FAQs

Classes are informal and friendly, so you can feel comfortable if you're coming along on your own and then make new friends as you practice. Here's some more information that may be useful before your first class:

What do I wear?
There's no formal uniform for tai chi, just wear something comfortable that gives you space to move freely. Plimsolls or soft shoes with a flat sole are best in class. You can buy special Tai Chi training shoes from me if you prefer, once you get started.

What happens in class?
We start with some gentle warm up movements to get the joints mobile. Then we move on to practice set sequences - called 'tai chi form'. In the Tai Chi for health classes these movements are fluid, graceful and relaxed. In the Tai Chi self-defence they are stronger, faster and more demanding.

What are the benefits of practicing Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is a holistic system designed to stimulate and soothe all the muscles and organs of the body, and the mind too, incorporating the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (which acupuncture uses too). 
It is actually very difficult to describe in words alone all the many benefits that can be gained.
Tai Chi uses the same principals that are found in nature and the universe. It is quite simply the very best way to exercise all three major aspects of who we really are as human beings ie Body Mind Spirit in one complete system that is unique in containing three areas of attainment for humans, that is the ability to look after our own health, the ability to defend ourselves from being harmed by others and the ability to help to heal others. Tai Chi is the only system that has all of this contained within the one system.  

What is the best age to start Tai Chi?
Now!
I encourage everyone in my classes to practice at there own comfort level. Most people in China who start practicing Tai Chi for the first time are often over the age of 50. But if you think Tai Chi is just for old people then you would be very wrong, Tai Chi has something to challenge anyone! 

Do I need to be fit to do Tai Chi?
No. During class I encourage you to practice at your own comfortable level. It's fine to take a short break and rejoin the practice, or to make smaller, easier movements. Your flexibility and strength will gradually build as you practice. Generally Tai Chi is beneficial for everyone, though of course, if you have any concerns about your health, please check with your doctor first.

Do I need any special equipment?
No. The beauty of Tai Chi is that you can practice it anywhere and at any time you like.

What is Tai Chi, Taijiquan, and T'ai Chi Ch'uan?
The Chinese use a different set of characters to us, so we use an approximation of the sound (like a phonetic spelling) from our own alphabet. These are all the same practice of Tai Chi and mean the same thing.

Is Tai Chi a healing art or a martial art?
Both. It depends on how you practice - the Tai Chi for health classes are specifically designed to work to produce all the health benefits of Tai Chi, unblocking and releasing your own internal healing energy in a comfortable, relaxed way, without any martial arts practice.
The Tai Chi self-defence class uses an emphasis on self defence and combat training. We do not practice the usual martial arts sparring with boxing gloves etc. We practice only real world serious self-defence. There are various training methods and forms including weapons. 

How long will it take me to learn Tai Chi?
You can often begin to feel the benefits of practicing Tai Chi during your first class - a sense of calm wellbeing perhaps, or better balance. While you may learn all the movements in a Tai Chi form with regular practice in a relatively short time, the mastery of Tai Chi itself is an ongoing experience. Each time you practice you may discover something new - a different sensation, a change in breathing, a deeper awareness. Enjoy your journey!