Q. I’m not very healthy, can I do Tai Chi?

Yes. Tai Chi can be particularly beneficial for people who are overweight, have high blood pressure or arthritis.

Q. What does Tai Chi mean?

The literal translation of Tai Chi Chuan is ‘supreme ultimate boxing’ hence the need in any Tai Chi school to recognise the importance of the martial aspect.

Q. Is Tai Chi a religion?

No. You don’t have to be religious at all to practice Tai Chi. That said, Tai Chi is associated with Taoist philosophy and more experienced students may want to find out more to supplement their learning. Tai Chi is a generous art. People can take from it what they want, be it martial, healing, meditative or spiritual aspects.

Q. How long does it take before I’m any good?

I’ve been practicing 16 years and I’m still learning! Tai Chi really is a journey but in a very short time most people find that they become more relaxed, more flexible and just generally feel in better shape.

Q. Isn’t Tai Chi just for old people?

Tai Chi is for all ages. The form is adapted depending on age/level of fitness i.e. higher kicks, lower stances etc for the more athletic. In any case, even the fittest person may find the ‘standing still’ of Tai Chi and Chi Kung quite taxing!

Q. How long does it take to learn the form?

Most Tai Chi players can learn the form in under a year…but to perfect your technique takes a lifetime. A common Tai Chi saying is ‘Don’t be a prisoner of the form’, it reminds us that we are all different. We each have to make the Tai Chi form our own…it is not about performance, perfection or competition.