Beginning tai chi - what to expect

The main focus of the first few weeks training will be learning the Wudang Short Hand Form. A form is a sequence of choreographed martial techniques performed in a slow and relaxed manner, and is what most people think of when they think of tai chi. The Wudang short form takes about four minutes to perform.

Here's a clip of me and a bunch of my tai chi brothers and sisters doing the form...




Two caveats are in order.

First off, the 10 week introductory course will not give us time to learn the whole form. How far each student will get will mostly depend on how much they choose to practice outside of class. I know many of my colleagues from work will have (more than most!) the attitude of wanting to progress quickly, but putting down a good foundation takes alot of repetition, and it's best to be patient and take the appropriate time.

Secondly, at the very start we will be practicing the form "square", where the techniques are broken down to give a more easily learned 'alphabet' of moves, and which gives more time to focus on the postures and stances.

Here's one of my tai chi brothers (Stuart Garth, now in South Carolina) performing the first moves from the square form...





As well as form, we will be working on some partner exercises, known collectively as pushing hands. These provide a more concentrated method of working on some tai chi body mechanics, and help us develop sensitivity, softness and relaxation when in contact with another human being.

Apart from a few supplementary exercises, and possibly some demonstrations of tai chi applications (for illustrative purposes only!) that covers the syllabus.

No special clothing or equipment is required. It's best to wear flat shoes (or bare or stockinged feet if you prefer) and clothing that permits long steps and, ideally, squatting. In China, though, lots of people do their tai chi in their work clothes. Tight belts, narrow skirts and heels are best avoided!

The atmosphere in the sessions will - hopefully - be relaxed and informal. Questions are welcome - with one exception - although I hope to use Beginning Style to address the more involved questions, and to keep my talking time down in the class.

Two final thoughts...

Tai chi is promoted as an aid to relaxation, and it is certainly an excellent tool in this regard. However, at times the classes may seem to be far from relaxing - there's an awful lot to remember, and some of the exercises can be hard work. It's best to take things at your own pace, and you should feel free to rest as you see fit.

Also, the learning method relies on a great deal of correction - in our environment of 360-degree feedback, I'm hoping this won't be an issue for anybody, but I have seen a few new students who had trouble dealing with this aspect. Best to embrace the beginner's mind, and take your corrections in the spirit in which they are intended.

And what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander - please let me know how you are experiencing the classes. When it comes to teaching, I'm the beginner.