Learn Tai Chi with the teaptomonk: Courses. Articles, Videos, books and More
  • START HERE
  • BEGINNERS TAI CHI FAQ
  • BEST BOOKS ON TAICHI
  • TAI CHI COURSES
    • COMPLETE TAI CHI COURSE
    • The 37 Step Short Form
    • LEARN TAI CHI SWORD
  • BEST ARTICLES
  • LIBRARY
  • ABOUT
  • START HERE
  • BEGINNERS TAI CHI FAQ
  • BEST BOOKS ON TAICHI
  • TAI CHI COURSES
    • COMPLETE TAI CHI COURSE
    • The 37 Step Short Form
    • LEARN TAI CHI SWORD
  • BEST ARTICLES
  • LIBRARY
  • ABOUT
Search

TAI CHI FAQ - 8 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Cover for free PDF Beginners Tai Chi
FREE Download Tai Chi for Beginners PDF

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.
Download the Free Beginners Guide for exercises to do at home or READ MORE links for extra info with a subtle teapot flavour

1: What is Tai Chi?

WHAT IS TAI CHI ARTICLE LINKWhat 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)
Cover for free PDF Beginners Tai Chi
FREE Download Tai Chi for Beginners PDF

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?

LEARN TAI CHI FROM A BOOK OR VIDEOLearning 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
  • Or Download this free PDF on Tai Chi Exercises


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. Such as this Beginners Guide. 
  • 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. 
Cover for free PDF Beginners Tai Chi
FREE Download Tai Chi for Beginners PDF

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 accumulate in a stagnant pond, unless we learn to move with it. Join me in the struggle for a stagnant free world.
Paul Read the teapotmonk
“My imagination is a monastery, and I am its monk” John Keats
Thanks for visiting. Take a look at the best Tai Chi  articles, introductory courses and complete courses, books and music videos. If you have a question, or looking for private classes, affiliate links, drop me a line here. or subscribe for some great Tai Chi stuff delivered to your inbox. ​​
Tai Chi For Beginners: Top 10 Questions
 What is Tai Chi?   Cheng Man-ch'ing and Tai Chi
The Best Articles on Tai Chi  - or Recent Articles
Tai Chi Books by Paul Read or Top 10 Books on Tai Chi 
Tai Chi Music 1 and the Best Video Music Tracks 2 
Gifts for The Tai Chi Person in Your Life
  • START HERE
  • BEGINNERS TAI CHI FAQ
  • BEST BOOKS ON TAICHI
  • TAI CHI COURSES
    • COMPLETE TAI CHI COURSE
    • The 37 Step Short Form
    • LEARN TAI CHI SWORD
  • BEST ARTICLES
  • LIBRARY
  • ABOUT