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TAI CHI F.A.Q FOR BEGINNERS

: THE TOP 10 QUESTIONS 

Before signing up to a Tai Chi Class, find out which sort of class is right for you with this essential list of the 10 most important points for Tai Chi Beginners. Prefer to have a copy to keep? No problem download the extended version for free here.
In this useful FAQ: What is the difference between the main Tai Chi styles? How long will it take to learn all of this and what are the best training methods?  Will you need to learn Qi Gong? How about sparring? Tai Chi Weapons? Philosophy and Taoism?

1. Are all Tai Chi classes the same?

Tai Chi Beginners - Are All Tai Chi Classes the same?
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 ;) Welcome to the teapotmonk's Beginners Guide to 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 and a scathing "If you must!", then back out and keep looking for a better class)
Further Information
  • Do you like the Q&A format here? Maybe a book on Tai Chi in this format is what you ware looking for? Take a look at: This is Tai Chi: 50 Questions and answers book on any online book store or from the author as part of the special bundle here.

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) 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.  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?
Further Information:

4. 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)
Further Information:

5. 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?
Further Information:
Do remember, whatever your teacher says you should do, always discuss adapting a move if it makes more sense to you. If you cannot kick high, then kick low. If you cannot stand on one leg, keep one foot on the floor (In my experience this is better that than falling over).

6. 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. This has nothing to do whatsoever with 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 that support the practice - 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. 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 book or check out these 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 in our communities and across the planet too. 
What does this mean for a Beginner?
Popular ideas such as Yin, Yang and Wu Weil 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?
  • Why am I expected to wear my pyjamas in class?
Further Information:

7. 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, probably because they weren’t taught it - or at best they will demonstrate a couple of strikes seen in an Ip Man film and claim that they can’t teach the rest as it’s ’too dangerous'. Cock an eyebrow at such claims. Either accept it and enjoy what you are being taught or go find another class. 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.
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; and to defend yourself against invisible ninjas on supermarket shelves, in contaminated cities and in the corrupt practices of politicians. To read about learning these skills - check out the Manual of Bean Curd Boxing (see book list) or train yourself in the Complete Tai Chi Course.
  • ​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).

Books that I recommend:

8. Do all Tai Chi schools teach Weapons?

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 ego or 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?
Further Information:

9. How long will it take me 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
Unless your teacher has trained exclusively through attending a crash course over 3 weekends (unfortunately, there are teachers that have done just this), most will tell you that it takes a lifetime to learn Tai Chi. Do not be dismayed at this response. It is, not to be taken literally, for in many ways, it 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 know, and become disillusioned. This is the all important moment not to give up, but to stay with it, as in time you will discover more levels, more depth and a greater richness will come back to reward you again and again. This is the process we all follow to learn anything of substance and of value. 
​Initially you will focus on the technical skills: the harmony of movement, the balance and coordination, the poise and elegance of motion. Later you will work on self-knowledge, develop an understanding and familiarity with stillness, recognise patterns in behaviour, in the patterns of nature and learn to move in rhythm with these forces.
And everything 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. The choice is always ours.
​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?
​​Further Information:​

10. Will I have to learn to meditate, wear a silk uniform and believe in energy force fields?

Tai Chi Beginners - Will I have to learn to meditate or believe in energy fields to learn tai chi?
No. Of course, you may do any or all of these if that is what interests you, but it will not necessarily have any positive effect on your Tai Chi skills. 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 benefits in many areas - is not a necessary part of Tai Chi training. Focus, concentration, awareness of breath and body are all part of learning and practising the Tai Chi Form and the accompanying exercises.
Further Information:

Bonus Question: Is it better to learn Tai Chi locally or online?

Tai Chi Beginners - Is it better to learn tai chi in a local class or online?
COVID UPDATE: Restrictions on social gatherings has meant many teachers that traditionally rejected online teaching, have now welcomed the technology and learning possibilities.  Hopefully, you will now find an even greater choice than before for home and self study.

As I have said many times before, the most important task 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 connect with.
Whether they operate nearby in your town or by offering classes online, it doesn't matter, just make sure you have that connection. Styles, uniforms, prices, lineage, agendas and curriculum are all of interest but not the most important factor. Now, many will argue that this is not the case and that local classes are the only genuine way to learn. They will say that online classes are perhaps of interest, but not for the serious student.  If you hear these arguments, make up your own mind. Try a class locally and try one online. And make sure you read this article on online learning first. 

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.

Good luck.
Further Information:
  • Get the FREE PDF of this article in greater detail with 50 pages of Tai Chi Info here
  • Discover the arguments for Learning Online here 
  • Join the Tai Chi Academy. It's free to do so and you'll fresh content each month plus a 7 Day Introductory course.  

SO WHAT SHOULD BE MY FIRST STEP IN LEARNING TAI CHI?

Start practising a few simple steps on Balance, Walking and Breathing. All 3 are covered in this basic introductory course that you can get for free here. But hey, no pressure, you should train the way you prefer. Want to sort through the files yourself? No problem. Check out the links below. You can always come over and explore the training academy when you wish.
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.