Tai Chi Chuan FAQ

How should I begin Tai Chi Chuan practice?

First, you must seek a well trained and knowledgeable Tai Chi Chuan instructor; not necessarily a "famous" instructor.

Second, learn all of the postures, beginning with one posture as a time. Learn how the hands and feet move in each posture and how they coordinate with the body's weight.

Third, after you have learned all of the postures, begin to refine them. Work on making the postures smooth, rounded, well balanced, and coordinate them with the three human treasures: mind, power and spirit.

After you have completed this third level, you are considered as having achieved the beginning stages of Tai Chi Chuan training.

Is Tai Chi Chuan only for old people?

Originally, Tai Chi Chuan was famous as a martial art, and was not for old, sick or weak people. However, as a result of its characteristics (i.e., slow, relax, concentrate, balance and lightness), Tai Chi Chuan became known for its value as a preventive therapy. For that, many older people practice it in the early morning in the parks, as is commonly seen in China. This gives people the impression that Tai Chi Chuan is only for old people. However, as a result of its flexibility in practice, Tai Chi Chuan can be of benefit for the young, old, sick, weak and strong people. The martial art value of Tai Chi Chuan requires that one has strong legs, good body condition, and unity of mind, energy and spirit. To achieve these requirements, one must engage in the complex and difficult training of Tai Chi Chuan.

What should the beginning student concentrate on?

Following is a list of the major things that one must pay attention to at all times, especially when one first learns the solo form.

• Correct posture: One must master the body, hands, and standing postures.
  
  
• Circular motion: One must keep in mind that there are both small and large circular motions in every movement of Tai Chi Chuan.
  
  
• Lightness: One must be light in every movement, especially stepping of the feet, shifting of the body's weight, and pushing of the hands forward.
  
  
• Slowness: One must be slow in all movements in order to have control and concentration.
  
  
• Even: One must be sure to execute all movements at the same speed and keep their knees bent at the same height at all times.
  
  
• Balance: One must move the hands evenly throughout the solo form. In addition, the body's weight must be on one foot before stepping with the other foot.

How do you determine correct posture?

Outwardly, a posture is correct when it looks natural and comfortable. Inwardly, a posture is correct when one feels the energy coming from the feet to the hands. In order to have a correct posture, one should begin with the outward appearance. Following is a check list for this appearance:

• Lower the elbows and relax the shoulders
  
  
• Bend the knees to line up with the shoulders
  
  
• Do not over extend the hands
  
  
• Keep the head upright and the eyes looking straight forward
  
  

Why I am not able to remember the solo form?

If you are having trouble remembering the sequence of postures, you are not alone. This happens to everyone at some time. The best method of remembering the postures is frequent practice and learning one posture at a time. Break-down the movements into how the hands and feet move and how the body's weight controls balance before moving onto another posture. In this way, you will truly understand every posture and will then not forget them as a whole.

Why do the legs hurt at the beginning?

When one practices Tai Chi Chuan the knees are always bent, the movements executed slowly, and the body's weight supported by one leg at a time. These requirements put greater stress on the legs, thus making them painful for a time. However, after one has practiced the art for a period of time, leg strength will build and one will not have this problem again as the legs are stronger and thus able to support the body's weight. With this comes a better understand of the concept of full and empty.

How to improve my skill?

To become good in Tai Chi Chuan, one must follow the rules at all times, practicing all of the movements naturally and comfortably. If this is not done, then Tai Chi Chuan will be of no benefit to the body.

In time, everything will come naturally. After one has learned the movements, one should begin to study and understand some of the concepts that underlies this art.

To become skillful in Tai Chi Chuan, there is but one word: practice. It is said that after one practices the solo form thousands time, its principles will begin to appear. The following is a list of the four things one needs to follow in order to become good at Tai Chi Chuan:

• More thinking: Use the head to find out why the movements move the way they do.
  
  
• Ask more: Asked all the questions you may have at your instructor(s).
  
  
• See more: Spend more time observing how other people practice and take what is good.
  
  
• Practice more: The true way to learn is by actually practicing and not just standing around and talking about practicing.

Can Tai Chi be good for Arthritis & Rheumatism?

Yes, the results of doing Tai chi truly have benefits the joints in the body.

In Chinese medicine, conditions like Arthritis & Rheumatism are considered the result of stagnation (Toxicity) or poor circulation.

Tai Chi will improve your circulation as well as strengthening and expand the range of movement of the joints, especially in the hips and ankles.

I have Bad Back problems and I use a cane to walk.
Can Tai Chi help me?

Yes, Bad Back Problems are a true example of what Practice of Tai Chi can Cure and improve you motion mobility.

Tai Chi will help to align your back and relax the muscles within the movement of the form which becomes a powerful therapeutic tool and will enable you to walk freely,

We have a few students in our school which have already recovered from back problems and are now walking freely..

I Have High Blood Pressure and High Hypertension.
Can Tai Chi Help me?

Yes, Today Western Doctors all agree the Tai Chi helps to lower High Blood Pressure and High Hypertension in the body.

Tai Chi will help with blood circulation and is designed to be a non-stressful use of physical movement (Low impact) in order facilitate organ health (Heart, Liver, Lungs, Spleen and Kidneys) which are all intention of Tai Chi Practice as an “Internal Healing Art”.

We have several Medical doctors in our Tai Chi classes today which tell their patience to study Tai Chi at our Academy.

I Suffer from Stress from my job and home (children).
Can Tai Chi Help me?

Yes, Tai Chi practice will truly relieve your daily stress.

Tai Chi might well be considered the World’s oldest stress reduction program.

Anxiety, Worry, Fear and a host of negative mental state of mind can cause serious physical symptoms including blood pressure, accumulated tension in the muscles and joints which can lead to arthritis and even heart attacks.

Practicing Tai Chi will relax the muscles tensions; improve posture and deepening of the breathing process to affect you in a positive state of mind and emotions.