Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any special clothing for Tai Chi?
No, as long as clothes allow freedom of movement and shoes allow easy balance. Socks on slippery floor are not advisable. Please avoid, Flipflops and Crocks and (obviously) high heels..

I have not done Tai Chi before; will the class be too advanced for me?
All classes are open to all. Some classes tend more toward beginners and are outlined on the Leisure Centre Class Schedule web-site page.

I am concerned that exercise will be too strenuous for me?
Tai Chi is gentle by nature.

Will Tai Chi give instant results?
Tai Chi involves the learning of skills. In particular, these involve coordination of movements. This does take time and practice. Benefits will be immediate, but also accrue as Tai Chi skills improve.

I have heard that Tai Chi is a Martial Art, is this true.
Yes it is true, but our main focus is on gaining health and fitness value from the gentle exercise aspect of Tai Chi. I am able to teach students the Martial aspects of Tai Chi, if interested, provided the student is willing to take part in vigorous, strenuous, contact, combat, routines.

My doctor has said that I need to get more exercise. Is Tai Chi a good choice?
It is most important to do Aerobic exercise, for 30 minutes, 5 days a week, i.e., the heart rate is raised – similar to a brisk walk, jog, brisk cycling, etc. Tai Chi practiced gently may not achieve this, but Tai chi practiced more vigorously will do so. Gentle Tai Chi should be supplemented with another type of Aerobic exercise. An excellent way of increasing the exercise value of your Tai Chi class is to take a brisk walk to and from class.

Will Tai Chi be an expensive hobby?
In a lifetime of Tai Chi, you really do not need to spend any more than your regular class fee.

If I begin Tai Chi and wish to continue, will opportunities be available?
I cannot promise to keep things going. I will do my best, but so many things can impact that I may have no or little control over.

What types of Tai Chi do you teach?
I teach standard Forms, that were created at various points from the 1950s onward, by Tai Chi experts, working under the auspies of the China National Sports Council, and since popularised. These are Yang Style; 24 and 88. And Mixed Forms, 48 and 42, and 2 Person Form, containing; mainly Yang Style but also elements of Chen, Wu and Sun. I have been practicing these Forms for over 20 years now and teaching since 2005. Routine classes are practicing Yang Style Long Form (88). Beginners start on Long Form but it is not necessary to know the complete Long Form to benefit; Learners can practice the number of movements they know, opening at the beginning and closing at the end.

I do not feel that I am learning the movements quickly enough and am anxious to complete the Form?
It is a common mistake to focus on clocking up movements and "completing" the Form. A deeper understanding of Tai Chi fosters concentration on doing a few movements really well and relaxation and enjoyment of practice.
Lao Tzu puts it better: " A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving."

Is it neccesary to do a warm up routine before practicing Tai Chi?
Yes, if practicing a vigorous routine, but if practicing Tai Chi gently, with a high stance and short steps, it is not neccesary. After practicing Tai Chi gently for a while, one can sink lower and take longer steps if so wished.