FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I've seen elderly Chinese people doing tai chi in the park with music. It doesn't look hard, it looks more like a social occasion...
And you are correct! Tai chi is a very social activity with practitioners (beginners and experts) enjoying practising together. You can now travel anywhere in the world and feel most welcomed into a local tai chi group.
However, we do need to distinguish between a popular keep-healthy activity that these people are engaging in as they would back in China and a more challenging martial arts class where a large range of skills are taught.
And you are correct! Tai chi is a very social activity with practitioners (beginners and experts) enjoying practising together. You can now travel anywhere in the world and feel most welcomed into a local tai chi group.
However, we do need to distinguish between a popular keep-healthy activity that these people are engaging in as they would back in China and a more challenging martial arts class where a large range of skills are taught.
I'm really not that fit. Can I join in any class?
Yes, you can join in any class and start at your current level of fitness. Each student is encouraged to make progress at their own rate.
If other beginners are starting, I may recommend that you start with them.
Yes, you can join in any class and start at your current level of fitness. Each student is encouraged to make progress at their own rate.
If other beginners are starting, I may recommend that you start with them.
I've done some martial arts already. What can tai chi offer me that is new?
Firstly it is an internal martial art. Most martial artists are predominantly yang and have much to learn from the tai chi in terms of being free from tension and aggression, understanding inner strength, sinking and grounding, increased awareness of their own and someone else's body movements, etc. The martial artists I have taught have been quite surprised at how much tai chi influenced their own martial arts practice - softening and relax the joints and body leading to greater speed of movement. An added bonus is that tai chi will not contribute to the list of injuries already sustained. With perseverance some injuries will improve as the tissues protecting the injury loosen.
Firstly it is an internal martial art. Most martial artists are predominantly yang and have much to learn from the tai chi in terms of being free from tension and aggression, understanding inner strength, sinking and grounding, increased awareness of their own and someone else's body movements, etc. The martial artists I have taught have been quite surprised at how much tai chi influenced their own martial arts practice - softening and relax the joints and body leading to greater speed of movement. An added bonus is that tai chi will not contribute to the list of injuries already sustained. With perseverance some injuries will improve as the tissues protecting the injury loosen.
I can't balance very well. Will the movements be too difficult for me?
Studies have shown that tai chi can lead to good results with balance. You will learn to relax, lower your centre of gravity, gain core muscle and leg strength. All students improve their balance fairly quickly. See what students say on the testimonials page.
Studies have shown that tai chi can lead to good results with balance. You will learn to relax, lower your centre of gravity, gain core muscle and leg strength. All students improve their balance fairly quickly. See what students say on the testimonials page.
Will my knee injury stop me from doing tai chi?
Special attention is given to joint alignment in tai chi, especially that of the knees. The slow, relaxed and low-impact nature of the movements will strengthen the knee joints and correct any habitual patterns of misuse. From your health questionnaire, I will know that you have an injury and will assist you accordingly.
Special attention is given to joint alignment in tai chi, especially that of the knees. The slow, relaxed and low-impact nature of the movements will strengthen the knee joints and correct any habitual patterns of misuse. From your health questionnaire, I will know that you have an injury and will assist you accordingly.
Do I need a doctor's certificate?
Yes for insurance purposes. Tai Chi is highly recommended by doctors, physiotherapists and other health practitioners as a form of exercise suitable for everyone.
Yes for insurance purposes. Tai Chi is highly recommended by doctors, physiotherapists and other health practitioners as a form of exercise suitable for everyone.
Do classes cater for females?
Absolutely! The soft appearance and internal nature of this martial art with its graceful movements attracts many women. Be reassured that tai chi does not rely on physical and muscular strength. The training provides the opportunity for you to find and express your inner physical warrior under safe conditions.
Do not be fooled - there are plenty of challenges for the male students! They need to learn how to soften and yield…
Absolutely! The soft appearance and internal nature of this martial art with its graceful movements attracts many women. Be reassured that tai chi does not rely on physical and muscular strength. The training provides the opportunity for you to find and express your inner physical warrior under safe conditions.
Do not be fooled - there are plenty of challenges for the male students! They need to learn how to soften and yield…
I'm a guy and I need to work out physically. Am I going to get a real work out?
Yes! You will break into quite a sweat and have shaking knees if I've done my job properly!
I encourage each student to extend themselves in terms of fitness, leg strength, deep abdominal breathing, sinking into the postures, etc. I'll keep you focused, sweating and progressing! Please visit the testimonials page if you need more convincing and read Giacomo's comments...
Yes! You will break into quite a sweat and have shaking knees if I've done my job properly!
I encourage each student to extend themselves in terms of fitness, leg strength, deep abdominal breathing, sinking into the postures, etc. I'll keep you focused, sweating and progressing! Please visit the testimonials page if you need more convincing and read Giacomo's comments...
What if I can't memorise the order of the movements?
First rule is to breathe deeply and do not create any additional stress for yourself! There is a sequence to learn and you can follow other students as you memorise the order. Each individual movement will work different aspects of you - coordination, flexibility, attention… not just your memory of the sequence.
First rule is to breathe deeply and do not create any additional stress for yourself! There is a sequence to learn and you can follow other students as you memorise the order. Each individual movement will work different aspects of you - coordination, flexibility, attention… not just your memory of the sequence.
I gave up tai chi because the class had too many students and little English was spoken. Will these classes be different?
Definitely yes! Having already experienced those issues myself, I made a conscious decision to do things differently.
I teach small groups only and prefer to start a new class to cater to growing numbers of students.
Classes are given in plain English with the aim of presenting the information in a clear, straightforward and practical manner. Questions from the students are always welcomed as we all learn from each other!
Definitely yes! Having already experienced those issues myself, I made a conscious decision to do things differently.
I teach small groups only and prefer to start a new class to cater to growing numbers of students.
Classes are given in plain English with the aim of presenting the information in a clear, straightforward and practical manner. Questions from the students are always welcomed as we all learn from each other!