Tai Chi
Do you teach the health or the martial art version of Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is the modern, English name for the martial art, taijiquan. When you are learning Tai Chi, whether to improve your health or for any other reason, you are learning a martial art. There is no seperation between the two: to remove the martial aspect of Tai Chi is to remove part of its very essence. The martial applications of the forms guide us in understanding why we move in certain ways and patterns. However, like many other forms of exercise, practicing Tai Chi is proven to have great health benefits. Therefore, any Tai Chi you learn and practice will be for your health, whether you chose to focus on the martial aspects or not.
There are schools claiming that they teach Tai Chi only for health reasons and do not teach or have removed the martial aspect: these schools are not teaching Tai Chi, but rather a form of exercise based on Tai Chi. These are sometimes referred to as “Western” Tai Chi, however it would be more accurate to refer to them as either Qigong exercises (at best) or just light exercise programs.
Can I do Tai Chi while sitting down?
Proper execution of Tai Chi forms require the use of the lower body, therefore Tai Chi cannot truly be performed while sitting down. However, many Qigong exercises, however, can be performed while sitting down. If you have an impairment which limits your ability to stand, we recommend trying Qigong in place of Tai Chi, and look into our Corporate and Community Qigong Programs.
Which forms do you teach?
New students are introduced to Tai Chi and Qigong through learning the Beijing 24 Forms and Lotus Qigong set. At higher levels students currently have the opportunity to learn the Yang 40 Forms and Ba Duan Jin Qigong set. Additional forms, including other Tai Chi unarmed and weapons forms and Qigong sets, are planned for the future however not offered at this time.
Do you teach Pushing Hands?
Tai Chi pushing hands (tuishou) is an advanced technique and requires a solid foundation of Tai Chi principles, forms and techniques. At this time we are not teaching tuishou, however have plans to offer this to Advanced students in the future.
Does Tai Chi have a religious/spiritual component?
Tai Chi theory has roots in Taoism as a philosophy (the original form of Taosim), not a religion (which developed from the philosophy). Tai Chi does not align with or attribute itself to any religion, nor is it a form of religion in itself. Tai Chi is sometimes referred to as a “scholar’s art”, meaning to gain the most benefit, one should think about the lessons from their Tai Chi practice beyond just the movements; some might describe this is being the intellectual or spiritual component of Tai Chi, however from a philosophical standpoint, not a religious one.
Classes
How long does each term go for?
All terms run for 10 weeks and there are 4 terms per year.
Do I have to start in the first term of the year?
No. New students can start at the commencement of any term during the year.
Can I start if the term has already started?
Generally we do not recommend commencing classes once a term has proceeded past the second week of term, and advise that new students commence at the start of the next term. Exceptions can be considered based on the student’s experience and other considerations. Please contact us for more information.
Can I try a class for free?
We offer a number of ‘Come N Try Tai Chi’ sessions throughout the year at various locations which are open to anyone to come along to at no cost.
Can I pay for classes as I attend?
At this time there is no ability to pay classes as you attend. If you do not believe you can commit to the 10-week term, we offer private lessons which can be purchased in individual sessions.
If I miss a class, do I get an extra class?
If you cannot attend your regular class, you are able to make up that class by attending a class any of our other locations in place of that class. This cannot exceed the 10 classes within a given term, nor can it be extended from the current term into a future term (ie: if you miss a class in Term 1, you cannot get an extra class in Term 2).
Do I have to wear shoes?
Some form of comfortable, light footwear with a closed heel is required for classes. Students are unable to participate in class in only socks for safety reasons. Outside of classes you can perform your Tai Chi however your wish, and many people choose to practice barefoot; this is not permitted in classes for hygiene reasons.