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Tai Chi for beginners can seem too daunting to commit to. It looks complicated; you would think it would take years to learn; some think you would have to study with a Grand Master in a far away cave in China, wear a long rob, and speak Chinese.
Not True!
As a Certified Tai Chi and Qigong Instructor, I will demonstrate how you can learn the basic ‘Tai Chi Eight’ form in about twelve (50-minute) sessions.
And be good at it!
Once you know the basic Tai Chi Eight form, you can perform it yourself, in your own home, in about five minutes, in your pajamas, any time you feel like it. From that point, you can decide to keep it simple or advance to higher levels.
I’ve been a full-time coach now for over six years. I Coach Strength, Balance, Mobility, and Flexibility programs, mainly for folks over the age of Fifty.
I was compelled to learn Tai Chi as a beginner when my Qigong instructor explained that core strength, balance, mobility, and flexibility could all be accomplished in one Tai Chi routine.
Medical experts have evidence that Tai Chi can lower blood pressure and stress levels, enhance cognitive skills, and counteract age-related declines!
Tai Chi is based on the Martial Arts, a flow of moves referred to as ‘moving meditation.’ Tai Chi is a subset of the art of Qi Gong, a sequence of separate movements performed for different types of healing.
Think of Qigong Qi (energy) and Gong (work) as the Father of Tai Chi. (Qi + Gong) = (Energy + Work).
The words ‘Tai Chi’ are translated as follows: ‘Tai’ means ‘Supreme’ or ‘Grandiose.’ The term ‘Chi’ means ‘Ultimate’ or ‘Extreme.’ (Tai + Chi) = (Supreme + Ultimate).
The overall concept represents the Cosmos with the operating principles of (Yin and Yang). (Good and Evil) / (Hot and Cold).
One cannot exist without the other.
Tai Chi for beginners is taught in many different ways. You’ve probably been overwhelmed on the internet. Teachers and students memorize the various moves, put them together, and repeat them over and over until, at last, we feel great about our progress and have an excellent teacher and group.
Let’s slow down. Tai Chi for beginners should introduce you to one movement at a time and perform it correctly rather than rushing through a sequence of moves and developing bad habits.
Tai Chi for beginners should also introduce, at the very beginning of your experience, the five main principles:
Columns / Substantial & Insubstantial / Moving from the Dan Tian / Lower Your Center of Gravity / Keeping Eyes on the Horizon.
As you progress, you’ll understand how to move slowly, concentrate on the present moment, be centered and enjoy a modality that could change everything in your universe.