Taoist Tai Chi: Learning the Steps

Nothing like learning a new dance; of course, Tai Chi isn’t considered dance but rather an “Internal Arts of Health, Cultivating  Body and Mind”, as stated on the Taoist Tai Chi site.  My first class last week, however, was similar to learning a new dance…a dance with 108 movements!

Taoist Tai Chi is a society of volunteers, and a non-profit, in over 25 countries. The membership fee to take the beginning course covers rent and any advertising. Instructors are trained and donate their time. The premise of this Society is one of service. There is a religious aspect to this movement training but it is elective.

To become familiar with Tai Chi I had purchased a beginners guide Tai Chi ebook. It helped with knowing what to expect and understanding the principles of Tai Chi.  If you have someone you think might be interested in or benefit from Tai Chi, the book would be a good introduction.  But the key is in the doing.

I decided to participate with a Taoist Tai Chi class because, well,this is what is available in my part of the world here in Costa Rica. I learned from a seasoned Tai Chi student/trainer that taijiquan, as it is referred to, is the more aerobic form of Tai Chi. Aerboic?  Yes…like dance but in a very gentle, gentle way.

For a beginner,  learning the 108 movements takes time to incorporate them into a set…about four months. The instructor repeats a movement and the class then follows. Eventually, the steps are brought together and the final movements are indeed like a beautiful dance.  We

I must admit, due to the gentle and deliberate steps, it wasn’t at all as confusing or awkward as some of those aerobic dance classes of the ‘8O’s, thank you very much!

Tai Chi is different from any other type of exercise experience; with Tai Chi, the emphasis is more on letting go…as opposed to keeping everything tight or straight. In fact as the instructor was explaining one of the movements, he encouraged us to let our stomach muscles go slack.  This will likely be the most challenging aspect to learning the Tai Chi movements for this student.

Here was the big surprise: at the end of the one and half hours  class, there was sweat on my brow! And we never moved faster than a snail.  I also felt calm and peaceful, lighter and it seemed as though I floated home.

Looking very much forward to the next taijiquan class.  Check back for a post on  some of the proven health benefits of Tai Chi. In the meantime you might want to consider the beginners guide to Tai Chi and see if this might be  good fit for you or someone you care about.

One CommentLeave a Comment

1. Rosie Khan says:

   July 3, 2010 at 10:11 am

   I practive both Tai-Chi and meditation on my spare time. It is really good for general health.-`,

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1. How to Look Younger says:

   June 29, 2010 at 6:19 am

   [...] aerobic workouts every day.  Incorporate simple aerobic activity such as walking, swimming, yoga, Tai Chi; also add strength training and stretching.    Exercising will give you a energetic youthful [...]