Tai chi
Tai chi is a slow martial art. It all comes down to shifting your weight.
Three basics to get right first
Stand well
Knees soft and over the toes. Hips sink, the top of the head lifts. Every form starts from this.
Split full from empty
Place the foot down with no weight, then pour yourself into it. One leg full, one empty. Teachers correct this for years.
Learn the 24 in pieces
The Yang 24 was set in 1956 as a shorter form for everyone. Learn a move or two a week, ideally in a class.
Stand like a level scale. Move like a wheel.
Tai chi is exercise, not medical care. If you are pregnant or have knee, balance or heart problems, ask your doctor and tell your teacher. Keep stances high at first.
Good to know
What is tai chi good for?
Tai chi trains balance, leg strength and calm attention. It is gentle exercise and a martial art. It does not treat or cure illness.
How long does it take to learn tai chi?
Many people learn the order of the 24 form in a few months of weekly classes. Making it feel right takes years, and most students enjoy that part.
Is tai chi a real martial art?
Yes. Each move has a fighting use, and push hands is a two-person drill for feeling an opponent's balance. Most park players today practice for exercise.
