WHY STUDY T'AI CHI?

People begin T'ai Chi for many reasons: they may be referred for 'gentle exercise' by a doctor, they may be a keen martial artist interested that T'ai Chi Ch'uan translates as 'supreme ultimate boxing', perhaps they are hopeful that Taoist meditation may help with their stress levels, or they may just be 'shopping' for something sociable to do as a hobby. Whatever our reason for beginning T'ai Chi, it is rarely the same reason we end up staying.

Personally, I only went along to my local class because a friend was going, I didn't even know what T'ai Chi was. Later that evening my friend said he thought T'ai Chi was 'airy-fairy' and that he would not be coming again. Conversely, I was delighted that I had stumbled across a room full of friendly, welcoming, grounded people, engaged in solo and partner work in a powerful yet gentle way. The atmosphere in the room was light-hearted and relaxed but at the same time the students were really working on what they were doing. I was 14 years old and had experienced my first taste of T'ai Chi; I soon fell in love with it.

My first years of T'ai Chi were done just for the hell of it. I liked going along and that was enough. My previously terrible posture improved, I stopped bumping into things and bruising myself all the time and slowly I felt a little more relaxed and confident in myself, a real bonus during my awkward teenage years.

Nowadays, the reasons I continue my T'ai Chi are somewhat different. I am endlessly awed by how softness and letting-go can neutralise attacks, on so many levels, and this spurs my study in the 'martial' aspect of T'ai Chi. The transformation of my students, colleagues and myself as we let go of physical and mental habits and tensions is a constant inspiration. Most precious are the moments of quiet naturalness that arise both in the solo form and in the spiralling flow of push hands and other partner work.

Whatever your reason for beginning T'ai Chi, or for continuing T'ai Chi, a few guidelines will help you find a suitable class. Look for a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, of course. A healthy respectful attitude from the students is a good sign, as is a teacher who is open to genuine questions. Over-concern with levels, certificates or competing with other schools is perhaps less wholesome. Unlike the external martial arts, T'ai Chi traditionally has had no formal grading system. However, a good teacher would be happy to outline their lineage and to say where they had studied. A sincere student with a sense of humour and an open mind should be welcome at any good school.