Class Introduction

Welcome to the Tai Chi class. This guide is intended to familiarize you with the class and its teachings. Please read through these rules and reminders and ask questions if necessary.

The most important rule is to be SAFE. Don’t do anything that is uncomfortable or unsafe. While all of the moves in Tai chi are natural and safe, it might take awhile to get use to them. Try to understand the correct way of performing the exercises so that they strengthen rather than hurt the body. All of the exercises can be modified to suit your particular body type and fitness level. If you have pain STOP! Ask for help and make the necessary adjustments. If you get tired, relax, slow down, and come up a bit in your stance. You can always just stand, walk, or even sit if you have to.

The second rule is RELAX and HAVE FUN. It takes awhile to learn Tai Chi and there are students of various skill levels in the class. As a beginner just concentrate on learning the form. To help you learn the form you can download the names of the moves, as well as how to do the moves (Choreography of the Long Form) listed under Notes. You can also purchase a DVD of the form, listed under Products.

We always start class with a bow. This ritual helps to focus the mind. If you arrive late just warm up on your own then bow in and join the class. If you need to leave early, just bow out.

There are several styles of Tai Chi. The style we practice is the Yang style named after the Yang family.

To progress in Tai Chi you need instruction (come to class), practice, and contemplation. You can download tips and guidelines under the suggestions for practice. For a deeper understanding of Tai Chi principles and philosophy, read the Tai Chi classics. There are many translations. The Essence of T’ai Chi Ch’uan: The Literary Tradition by Lo, Inn, Amaker and Foe is highly recommended.

Practice a little (or a lot) every day. Chi Kung, form, standing. Play push-hands with a friend. Apply what you learn to everyday life. Relax, stay rooted, be aware, flow with change, and DANCE!