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TAI CHI F.A.Q FOR BEGINNERS

TOP QUESTIONS EVERYONE ASKS 

In his usual irreverent way, the teapotmonk answers the 15 most most important questions about Tai Chi and adds concrete suggestions to delve further into each subject. This updated and extended list includes: What is the difference between the main Tai Chi styles and forms? How many Forms are there? What should I call my teacher? Will Tai chi save me from serious illness and death? How long will it take to learn Tai Chi ? Will I need to learn Qi Gong, sparring or Tai Chi Weapons? Will I need to study Philosophy and Taoism? Read on...

1. ARE ALL TAI CHI CLASSES THE SAME?

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Not really. You see, classes vary according to style, interpretation, duration, and, inevitably, the personal preferences of the teacher. But, remember that whatever anyone tells you about Tai Chi (including me) you will find a 100 other teachers that will say the opposite. But try not to despair, for once you get used to this, you’ll find that the key to discovering the real benefits of Tai Chi - is through reading, watching, talking and visiting different schools and classes yourself. And, of course, by reading this excellent guide ;) One easy way these days is to browse online, check out classes on social media and see if the teacher and the style appeals. Yeah, I know. It means you have to do the work :) Welcome to the teapotmonk's approach to 21st Century Tai Chi. 

A Beginners Question to ask your Teacher

Do you mind if I go and try someone else's class? (If the answer is no, a scowl or a scathing "If you must!", then back out and keep looking for a better class)
Tasty Tapas (free resources) 
For a Few Dollars More 
The Full Fandango
  • Jump in with the only Tai Chi Course not focussing on memorising the moves alone. Find out about the Complete Tai Chi Course and discover another way of learning Tai Chi. 12 Months of weekly sessions sent to your inbox to work on wherever you wish and whenever you wish. All backed up by the Academy for questions, check-ups and more. 

2. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TAI CHI AND TAIJI?

In a word: Spelling. It’s just a pronunciation/spelling preference. If someone starts lecturing you on Wade-Giles and Pinyin transliterations, then take your phone out, pretend you have an incoming call and walk away. You see, people get a bit obsessive about names, which is silly really because if you search google, you'll find Tai Chi spelt as 'tie chi' and 'tie chee' with a frequency that should be worrying for national literacy levels. So let's not put too much emphasis on spelling. What's important is not the words, nor the spelling nor the pronunciation - but the meaning. And that’s what this article on the 10 most important questions for beginners, is all about.

3. WHICH TAI CHI FORM OR STYLE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

As a beginner, you just need to know that the 3 main styles of Tai Chi take their names from the person that is credited with their origin: Chen, Wu and Yang. All other styles are (it is argued) are derivations of one of these. The Chen Style claims (with some good evidence) to be the original Tai Chi style. Of course, no one ever originates, we all borrow and copy. Look at the iPhone - a copy of a number of other products, mashed together in a slightly fresher perspective with a big price tag.  Well, that’s Tai Chi too. Each is a version of the other (only keep this to yourself as instructors tend to get a little touchy on the subject).

What does this mean for a beginner?

Not a lot, but if I were to generalise - and at the risk of reducing the complex web of stylistic differences to a mere handful of words - the Chen style favours speed changes and elements of explosive energy in their forms. They adopt deeper and lower stances and like to teach with a slant on martial application and interpretation.
Yang stylists, and in particular their more recent variations, have largely ironed out the speed changes. They adopt more upright stances, have reduced the martial interpretations to that of gentle curiosity and placed a greater emphasis on health and well being. They have shortened the number of postures in Tai Chi Forms and in turn, these changes have been reflected back in all the styles.  Some. however, refuse to budge on how things were done in the 17th century, leading to lots of  accusations of betrayal and sell-out! These heated arguments are best ignored altogether. My advice is simply watch a series of classes from all styles and then make up your own mind.
A Beginners Question to ask your Teacher
  • Do you teach the martial applications? 
  • Is it ok for me to sit out full-contact tournaments on days my arthritis plays up? 
  • Where can I buy some shin protectors/Incense sticks/prayer beads?​​
Tasty Tapas (free resources) 
For a Few Dollars More 
The Full Fandango
  • Or get the ebook bundled in with the entire short course on the Tai Chi Form here. Take a sneak preview....

