap or ailment, although the way the form is practiced may need to be adapted to suit their specific needs. Many illnesses have been shown to improve with the regular practice of the set and associated exercises. Pregnant women, or those with an acute health problem should check both with the instructor and their personal physician before beginning any exercise program. The Taoist Tai Chi† internal art of taijiquan is a gentle form of exercise that can be performed by and benefit even those with advanced chronic conditions or who are confined to a wheel chair. Many branches offer 'special needs' or 'health recovery' classes to help those with particular health problems or who are recovering from injury or illness. The International Taoist Tai Chi Centre near Toronto Canada offers a supervised Health Recovery Program, which provides an opportunity for those with significant health problems to improve their health through the intensive practice of Taoist Tai Chi† internal arts and methods, in the supportive, calm and healthy environment of a Taoist training centre. How long does it take to learn the set? It takes about three to four months to learn the basic movements, and be able to do them with a group. Then you can practice in a continuing class which lets you learn to practice on your own, and extends your understanding of the moves and adds additional exercises to aid in developing the health benefits. Who is the instructor and what are the costs? Your instructor is an accredited volunteer who has been approved to instruct by the National Instruction Coordination Committee (NICC) of the member association for their particular country. No instructor is paid for teaching, and they must attend regular training workshops and meet annual re-accreditation requirements. The fees paid are not actually for the class, but are rather for a membership of the association in your particular country. Classes are offered on a membership basis rather than a fee-for-service or pay-by-the-class basis. The membership dues are used to pay operating costs such as advertising and rent. Your membership entitles you to attend any available classes in your area. You are welcome to attend multiple classes, or retake a beginner class at any time. You are not limited to just a specific class or instructor. If you happen to be travelling, members are welcome to visit classes at any of our approximately 500 locations in some 25 countries. Membership fees are set by the association in the relevant country or region, and may be paid by the month or by the year. There are special rates for students, seniors, and those unable to pay the full amount due to financial hardship. Is there more after the beginner course? Learning the Taoist Tai Chi† internal art of taijiquan is a developmental process. The better your Tai Chi, the more you benefit. The basic beginner class is literally just the beginning. While some people only take the initial class out of curiosity, many students practice and attend more advanced classes and workshops for the rest of their lives. We offer 'continuing classes' with instructors who have been certified to teach more advanced skills. Here you get a chance to practise the set, get corrections on your form, and improve your understanding of the set, in order to experience deeper benefits for health and well-being. Most members also practice the set outside of class. Master Moy noted that five minutes of Taoist Tai Chi Society† taijiquan once a day is better than two hours once a week. How do workshops help improve health? Workshops offer a number of benefits. For example, you have access to advanced instructors, and the practice sessions in a workshop are longer than a regular class, giving the body a chance to warm up and to better absorb the instruction. It is also an opportunity to meet and practice with students and instructors from around the world. This improves both your taijiquan, and the understanding of its benefits and the organization of the International Taoist Tai Chi Society. What are the purposes of other practices like Lok Hup, Sword Set, and meditation? In addition to taijiquan, Master Moy made available other Taoist Tai Chi† internal arts and methods that improve health and offer a deeper insight into the practice of Taoist internal alchemy. These practices accelerate the positive changes that taijiquan brings to the student. Some clubs have regular classes in Tai Chi Sword, Tai Chi Sabre, Lok Hup (which is another set of movements about 300 years older than Tai Chi), and Taoist meditation. Instructors who teach these classes have passed special certification procedures. For more information about these arts, see the Other Internal Arts page. Can I learn Tai Chi using videos or books? Videos and books can serve as aids to learn the set, but can't replace the role of a trained instructor who can offer customized feedback and support as you progress in your practice. The instructor can make sure that your form is correct, effective, and won't cause injury. |