What is the difference between T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Tai Chi and Taijiquan?
None. They are different spellings and shortened versions of the same term (taijiquan is the modern pinyin spelling and tai-chi is sometimes seen too)

What does Tai Chi Chuan mean?
It has been translated as 'Supreme Ultimate Martial Art' but I prefer 'Martial Art Using the Principle of Yin and Yang'.

What is the age range in classes?
This varies from class to class but expect a broad range of ages, (teens and 20's up to 80's & 90's) but it is not common for the art to be taught to children as the training is a little slow for their tastes. Some classes are specifically targetted at the over 50's.

Do you have to be fit to start doing Tai Chi?
No, in fact many of the Tai Chi movements can even be adapted to wheelchair users, although some individual attention is required. Do however check with your doctor if you are in any doubt before starting any program of physical exercise. Also let your instructor know of any disability you may have that may restrict your ability to perform certain movements.

What do you wear for Tai Chi?
No special clothing is required but the right outfit can help you move more easily and balance better. Any clothing in which you can move freely is suitable eg. tracksuit bottoms, T-shirts and gym shoes, but you can buy special tai chi footware and trousers in our Tai Chi Shop

Is Tai Chi a health exercise or a martial art?
It is both (although some teachers teach only the health aspects)! Probably 90% of people starting Tai Chi are there purely for their health, but many go on to embrace the complete art. However if all you are interested in is self-defence there are faster ways to achieve this.

Are classes suitable for men and women?
Generally there is a mix of men and women in a class. Women-only classes are a rarity in Tai Chi and it is generally benefical to have a mix of Yin (female) and Yang (male) energy within a class.

I wear orthotics (arch supports). Should I wear them to Tai Chi?
Yes , probably as you may find your muscles shorten when you don't wear them, however opinion is divided on this and some find they can eventually stop wearing them. You will find you need more supportive footwar than kung fu slippers though - see below..

Where can I get a Tai Chi video?
We sell a wide selection of high quality tai chi videos. However if you would like to download or view on-line pictures and demonstrations of modern tai chi forms you may visit this lovely German tai chi on-line site.

I've heard that Tai Chi is an internal martial art?
Taijiquan is one of the three Chinese Internal martial arts (neijia). The other two being Xing I Quan and Ba Gua Zhang. It is a characterised by soft relaxed movements and trained at a slower speed than other martial arts.

Should I sign a pledge to my teacher not to train or practice with people outside the group?
Absolutely not! We progress by sharing our knowledge with a generous spirit. Few secrets are withheld from dedicated students. Regular training is the main requirement for reaching a high level in tai chi and there are many highly skilled teachers around these days. Discipleship - becoming a close member of the family - is a privilege seldom offered to westerners (although even this in this increasingly commercial world it is said can sometimes be bought).

What should I expect in a typical Tai Chi class?

• Chi Kung (Qigong) which may be stationary or moving meditation
• Practice of the Tai Chi Form
• Pushing Hands (tui shou) - a two person exercise usually taught from intermediate level
• You may also see ta lu, and weapons forms in more advanced classes
• not forgetting warm-ups etc.

Some General Principles

• Suspend the head
• Hollow the chest and raise the back (but don't overdo it)
• Relax the waist and hips
• Don't be double-weighted (or indeed double floating)
• Sink the shoulders and drop the elbows
• Use intent(yi) rather than force
• Move as a single unit
• The mind and body together
• Move like a cat about to pounce
• Keep a calm mind

How much should I expect to pay?
Prices vary depending on many factors such as location, standard of teaching and size and duration of class, but is usually in the range £3 - £10 per class. For private individual tuition expect to pay at least £20 per hour (substantially more in Central London).

©2000 David Radford

David teaches Yang Style Tai Chi in East & North London.