Yes you can certainly imitate some of the moves, but usually the video does not indicate the “how and why” which are often explained in Chinese by experienced masters . Even if you are fluent in Chinese you still need to do extensive research to put the pieces together. Plus it is hard for many beginners to copy the moves when the person is facing you, or his/her hand’s correct position is blocked when showing back view. And, the video is on a flat screen, it is hard for people to see how the movements are done in 3-D space.
It’s my first time, what should I bring to class to prepare for it?
Wear sneaker shoes, comfortable clothing in case the morning air at park could be chilly for some.
Are there any prerequisites for the classes?
Tai Chi is good for anyone 6 years and above. For most people you need to be able to stand up and move around. For people who can’t stand much you can learn chair tai chi.
Is Tai Chi a religion or associated with a religious practice?
No. Although Tai Chi was originally designed with some Taoist Yin and Yang ideas, it has become an aerobic exercise with some emphasis on martial art applications. It is a healthy exercise to help improve one’s physical fitness particularly seniors and calm people’s mind, but it shall not be associated with spiritual beliefs such as connecting oneself to any self-imagined super figures.
Is Tai Chi related to Qi Gong? Yes, sort of. In Mandarin Chinese Qi means Air and Gong means Exercise, and Tai Chi is an exercise that integrates breathing with gentle movements. The difference is that in doing a Tai Chi form one is mostly making non-symmetrical movements, while in Qi Gong one is mostly standing/sitting still with occasional symmetrical arm/leg movements.
My balance is not very good, will this help?
Research and medical doctors see the value in Tai Chi for increasing legs and ankles strength, maintaining control of body, so overtime the exercise will help improve one’s balance.
How often should I take classes?
Most people take classes once or twice a week. I recommend daily practice after class so you can remember the moves and get better. It is important to practice after class.
Tai chi seems to be just waving arms in the air, can I just invent my own moves while trying to relax? Answer: No you can’t. Tai chi originated from traditional Chinese martial arts and every move has a self defensive purpose, so it is not just waving arms in the air. The moves are designed by experienced tai chi masters over centuries and there are standards with many details so you just practice and turn it into muscle memory. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. The wheel you try to invent will not look at tai chi unless you are already very good at the art and you know the many requirements of proper movements.
Long live Tai Chi! 