Tai Chi Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to class?
How can I make up for a missed class?
How many students are in each class?
Can anyone learn tai chi?
If I am signed up for a class in one location can I attend the same class if it is being offered in another location?
What type of tai chi do you teach?
How often should I practice tai chi?
Can I take a class for free to see if I like tai chi?
What is the difference between the tai chi, qigong, and standing meditation that you teach?
What if I can’t afford to pay the full amount for classes? Can I still study tai chi?

What should I wear to class?

Any comfortable clothing is fine. Wear something you might wear to go for a walk around your neighborhood.

We recommend wearing flat shoes to do tai chi. Any heel elevation above an inch can affect your posture and we work to improve posture in tai chi class. Often shoes you might consider flat, such as running shoes, have significantly elevated heels. For indoor classes, you can wear sneakers, dance shoes, moccasins, or any other flat shoe, or you can practice tai chi in your stocking feet. For outdoor classes, please wear flat, outdoor shoes.

We also sell inexpensive flat Chinese slippers in our classes, which you can wear to practice tai chi indoors.

> BACK TO TOP

How can I make up for a missed class?

Don’t worry if you miss a class. In every class we review the material taught in the previous several classes. So if you miss one or 2 classes you will have plenty of opportunities to catch up.

You can also make up a class by attending the same class at another location. You may also repeat the class you missed, or the entire course, the next time it is offered.

At the beginning of the course you will receive a DVD that will help you to practice at home if you miss a class.

< BACK TO TOP

How many students are in each class?

Depending on the class there are usually 8 20 students in a class. Generally we have at least 2 instructors for each class to maintain a good student/teacher ratio. Sometimes there are more than 2 teachers and/or assistants in a class.

< BACK TO TOP

Can anyone learn tai chi?

We have students of all ages and abilities in our classes. Even though tai chi is very energizing, it is very gentle and relaxing to practice. The movements of tai chi are practiced in slow motion. With precise instructions and frequent repetitions you will be able to easily practice tai chi from the first class.

We also offer Tai Chi For Seniors classses in different locations. These classes are good for those of any age but particularly for those who might have some type of ailment, illness, or physical disability.

If you have any physical ailment or disability it is important to consult your doctor before starting a tai chi course.

Call us at 410 296-9497 to discuss your particular situation and the class that might be right for you.

< BACK TO TOP

If I am signed up for a class in one location can I attend the same class if it is being offered in another location?

Yes. This is a good way to get extra practice or make up for a class you have missed.

< BACK TO TOP

What type of tai chi do you teach?

We teach the Yang style short form.

The Yang style short form is the most common form of tai chi taught in the U.S. “Yang” refers to the family in China in which this style of tai chi was passed down for many years.

< BACK TO TOP

How often should I practice tai chi?

We recommend practicing a little bit every day, at least 10 minutes. The health benefits of tai chi come with regular practice.

< BACK TO TOP

Can I take a class for free to see if I like it?

Our policy is that you must register for a class in order to attend. Once you register, if you take a class or two and decide that tai chi is not for you, upon your request, we will refund your money less the cost of the classes you have already taken. So if you register, take just one class, and decide tai chi is not for you, you will only pay for the one class you have taken. Please see ourrefund policy.

< BACK TO TOP

What is the difference between the tai chi, qigong, and standing meditation that you teach?

Qigong exercises have been practiced for thousands of years in China. They emphasize breathing combined with movement to promote health and well being. Tai chi is hundreds of years old and, although practiced today primarily as a health exercise, it is also a martial art based upon softness, relaxation, and yielding to force. Some people say that tai chi is a form of qigong. Yiquan standing meditation is less than 100 years old. Although it doesn’t involve external movement, it helps to develop the internal qi [chi] energy, calms the mind, and reduces stress.

Qi is the natural healing and vital energy that the Chinese believe is fundamental to health and well being. Tai chi, qigong, and standing meditation, all work synergistically to help us to develop and circulate this natural, internal power, improve health, and relieve stress.

< BACK TO TOP

What if I can’t afford to pay the full amount for classes? Can I still study tai chi?

If you have a financial need we can institute a payment plan for you. We also have a limited number of scholarships available for those who are unemployed, living on fixed income, or have other serious financial problems. Our policy is that we do not want anyone to be denied the possibility of learning this wonderful health exercise so please call us to see if we can help you.

< BACK TO TOP

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST!

"In any action, the whole body must be as light and free-moving as possible so the addition of a feather will be felt for its weight, and a fly cannot alight on it without setting it in motion."

Join Our Meetup Group

Please join our meetup group to find out about classes, special events, and social activities.

JOIN NOW