4. HOW MANY TAI CHI FORMS ARE THERE?

There are over 200, and they vary in length, flavour and complexity. Each is a variation of the other, amended and altered over time by one student, normally after the death of a teacher. This process continues today, amongst some schools.
Other schools, however, proudly claim that their style remains untouched by time, and is true to its origins of centuries past. This horrifies other styles, that embrace change and adaptability and are seeking for ways to evolve the art. It's all down to what turns you on.
Tasty Tapas (free resources) 
For a Few Dollars More 
The Full Fandango

5. DO ALL TAI CHI SCHOOLS TEACH QIGONG AND ENERGY BREATHING?

Tai Chi Beginners - Do all tai chi schools teach qi gong?
​Most Tai Chi schools teach some form of energy breathing or Qigong (Chi Gung) as part of their Tai Chi curriculum. Partly because energy work and breathing techniques have always been part of the general Tai Chi training - as they are in most martial arts - and partly because they’d rather you didn’t leave their class and go and join a Qigong School.
All this begs the question: What is Qi and does it really exist outside the imagination and good wishes of the practitioner?
 This question, like many in the martial arts, is hotly debated between those that claim it is all a fantasy and a selling point for the gullible, to those that say Chinese research, and increasingly medical research in the west, is detecting something that quantum physics has hinted at for some time. Namely, that we are all particles of energy, vibrating away to our own rhythm as star dust en route to other worlds.
Whatever the truth - the idea that we are more than just a collection of physical cells can help us to go beyond our limits and explore what we may be capable of. This concept of qi - or energy can help us focus and bring into play the power and unity of action that only our imagination is capable. So, rest assured, you don’t have to believe in some of these substances for them still to be useful in your training. It’s ok to be skeptical, it won't affect your progress. But, applying your mind, opening your heart and head, may just give you the boost you are looking for.
​A Beginners Question to ask your Teacher
  • Can you demonstrate throwing someone across the room with just a twitch of your eyebrow or a wiggle of your tonsil? (If the answer is yes, get out your phone and video it. This could be your chance to go viral)​
Tasty Tapas (free resources) 
For a Few Dollars More 
  • Build your energy levels and deepen your breathing in this concise Short Course on Energy Breathing. ​

6. DO ALL TAI CHI SCHOOLS TEACH BALANCE, POSTURE, COORDINATION AND MOVEMENT?

Tai Chi Beginners - Do all Tai Chi Schools teach balance, posture and coordination?
Though Tai chi Forms may vary, most schools will offer training in movement, posture, coordination and balance. Some offer this as part of learning the Tai Chi form (see Form) others will engage in specific exercises for each skill-set. (Try out balance exercise here or walking here)
Although the basic rules of movement and body mechanics are written in, what is called the Tai Chi Classics, this has done little to stop styles interpreting them willy-nilly in order to carry on arguing amongst themselves. In their defence, these guidelines are a little vague, so it should not be a surprise that instructors all over the world interpret them as they think fit. Which pretty much renders them useless other than as an object of mild curiosity. 
​A Beginners Question to ask your Teacher
  • ​Can you quote the Tai Chi Classics by heart? (If so, smile and and back away in the first break, as they might go on for some time). 
  • Will I be expected to stand on one leg for very long periods of time? If so, how long?
  • Am I expected to learn to walk like a cat? Will I have to use a cat tray or are there public conveniences near by?
Tasty Tapas (free resources) 
For a Few Dollars More 
The Full Fandango
  • Combine posture, coordination, balance and energy work with Tai Chi moves, history and applications in the Complete Course

