FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Tai Chi?

It is a series of slow, graceful movements organised into a set pattern. In China, one sees people of all ages flocking to the parks in the early mornings to do their Tai Chi routine. Originally it was a martial art, but once its' tremendous health benefits were discovered, many people started practicing it simply as a health exercise.

What does the term 'Tai Chi' mean?

Literally translated, it means 'Grand Ultimate' - the harmonious state in which all opposites are evenly balanced out. The most well-known representation of Tai Chi is the Yin Yang symbol. This name is adequately applied to the art of Tai Chi Chuan as it is a physical representation of this concept. Thus, in Tai Chi, we have softness within hardness, hardness within softness; movement within stillness, stillness within movement.

What is the difference between T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Tai Chi and Taijiquan?

None. They are different spellings and shortened versions of the same term (taijiquan is the modern pinyin spelling and tai-chi is sometimes seen too).

Do you have to be fit to start doing Tai Chi?

No, in fact many of the Tai Chi movements can even be adapted to wheelchair users, although some individual attention is required. Do however check with your doctor if you are in any doubt before starting any program of physical exercise. Also let your instructor know of any disability you may have that may restrict your ability to perform certain movements.

What do you wear for Tai Chi?

Comfortable loose-fitting clothes are usually worn (tracksuit pants & a T-shirt will do fine). It is customary to wear long pants instead of shorts. The right shoes can also make a big difference to your training - shoes with a thin sole are best. In fact, it would be better to train in slippers than in sneakers! However, to start off with, just come in your most comfortable clothes.

Are all Tai Chi styles the same?

No. There are 5 major styles, Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun and Wu Hao. Even within a style, the exact movements have changed from generation to generation. Some variations are more suited to particular body types, or even personalities. However, all styles share common movements that appear similar, such as ward off, single whip, repulse monkey, etc. If you take two styles and cannot see the similarities, at least one of them is not authentic Tai Chi.

Is it any better than other forms of exercise?

Tai Chi can be much more beneficial than many other exercises, mainly because body alignment and motion works with the body and not against it. You can not get "worn out" doing Tai Chi. In fact, the movements relax the cardiovascular system while giving it exercise. Stress is placed on the muscles (which get stronger) instead of the joints (which wear out).

What is Chi Kung?

Chi Kung, often described as energetics by Oriental Medical Doctors, translates as "breath" (Chi) "practice" (Kung, as in Kung Fu, which means excellence through long-term practice). Chi Kung is to China what Yoga is to India. Breath is understood as a whole-body experience, which creates and influences balance (of the organs and the whole body itself), focus, strength, and awareness. There are countless forms and exercises, some sitting, some standing. The best-historically known sets of exercises are Five Animals Play, and 8 Pieces of Brocade.

I am a Christian, will Tai Chi interfere with my religious beliefs?

Absolutely not. Tai Chi is essentially non-religious in nature. It is practiced all over the world by people of every race and religion. There are even church groups (and a Jesuit Monastery!) who present Tai Chi classes. You are not required to accept any ideology or engage in any religious type of activity to practice Tai Chi and enjoy its wonderful health benefits. In fact, there are Christians (and people from other religions) who find that the principles learnt in Tai Chi, help them to understand their own faith better.

What if I feel uncomfortable about participating in certain exercises in class?

Tai Chi is a path of personal development. Thus, there is no pressure to conform in class - if you feel uncomfortable doing anything, you have the right to sit out that exercise.

I have done no exercise for many years, is it safe for me to do Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is one of the safest forms of exercise - it is even prescribed for heart patients in America. However, having said that, the responsibility lies upon each individual to check with his health care practitioner before engaging in any new exercise.

My co-ordination is terrible - I don't think I'll be able to learn to do the movements?

In the beginning most people struggle with the movements of the Tai Chi form - our brains have to learn again how to properly control their bodies. This is a very common phenomenon, in our modern technological society, where almost all our activity is purely mental - reintegrating body and mind through Tai Chi is one of the best ways to restore our proper human functioning. If one persists, however, at some point something just 'clicks' and things become much easier from then on.

I am in my twenties, and am interested in Tai Chi, but it seems as if it is only for old or sick people, is that true?

Not at all. Each person determines how much of a workout he gets from his Tai Chi class. We teach a class to young dance students, who despite being very fit, have worked up quite a sweat by the end of the class.

It's very easy to make unsubstantiated claims about the supposed health benefits of Tai Chi - is there any hard proof for these claims?

Yes - You can just search the internet for independent opinions and proof of detailed medical research and studies conducted. Indeed, it is wise to be sceptical about unsubstantiated claims - however Tai Chi's health benefits are well researched and accepted as fact by the larger medical community.