Western Tai Chi Association - Cochrane Alberta Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any special equipment?
- no, loose clothing is advised and a pair of indoor shoes is required for classes. Light runners or flat shoes are good to start with.
Will it hurt?
– Tai Chi done correctly should not hurt. Your instructors can help you with good posture and technique. You may find that the body feels slightly worked in a different way after classes, but it should not hurt.
I can’t stand for an hour – how will I manage this?
– Class venues have chairs. We will actively support you to sit as required – you can still do some seated tai chi to join in with the class.
I have an injury/condition that might make this difficult – can I still do it?
– discuss any concerns with your instructors; they can help modify tai chi moves to help in your recovery from injury or to prevent an injury/condition from getting worse due to tai chi.
How often should I practice between classes?
– there is no set rule to how often you should practice. Much online advice reports 3-4 sessions a week (including class and home). Many people practice daily. Ultimately, it depends on what you want to get out of tai chi. Initially, to help you remember the moves, it can be worth doing a brief review session daily.
I am worried I won’t be able to remember the moves – will this matter?
– working through a tai chi set can seem daunting, but it is something that becomes more natural the more you do, making it easier to remember. Moves are practiced and repeated at every class session. Eventually, you will be able to concentrate on how you do the moves, rather than worry about which move comes next. Tai Chi can help with memory and brain health.
Is Tai Chi a martial art?
– yes, Tai Chi originated as a fighting form of martial art. Master Moy (among other great Masters) adapted the form specifically for health benefits only.
Will this class teach me self-defence?
– no. You will not learn fighting/self-defence in these classes. Reference will be made to the application of moves to certain situations of defence or fight, but these are not practiced as such in these classes.
Can this help me lose weight?
– any form of exercise can help in a controlled program of weight loss. Tai Chi is an exercise. Calories will be burned doing Tai Chi, however, unlike the adverts showing large weight loss and “buffed” bodies, these tai chi classes are not likely to have a dramatic effect on weight loss alone.
Is Tai Chi better than yoga or pilates?
– each activity has its own merits, and one may be better for someone than another, either in results, capabilities or mental health. They are all life-long practices intended to improve your physical and mental well-being. Tai chi has its difference in that it is an internal martial art - promoting optimal energy flow to the body and also directed to specific body parts.
Once I have learned the basic 'set", how do I progress from there?
- beginners learn to move the body with balance and proper structure. Once the form is learned, you will move into the continuing classes, where movements will be refined, with more attention to detail, learning to relax into the internal structure of the body. It can take many years to learn the internal aspects of tai chi. As you progress, you may also be able to learn other tai chi forms, such as Sword, Sabre, Lok Hup.
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