LEARN TAI CHI ONLINE
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Want to Learn Tai Chi?
Over the years, I've heard from many people who want to learn Tai Chi but have the same problem: there isn't a Tai Chi school or qualified teacher near them.
My advice has always been to learn Tai Chi in person whenever possible.
I've been practicing Tai Chi daily for more than 32 years and helped teach students for more than 20 years. One thing I've learned is that there is a big difference between following the movements of a Tai Chi form and understanding what is actually happening within those movements.
A good teacher can see your posture, alignment, weight distribution and body mechanics. They can notice tension you may not even realize you're holding and make small corrections that are very difficult to get from watching a video.
But I also understand that not everyone has access to a qualified teacher.
If that's your situation, online Tai Chi instruction can give you a place to begin.
Can You Learn Tai Chi Online?
Yes, you can learn a great deal about Tai Chi online.
You can learn the sequence of a form, study individual postures, explore different styles and learn more about Tai Chi principles and applications.
I've used online videos in my own Tai Chi journey. During COVID, for example, I learned a Chen form through video instruction and later had the opportunity to receive corrections in person.
That experience reinforced something I already believed: video can be a valuable learning tool, but having an experienced teacher look at your movement is difficult to replace.
A video can't tell you that your weight is in the wrong place or that your shoulder is rising every time you perform a particular movement.
That's why I don't see online and in-person learning as necessarily competing with one another. Online instruction can help you begin, continue learning between classes, or give you access to teachers you might never otherwise encounter.
If you're completely new to Tai Chi, I recommend visiting our Start Here page before choosing a style or instructor.
What Should You Look for in an Online Tai Chi Teacher?
Don't choose a teacher simply because their movements look beautiful on YouTube.
Take some time to learn about them.
Who did they study with? What style do they teach? How long have they practiced and taught? Do they explain Tai Chi principles, posture and body mechanics, or are you simply expected to follow along?
I believe a good teacher should eventually help you understand why you are moving the way you are—not simply teach you where to put your hands and feet.
If an online program offers opportunities for personal feedback, live instruction or corrections, that's another feature worth considering.
Most importantly, don't rush.
Tai Chi isn't about seeing how quickly you can memorize a form. Learning a few movements well and practicing them consistently can be far more valuable than knowing an entire sequence that you don't understand.
Online Tai Chi Resources to Explore
The following are Tai Chi teachers, schools, and online resources I've come across that may be worth exploring. They represent different styles and approaches, so spend some time learning about each before deciding whether one is right for you.
Clear Tai Chi
Clear Tai Chi offers online training covering Tai Chi, internal martial arts and related practices. The site includes programs for people interested in both the health and martial sides of the art.
Chen Taiji Practical Method
Chen Zhonghua Taiji Academy teaches Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method. Its online resources include foundational instruction, Yilu form training, theory, applications and online classes.
Discover Taiji
Adam Mizner's structured online program focuses on traditional Yang Style Taijiquan and includes foundational exercises, form training, internal development and Push Hands material.
Energy Arts
Founded by Bruce Frantzis, Energy Arts offers instruction in Tai Chi, Qigong and related internal arts. It may be particularly interesting to people who want to explore the health, meditation and internal aspects of practice.
Sifu Mark Rasmus on YouTube
Mark Rasmus shares videos exploring Tai Chi and internal martial arts, with considerable attention given to internal principles and how they relate to movement and martial practice.
Relax Harder
Ian Sinclair teaches Tai Chi and shares educational material about the principles and practice of the art. His approach includes both the health and martial aspects of Tai Chi.
Taiji Academy – Liang Dehua
Liang Dehua's videos explore traditional Yang-style Taijiquan, including form, internal principles, applications and other aspects of traditional practice.
YMAA – Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming and YMAA have produced an extensive collection of martial arts educational material. Their resources include Tai Chi, Qigong, martial applications and traditional Chinese martial arts theory. Website
Tai Chi Daily is not affiliated with these instructors or schools, and I don't receive compensation for listing them. I share them simply as resources you may want to explore.
The Most Important Part Is Practice
Whether you learn from a teacher standing beside you or one appearing on a screen, eventually you have to practice what you've learned.
And that's where I believe the real journey begins.
You don't need to practice for hours every day. Even a few minutes can keep you connected to what you're learning.
After more than three decades of daily practice, I still find things to work on in movements I've performed thousands of times. That's one of the things I've come to love most about Tai Chi. There is always another layer to discover.
Find a good teacher. Learn patiently. Stay open to correction.
And then keep practicing.
Your journey, our shared path.™