TAI CHI FOR BEGINNERS
Welcome to Tai Chi
Beginning Tai Chi can feel overwhelming at first. You may be wondering which style to learn, how to find a qualified teacher, or whether you're too old or out of shape to begin.
The good news is that everyone starts exactly where you are now.
Whether your goal is to improve your balance, reduce stress, become more mindful, or simply discover what Tai Chi has to offer, you're taking the first step on a lifelong journey.
For more than 32 years, Tai Chi has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. Through Tai Chi Daily, my hope is to encourage and support you as you begin your own journey and help you experience the lifelong benefits that consistent practice can bring.
How My Journey Began
My own Tai Chi journey began in 1993 when a friend invited me to attend a local Tai Chi class. At the time, I knew very little about Tai Chi and had only seen it in movies. We attended the class together, which was taught by an Aikido instructor teaching the Cheng Man Ching Yang short form.
I was hooked after that very first class.
Ironically, the friend who introduced me to Tai Chi never returned after that first evening. More than 32 years later, I still practice Tai Chi every day. Every now and then we run into each other, and he always asks me the same question: "Are you still practicing Tai Chi?" The answer has never changed.
As I continued practicing each day, I discovered that Tai Chi continually revealed something new. Some lessons came from my teacher. Others came quietly through years of daily practice, reflection, and experience. I wanted to record those discoveries—not only so I wouldn't forget them, but in the hope they might encourage someone else on their own journey.
That's how Tai Chi Daily began.
My Advice for a Tai Chi Beginner
If you're new to Tai Chi, I encourage you to first become familiar with the different traditional styles. The five major family styles are Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao, and Sun, each with its own unique characteristics. Watching demonstrations can help you discover which style appeals to you the most before you begin looking for a teacher.
Personally, my foundation is in Yang-style Tai Chi, but I have a deep appreciation for all of the traditional styles. Every style has something valuable to teach, and finding one that genuinely interests you will make it much easier to stay motivated and continue practicing.
One of the greatest lessons Tai Chi has taught me is that consistency is where the real benefits begin. The lifelong benefits of Tai Chi aren't found in a single class or weekend seminar. They reveal themselves little by little through patient, consistent practice.
If learning an entire Tai Chi form feels overwhelming at first, don't become discouraged. Every form is learned one movement at a time. Qigong is another wonderful practice that offers many of the same health benefits while being easier to learn. The Eight Pieces of Brocade is an excellent place to begin and can be found through many reputable teachers online or in books available from your local library.
Finding a Qualified Tai Chi Teacher
Finding a qualified teacher is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a beginner.
After you've familiarized yourself with the different Tai Chi styles, I encourage you to visit several schools before making your decision. Many instructors offer a free introductory class, giving you the opportunity to experience different teaching styles before making a commitment.
A good teacher should take the time to explain each movement, correct your posture, body alignment, and body mechanics, and encourage questions. They should help you understand the principles behind each movement, not simply ask you to memorize a sequence.
If possible, choose a school with a recognized lineage. While lineage alone doesn't guarantee a great teacher, it often provides a clearer path for continuing your training if you ever move or decide to study with another instructor.
Can I Learn Tai Chi Online?
Whenever possible, I recommend learning Tai Chi in person from a qualified instructor. A teacher can observe your posture, body mechanics, and movement in ways that simply aren't possible through a video.
Once you've built a solid foundation, online instruction can become an excellent way to review a form, continue learning from your teacher, or gain additional perspectives from experienced practitioners. I personally enjoy learning from practitioners at every stage of their journey because everyone has a unique perspective to share. At the same time, I believe a qualified teacher provides the foundation that allows us to continue learning throughout our lives.
If learning Tai Chi in person isn't possible, I encourage beginners to consider starting with Qigong. Individual Qigong movements are generally easier to learn from video and provide many of the same health benefits as Tai Chi.
The Qigong routine I personally practice each day is the Eight Pieces of Brocade. Whatever you choose to study, take your time, practice consistently, and choose reputable instructors whenever possible.
Continue Your Tai Chi Journey
Beginning Tai Chi was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I hope it becomes one of the best decisions you make as well.
Don't worry about becoming perfect. Focus on enjoying the process, learning from your teacher, and practicing consistently. Over time, you'll likely discover—as I have—that Tai Chi has a way of teaching lessons that extend far beyond learning a sequence of movements.
Tai Chi is often described as a lifelong journey, and I believe that's one of the things that makes it so rewarding. No matter where you are today, there's always something new to learn and another opportunity to grow.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to help whenever I can.
If you're looking for additional guidance, I invite you to explore my recommended Tai Chi books, the Start Here page, and other beginner-friendly articles throughout Tai Chi Daily.
I wish you the very best on your Tai Chi journey.
Your journey, our shared path.™