7. DO ALL TAI CHI SCHOOLS TEACH TAOISM?

Tai Chi Beginners - Do all tai chi schools teach Taoism?
​Within a few weeks of beginning your Tai Chi practice, you’ll inevitably hear the word Taoism banded about. It may manifest itself as ‘The Tao of Pooh' or the 'Tao Te Ching’ but it’s pretty much all the same thing. When someone slips it into a conversation, try and make out you know what they are talking about, because if not, you’ll be subject to a barrage of highly opinionated ideas for the next hour on how to run your life. Best just nod and make a mental note to google it when you get home. The Tao Te Ching is a great book, don't get me wrong, but once more, it is open to all sorts of interpretations. 
It is important to remember that just because the word taoism is associated with Tai Chi, this doesn't mean it's a religion or a strict and dogmatic rule book for living a more spiritual life (though some might want it so). Resist the pressure to start wearing robes, burning incense before alters, tying your hair into a bun on top of your head, chanting or bowing before your teacher 3 times as you enter and leave the training hall. Such practices amount to an antipathy to Taoism.
Taoism is no more than a simple and fresh (despite its ancient origins) outlook on living a life of balance and harmony and underpins the physical moves and patterns of Tai Chi. This means that the roots of Tai Chi - the ideas rather than the expressions - can be traced back to early philosophers rather than a specific village or a specific protagonist.
This also conveniently gets us out of that tricky question as to which style of Tai Chi came first.
Taoism is an elusive and watery system of understanding the world that still attracts many odd people today. Hence it is a rather tasty philosophy - and I say this as someone who studied the dry and dusty tomes of western philosophy. The Tao is best understood through observation, poetry or short humorous stories than formulae and logic. Dip into a book by Chuang Tzu or check out some suggestions in my list of best books. But do take your time and discover for yourself the origins behind why we move, the way we move - not just in Tai Chi, but amongst each other and in our communities, and ultimately across the planet too. 
What does this mean for a Beginner?
Popular ideas such as Yin, Yang and Wu Wei as well as other notions of balance, contradiction, yielding, adaptation and observation, are all concepts that are derived from the philosophy of Taoism.
​A Beginners Question to ask your Teacher
  • Who is that photo of above the doorway, and why does everyone bow to it when they enter?
  • Why am I expected to learn Mandarin - can't you think of a name in English?
  • Why do you say I have to wear a silk suit?
Tasty Tapas (free resources) 
For a Few Dollars More ​
The Full Fandango

8. DO ALL SCHOOLS TEACH TAI CHI AS A MARTIAL ART?

Tai Chi Beginners - Do all tai chi schools teach tai chi as a martial art?
Some schools define Tai Chi as a martial art. They will practice varieties of partner-work that could include exercises like push.hands, self-defence applications and even light sparring (in a pre-covid world). Others will talk about the martial background but never really show you anything. This may be because they know that the whole issue is so subjective and interlaced with nonsense that to try and cast it in a serious light would be near-on impossible without bursting into laughter.
But, having said that, it's most likely that you won't get a meaningful answer  because they weren’t taught the martial applications - or at best they were shown a couple of strikes wrist holds and now claim that they can’t possibly teach applications as they are far too dangerous.
​My advice is to cock an eyebrow at such claims. If you really want to learn to fight, I’d suggest dipping your toe into the world of Mixed Martial Arts, Thai-Boxing or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Much as I like Tai Chi, it doesn't compare to the effectiveness of these other disciplines that are rooted in blows, take-downs and being trained to take hits.
What Tai Chi does do, and I believe it does it much better than any other martial art, is teach you to redefine the protagonists of the 21st century; to train and prepare for the unexpected; to defend yourself against invisible ninjas on supermarket shelves, in contaminated cities and in the corrupt chambers of politicians. To read about learning these skills.
  • ​A Beginners Question to ask your Teacher
  • Will I learn the Delayed Death Touch System? (If you get a positive response, back out slowly-the instructor has been watching too many Kung-fu flicks).
  • Is Bruce Lee alive and well and living with Elvis and Jacko? (If an affirmative response is given, take down a phone number and call for medical help immediately).
Tasty Tapas (free resources) ​​
For a Few Dollars More ​​
The Full Fandango
  • Once more, the Complete Tai Chi Course delves into the subject of applications and looks at how we can redefine our notion of a 21st century enemy. 

9. DO ALL TAI CHI SCHOOLS TEACH SWORD?

Tai Chi Beginners - Do all tai chi schools teach weapons?
You may be forgiven for thinking that if the fighting skills in Tai Chi are of limited use, what then of weapon training? Well, I’d argue that though it is unlikely in the 21st century you will be called upon to wield a sword in the defence of your village against invading barbarians, these Tai Chi weapons have a symbolic and demonstrative value in their practice. First, rest assured that the practice blades are blunt, so it’ll be unlikely that you'll cause any damage to anything other than your self-image. Secondly, swords and other weapons are instruments for delving into further aspects of Tai Chi, enabling us to study the art with a tangible object in hand - an opportunity to interact with the physical world around us and something that reminds us we are part of this planet, and cannot train in isolation or alone, adrift in clouds of good intention.
​A Beginners Question to ask your Teacher
  • Don't ask: When do I get to learn to stab someone?
  • Do ask: If we do not learn to use a weapon, how do we apply such principles to the difficulties we encounter in our daily existence?
Tasty Tapas (free resources) ​​
The Full Fandango
Discover more about the remarkable and unforgettable Sword Course for beginners 

10. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO LEARN TAI CHI?

