Frequently Asked Questions
About Taijiquan (also known as taiji or tai chi)
Is taiji what I see old people practicing in the morning?
Yes! Those aunties and uncles are bad-ass, and I dream to be one of them someday! Taiji is beneficial to folks of any age, and I consider my weekly practice the 401k plan for my body.
Is taiji a martial art?
Yes! Taijiquan is an internal martial art, meaning practitioners cultivate a sensitivity with how energy shifts and is directed within the body. “Feeling” the principles underlying each posture is key in taijiquan. And yes, a martial art means there is striking. The level of intensity is up to you.
What are the benefits of practicing taijiquan?
· Improved circulation, mobility and relief of physical tension.
· Cultivation of mind and body connection as well as calm focus.
· Martial applications help to develop strength, confidence and discipline.
· A few personal benefits I’ve experienced:
o A steady center-of-gravity while putting on my pants.
o Staying balanced when the bus suddenly breaks or accelerates.
o After a few years, I could do the martial version of the Beyoncé squat.
About Classes and Workshops
What do we do in class?
We begin with the Silk-Reeling Exercises to relax our muscles and relieve tension so that our bodies are primed to learn the martial Lao Jia Yilu Form.
Can I drop-in on the weekly class?
Yes, drop-in students will benefit from the Silk-Reeling Exercises that is the first half of each class. However, students wishing to learn the martial form should commit to the 9-week term, similar to an academic course. It’s okay to miss a class or two, but not more than two consecutive weeks. I teach the Lao Jia Yilu Form in sequence, so a student who attends class “here and there” would miss postures in the choreography and need to make up. Whether you are doing just the Silk-Reeling and/or the Form, the cost is the same. Please contact me to let me know your availability, and we can make arrangements from there.
How long does it take to learn the form?
The Lao Jia Yilu form is 75 postures. In a weekly class, learning the entire form can take 18 months – but this also depends on the student's own pace. I recommend less emphasis on how long it will take to complete the form, and instead focusing on learning each of the postures well - that's where the fun is!
What if I am interested, but I can’t attend or aren’t yet ready to commit to the class?
There are monthly, Sunday workshops that review the full set of 25 Silk Reeling Exercises. (The weekly class only covers an abridged set of 16.) You may attend just one workshop or as many workshops as you like to continue practicing.