Tai Chi Beginners
FAQs for Beginner Students
Do I need experience to join?
- No previous martial arts, Tai Chi, Qi Gong or meditation experience necessary, our beginner classes are aimed at the novice, starting at the beginning and progressing as a class.
Am I too old for Tai Chi or Qi Gong?
- If you are able to stand and move for an hour, you are able to practice and benefit from the internal arts, no matter what your age, fitness level or physical condition. Our students range from the age of 18 to 87. Please note all courses are open to adults from the ages of 18+, there is a waiting list for junior classes. Please contact Nicola for more details.
What do I wear?
- Loose fitting and comfortable clothing e.g. tracksuit bottoms, t-shirt, sweatshirt
Do we need to lie down?
- Tai Chi and Qi Gong are done standing and moving, no floor work.
- Meditation is carried out seated on a chair.
Are there special shoes?
- No special shoes are necessary. You can wear socks, bare feet, plimsolls, flat/thin soled trainers or Chinese slippers (available from martial arts stores). Bear in mind that some venues may have cold floors, and others may not allow outdoor shoes to be worn (contact Nicola for details about your venue). Having a good connection between your feet and the ground is important.
What is the Tai Chi form?
- The word form describes the series of martial Qi Gong movements that when put together in a continuous pattern become the form. The form is broken down into movements and sections e.g. Move 3 Lazily Tying Coat. Each form will have a number of movements/steps e.g. Chen 11 Form has 11 steps or the Chen 18 Form has 18 steps, with long forms like Laojia Old Frame with 74 steps. The form is practiced from the beginning right the way through to the end. Each movement can be practiced and repeated individually or the whole form can be performed as a unit.
What is a Qi Gong set?
- The word set describes a series of movements e.g. Earth Qi Gong for Women has 10 movements in the set. Each movement will have a short sequence that is usually repeated 2 – 6 times. Each movement can be practiced individually as it is complete in itself, or can be put together to form the set.
Do you need to be fit to do Tai Chi or Qi Gong?
- The beginner courses are suitable for beginners, no matter fitness level or physical condition. Each student works with their own range of motion. The movements can be adapted to the individual, everyone is welcome to join the classes, we are happy to accommodate.
What is Chen Tai Chi?
- Each style originates from a Chinese family name; Chen, Wu, Yang etc. Chen Style Tai Chi comes from the Chen village, Henan province, China. Chen style Tai Chi was the original internal martial art from around 350-400 years ago, that combines Qigong breathing with slow and graceful movements.
What are the levels?
- Qi Gong classes are open to everyone at all levels
- Each week within the term a different Qi Gong movement of the set will be focused on in detail
- Instructor Nicola will guide the group according to level
- Taoist Meditation classes are open to everyone at all levels
- Proficiency in the inner smile is required to progress onto the microcosmic orbit
- Instructor Nicola will guide the group according to level
How are the classes structured?
- The classes will run either in a 6 week or an 8 week term. They can be paid for on a drop-in basis or as a block, whichever suits you better. Unfortunately refunds or ‘in lieu’ classes are not provided for missed classes when paying per term.
Booking
- Please book your class in advance with Nicola by phone, text or email at least 1 day prior as class sizes are limited.
What if I miss a class?
- If you miss a class, don’t worry, there will always time to review and catch up at the next class. You are more than welcome to join another class on another day or at another venue.
Can I attend multiple classes a week?
- Nicola encourages her students to attend more than one class a week, for better progression and health benefits. There are discounts available for regular students who attend multiple sessions in the same week, read the details here.
When are the fees due?
- Drop-in class fees are payable at the beginning of the class. If you would like to pay by term, please bring payment to the first class of the block. Please ensure you have the funds to attend your desired course or workshop, we do not want to offend you by turning you away.
What are the payment methods?
- Payments are accepted by cash or in advance via Paypal. Please try to bring the exact amount to class. Unfortunately cheques are no longer accepted (contact Nicola for more details).
Important
- Please note Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Taoist Meditation are not to be used as an alternative to professional medical treatment. Please consult your doctor before commencing any form of exercise.
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