Tai Chi Beginners - How long will it take me to learn tai chi?Tai Chi is the one practice that teaches us that there are no ends
Most teachers will tell you that it takes a lifetime to learn. Unless of course your teacher "qualified" by attending a 48 hour crash course or enrolled on a 2 month online Start Your Own Tai Chi Empire Business Course (sadly these are more and more common).
​The truth rests somewhere between for learning Tai Chi is not unlike learning a language. At the beginning you acquire a few words and phrases and feel competent and proud of what you have achieved. Pretty soon though, you realise just how little you actually know, and immediately become disillusioned. This is the all important moment not to give up, but to stay with it, for in time you will discover more levels, more depth and a greater richness that will come back to reward you again and again. This is the process we all follow to learn anything of substance and of value. There are no shortcuts, and were there to be one, stay away form it as you will miss out on all the good stuff. 
​Cheng Man-ch'ing (and many traditionally taught Tai Chi folk - like to quote the old masters as saying - "20 years still beginner" but this is nonsense.  You learn useful things from day 1, and continue to do so as long as you practice. This is the same for all of us at whatever level we place ourselves. At the beginning, you do focus more on the technical skills: the harmony of movement, the balance and coordination, the poise and elegance of motion. Later you start to work on self-knowledge, to develop an understanding and familiarity with stillness, to recognise patterns of movement and behaviour so as to align yourselves with those in nature and the rhythm of the forces that surround you.
And once more - it all begins from day one as your awareness of how your body is used, abused and improved becomes clearer. But, unlike, doing a jigsaw or running a marathon, Tai Chi has no final end. It is the one practice that teaches us that there are no ends, no belts, not grading systems, no hierarchy of names and positions - only simple worn paths that we either learn to walk at our own pace, or abandon. It is in the doing that the benefits are acquired.
​A Beginners Question to ask your Teacher
  • Don't ask: When do I get my Black Belt? When can I start teaching my own class? When do I get to call myself a Sifu?​
Tasty Tapas (free resources) ​​​
For a few dollars more
Instead of intellectualising about time, why not get up and shuffle your way through life with this special collection of Taoist dance tracks 
The Full Fandango
Take Your time learning the good stuff. Concentrate on the Tai Chi form with this course or the greater picture here. 

11. WILL I HAVE TO LEARN TO MEDITATE, WEAR A UNIFORM & BELIEVE IN ENERGY FIELDS?

Tai Chi Beginners - Will I have to learn to meditate or believe in energy fields to learn tai chi?
No. Of course not. You may do any or all of these if that is what interests you, no one will stop you, but it will not necessarily have any positive effect on your Tai Chi skills. As for uniforms, well it is true that in other disciplines, such as Karate or Judo uniforms are traditionally worn, but this is not necessarily the case in Tai Chi (thankfully).
Meditation - though a useful practice in itself and one that has parallel benefits - is not a necessary part of Tai Chi training. Some will tell you the opposite, but that is largely down to the fact that it is easier to introduce 30 minutes of watching a wall rather than thinking up some interesting and relevant partner work to do. You can learn focus, concentration, awareness of breath and body in the Tai Chi Form and in the accompanying exercises (that hopefully your teacher is showing you).
Tasty Tapas (free resources) ​​​
For a Few Dollars More
health and tai chi course
Overall health and well-being is not confined to meditation nor the Tai Chi Form. We are often too obsessed by looking for single answers to broad and open questions. If you are looking for a wider perspective and want to try out something about general health care - then use this discount code and grab this £40 health related Tai Chi Course for this bargain price of £9.95 

12. IS IT BETTER TO LEARN TAI CHI IN A LOCAL CLASS OR ONLINE?

Tai Chi Beginners - Is it better to learn tai chi in a local class or online?
As I have said many times before, the answer has little to do with geography, and more to do with communication and resonance: In other words, find a class taught by someone that you want to learn from - someone who you can connect with.
Whether that person operates out of your local church hall,  your local sports centre, supermarket aisle, library, bus station or by offering classes online, it doesn't matter.

Just make sure you have that connection with the teacher. Styles, uniforms, prices, lineage, agendas and curriculum are all of interest but not the most important factor. Many people will argue that this is not the case and that online classes are a waste of time. But then COVID happened and everyone began to jump on board the internet offering a wide range of nonsense. Now, as some countries begin to emerge slowly and tentatively out of the pandemic, there is a rush to return to the old church-hall. Yet not everyone is going back  - some enjoyed the choices and approach of online tuition. You, should make up your own mind. Try a class locally and try one online. 

