How to
begin TaiChi – Sorting the Wheat from the Chaff!
Most Beginners TaiChi may not look pretty; it takes
much dedication and perseverance to reach a high level in the art. Most of us
have often seen that the of images of TaiChi play on television or in the
media, the soft gentle flowing movements practiced by its participants may have
resonated within your sub conscious; giving the look and feel that the practitioner
is in complete harmony with nature and their surroundings. Each movement gently
flowing onto the next, with no discerning pause in between, this can have an
almost hypnotic feel to the spectator.
I would like to give TaiChi a try!
You may have seen the wonderful movements of TaiChi
being practiced and would like to begin your TaiChi journey but do not know
what to do next.
Where do I Begin TaiChi?
You have come to the conclusion that you would like
to try TaiChi but do not know where to find a suitable class for beginners
TaiChi.
Local newspapers
Local newspapers are a brilliant source of
information about events that are going on locally to you. Scan through your
local newspapers and see if you can find an advertisement for a beginners class
advertised. This would be a brilliant way to find out whether you like Tai Chi
and get on with the teacher. Please ask the teacher whether you can try out a
lesson, to see if it is for you. No descent teacher should mind if you have a
go for one lesson for free.
If you cannot locate a beginner’s TaiChi class in
your local paper, there are normally classes advertised most weeks in the
paper. Again ask if you can try out for one lesson for free, to see whether it
is for you.
Local directories
Another source of local information is directories
such as Thompson or Yellow pages.
The internet
The internet is a fantastic media source; look
through it carefully there are normally lots of classes and associations
advertised on the internet.
Word of mouth
Ask friends, colleagues or family if they know of a
good TaiChi class advertised locally. It is surprising when you talk to people
that you may find out that they are actually doing tai Chi or know a good local
class.
Notice boards or window advertisements
Start to read local notice boards or window
advertisements as they can be a good source of information for what is going on
locally.
I have found a class and would like to begin Tai
Chi
It is always a very good idea to try at least 3
different classes before you begin training properly under one teacher.
Classes can vary so much, so it is a sensible idea
to try a few teachers first, making a list of the pros and cons before you
decide on a regular class.
What do I need to know before I begin my first
lesson?
Joining a new class can be a big commitment, so it
is a sensible idea to check out the teachers credentials. You will have to feel
confident in your relationship with the teacher as you could be training for
many years together.
Ask about lineage
In TaiChi one of the most important questions to
ask the teacher about is their lineage; No authentic teacher should mind you
asking this question. This will give you important information about who the
teacher has trained under, and if they are training in an authentic style;
which can trace its origins back to the founders of the system or style,
usually originating from the east in countries like China.
Choose a well known style
It is vitally important that you choose a well
known style of TaiChi such as Yang, Chen, Wu or Sun style etc.
If you move area, change classes or teacher you
should have no problem finding a new teacher for your style, as styles or
systems can vary so much.
Look around the class
Speak to the other students within the class as
they are another source of useful information. See if they are happy and look
at how the teacher passes on his knowledge on to them.
Teacher CPD
- Does your teacher continue to learn and train under more senior teachers within their art?
- Is your teacher choosing to practice what they preach and do continual professional development, to improve their Tai Chi and teaching methods?
If your chosen teacher is continuing to learn and
practice under their teacher or teachers this is usually a good sign that you
are in a good authentic class. If your teacher does not continue to learn this
can be extremely de-motivating for the students, and would normally indicate
that unless they are a complete master, in which case the class is not an
authentic one or that the teacher is a very poor one.
Syllabus
Ask your teacher about their teaching syllabus as
in an authentic class the syllabus is huge and takes many, many years, to learn
in full. In a lot of cases the full syllabus is only taught to the inner students
(most senior students), but this should not deter your progress within the art.
Do not rush
When you begin TaiChi observe your teacher very
closely and listen to what they tell you. Do not compare your progress to that
of others as this can also hinder your progress.
Does the class meet on more than one day a week?
Ask your TaiChi teacher if they run other classes,
as you progress you may decide to increase your lessons. If your teacher only
runs one class a week this may hinder your future progress.
Enjoy your Tai Chi
There are numerous other questions that have not
been covered in this short article, but when you begin TaiChi it is important
that you enjoy your future learning.
Good luck!
Gary Webb MChS Podiatrist
Mind, Body and Spirit Coach
