TAI CHI FAQ - 8 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

TAI CHI F.A.Q - DIRECT ANSWERS IN A PARAGRAPH OR LESS!

Welcome to the 8 most popular questions students always ask about Tai Chi - including the benefits of Tai Chi, differences with Yoga and Qi Gong and the different ways of learning. This is the F.A.Q that will start your Tai Chi Journey. Want an extended version of this with extra links more inspiring graphics? Download the free 50 page Beginners Guide to Tai Chi here.

1: What is Tai Chi?

What is Tai Chi all About?

Asking this question to some practitioners will cause them to frown, look to the sky and say: Hmm, I'm not sure. It may depends on who you ask. Stick with these people as they will be not have rigid ideas, they will be good listeners and will help you discover a lot about Tai Chi. If, however, someone scowls, shoots out a dictionary definition, insists that everyone else doesn't practice it properly and then demonstrates something you would probably prefer not to have seen - get away as quickly as possible.
The real question is not whether Tai Chi is a martial art, a health art, a system of meditation, an ancient philosophy or a trendy exercise for the over 90's. The real question is what you are looking for. So if you are thinking of starting to learn Tai Chi, find someone who knows how to say: hmmm. Someone who considers all sides, someone who knows how to laugh, not to take things too seriously and knows how to listen in a world that seems only to want to talk.
Read more about Tai Chi and what it is, here - Read more

2: What are the Benefits of Learning Tai Chi?

Well, as you are asking, I'd say it a form of training for both body and mind that equips you with a set of tools to better understand yourself and the world around you. Of course, that may sound too vague for you, so I'll add it is also about the rediscovery of Balance, Co-ordination, Posture, better Breathing, stronger ligaments and tendons. It is a beautiful exploration of Grace and a long-awaited return to a life of Tranquility. Others may add stuff like "you will become one with the cosmos", but they will probably have been watching too many Carl Sagan repeats.

3: What is the Difference between Tai Chi and Yoga?

Both practices aim to improve the quality of your life. But they have different tools and approaches. Tai Chi classes and Yoga classes vary not just in spelling, pronounication, country of origin and choice of clothing worn by the practitioner, but also in the way a practitioner moves, breathes and co-ordinates all these things. Poses in a Yoga class are often held for a period of time and many are based on floor positions. Tai Chi postures, in contrast, are never static. Like the breath in Tai Chi, everything is in a constant state of movement.
Finally, Tai Chi classes may involve partner work, slow breathing exercises (called Qigong), and some will include the learning of weapons, such as sword, staff, baguette, tofu, or even Quorn Sausages. (Remember I did say not to take all this too seriously)

4: What is the Difference between Tai Chi and Qi Gong?

Although both Tai Chi and Qigong are systems of energy work, they vary in postures, complexity and application of moves. That might sound a bit vague, so let's try to simplify it further: Qigong focuses on breath and energy using simple moves or standing postures. Tai Chi may involve qigong as part of its curriculum, but it will also include exercises for other things, such as balance and coordination, partner work and even weapon forms.
Read more about Qigong and Tai Chi here

5: Can I learn Tai Chi from an Online Course or Book?

Learning from a Book/Video

Authors and video class teachers would say yes - and that you can learn easier and better too. Local teachers would argue against this and probably say, no. Now, each approach and teacher has an agenda to push. So make up your own mind. Visit, try out, talk to people and watch.
Read more about learning from a book or video here

6: How Long Does it take to Learn Tai Chi?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN TAI CHI ARTICLE

How long to Learn Tai Chi?

Some will say your entire life. Others will joke and say in under a minute. As much as I dislike giving vague answers, I'm afraid this one depends on you. If you want to learn the 187-step Traditional Yang Form with all martial applications, it may take a while. But again, that depends on you. How is your co-ordination? How is your balance? How much time do you have to practice? On the other hand, if you want a more relaxed approach, try an introduction that gives you the basics. You can always move on from there.
Read more about How long it takes to learn Tai Chi here

7: Hang on! I still have a few Questions!

Well, if you would like try out an exercise now, and I understand you have been reading a while and you will want to start moving - so look at balance, walking or breathing in the Basics Section.
Or, if you have already followed all the links above, there are plenty more articles to read over at the best articles section
Want to read about the best Books on Tai Chi?
But that's yet more reading. Why not instead take a look at the courses, music, audio and other Tai Chi things over at the store. There's even some free stuff for you to download.

8: Why Should I listen to You?

Good question. Words are just words. We need to move to make them come alive. So always challenge the opinions of those offering advice. Especially if that person is burning incense, and is chanting at the same time. I'm just one voice amongst many that are trying to apply the ancient practice to modern times. I have learnt a few things, teaching these past 25 years, but like you, I'm still learning. One lesson that stays with me every day, is that all the knowledge in the world will only ever accumulate in a stagnant pond, unless we learn to move with it. Join me in the struggle for a stagnant free world.