How will I know if I connect with a class or teacher?

Every one is different, but here are a few things I would look for: 
  • Look for someone still questioning what they do. People (especially teachers) who know all the answers tend to be closed to change and adaptation.
  • Look for debates and discussions rather than lectures.
  • Look for someone using plain English rather than hiding behind the mysticism of Oriental jargon.
  • Look for classes that encourage partner work and interaction, rather than just solo exercises and Forms.
  • Look for someone that when they speak, they embody passion, rather than authority.
  • Most importantly, look for a sense of humour when mistakes are made.​
  • Look for imperfections and errors as these will help you identity with that person and facilitate an open and meaningful relationship.
  • Look for smiles rather than scowls when things go wrong.​
Tasty Tapas (free resources) ​​​

13. IS ONLINE LEARNING JUST ZOOM CLASSES?

ZOOM CLASSES AND TEAPTOMONK
Although many people associate Zoom classes with online courses, teachers have been employing many different internet based tools for well over a decade. Zoom or live sessions are just one offering for online courses, others include 'self-paced' courses where you start and finish according to your own timetable and hybrid versions which offer course material and feedback via forums, webinars, Q&As and video critiques via live sessions or simple messaging.
Then there are other teaching materials that offer customisable training packs - adaptable to each student. These can include: PDF booklets, work-lists, audio guides, gif-learning, silent sessions, overhead or birds-eye perspectives and more that enhance the learning experience and make it much more holistic training.
Tasty Tapas (free resources) ​​​

14. WHAT SHOULD I CALL MY TAI CHI TEACHER?

Some teachers do like to be worshipped. They will insist on being called something unpronounceable that will translate into "aardvark legs", or "hairy eye-brows". They also may ask you to use a Chinese term that will make them feel important and justify having purchased a Chinese silk tunic. 
If this is the case, try using their first name and watch what reaction you get. Say something like: "Hey Bill, did you know you have a wet patch on those glossy silk trousers?"
Of course, if you are living in China and belong to an orthodox and pedantic training school in which it is part of the social fabric to maintain such terms of respect and power, then that's another thing altogether (though still a bit dodgy I have to say). My advice is chuckle at the use of such names, and always attempt to strip away formality when you see it, for it normally conceals a relationship of power that is rarely in your favour. 
Tasty Tapas (free resources) ​​​
For a few Dollars More

15. WILL TAICHI OR QIGONG PROTECT ME FROM DEATH?


Scrolling down my special media timeline these last few months, You'd be forgiven for thinking that qigong alone could protect you from a highly infectious airborne disease that persists in killing off thousands of people each day. 
But exaggeration has always been part of marketing and therefore -  must be taken with a pinch of Tibetan salt. 
To be fair though - any exercise that strengthens the immune system, builds strength in joints and ligaments, develops breathing capacity, increases energy in the body and relaxes your mind at the same time, is probably worth a shot. It's not going to do you harm, it may get your to put down your phone for a while and get your up on your feet - which in itself is quite an achievement this days. 
As for immortality, well there are things you definitely can do to help with the passing of time. One is to slow it down, by living more in the moment. I know, easy to say, difficult to do. But Tai Chi really can help with that. Secondly, it is now known that developing good balance skills can affect life expectancy. Follow the following links to find out more.
Tasty Tapas (free resources) ​​​
The full fandango
  • Develop your balance skills, learn to slow down to almost a stop, and learn to take everything in your stride in the Complete Tai Chi 12 month course with the teapotmonk. 

What one thing should I take from that all that? 

Read around the subject. Talk to people. Try things out for yourself. Make up your own mind after that, as Alan Watts was always keen to say, (and apologies for what has become an internet meme) "become who you are". Because if the internet offers us anything, it is to the chance to rejoice in our diversity. We do need to find ways of learning that resonate with each of us. So - good luck with your search. If I can be of any further help, you'll find me on social media as the teapotmonk or email me here. 
So what should I do?
What? Did you miss all the links I put at the end of each question? They were there for a purpose. go back and read them again! If you can't be bothered, I'd say start practising a few simple steps on Balance and Walking in this basic introductory course that you can get for free here. But hey, no pressure, you should train the way you prefer.
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 are looking for private classes - affiliate links - or anything else, then drop me a line here.