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Tai Chi - 11/7/2010 10:19:48 AM

barelynangel

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Okay so, i have heard a lot about Tai Chi and i have looked up same in my area and really have no clue where to start looking into same or even how to know what to look for as to classes or information. I don't care for yoga and pilate's kicks my ass lol right now as i am out of shape, and on many levels what i read this is kind of like a combination of same. Am i correct on that?

So what would people who are actually involved in this recommend for someone's whose knowledge doesn't extend beyond the "media" type knowledge (like hearing people talk about it, wikipedia and such) which is very basic.

So i guess i am looking to people who have actual knowledge of Tai Chi and have started at the beginning to advise as to the best way they found to experience this concept and maybe give some personal knowledge of Tai Chi. I did look into my area and i don't really know what to look for in classes or such that are offered.

Thanks for any insight.

angel

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What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
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RE: Tai Chi - 11/7/2010 10:38:11 AM

Aneirin

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From: Tamaris
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Perhaps you may do as I did when I first started knowing absolutely nothing about it apart from it calms the mind, find a beginners class and just go for it, take it as it comes. As to styles, there are a few, but just go with what is offered which for beginners is usually Sun style as it is suitable for just about everyone. Anything better or different can be learned later if one so chooses.

My last class was basic Tai Chi, but towards the end of the class, twelve weeks, when the movement was ingrained sort of we were shown where Tai Chi comes from, that as a purely defensive martial art where one uses an attackers aggression against them, it works, passive self defence. My class always started of with Qi Gong which is basically a warm up to tai chi but also very centering.

Because of my dancing, I am now thinking to get back into Tai Chi as ATS has some Tai Chi elements in the movement, and I know the Tai Chi will help me with the dancing and vice versa.

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Everything we are is the result of what we have thought, the mind is everything, what we think, we become - Guatama Buddha

Conservatism is distrust of people tempered by fear - William Gladstone

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RE: Tai Chi - 11/7/2010 12:18:38 PM

thornhappy

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I've taken Yang style t'ai chi before and found it great for balance, flexibility and concentration.

I'd concentrate on a place that didn't offer everything but the kitchen sink - some martial arts places offer a bazillion styles from many nationalities and don't teach them well. T'ai chi is often offered in places that teach kung fu; both arts were considered complimentary where I learned (White Dragon Martial Arts in the San Diego area). If you can find a place that teaches "push hands" with their t'ai chi, you've got something a bit out of the ordinary.

Intro classes, or classes offered through a community recreation center could be handy if you wanted to see what it's like.

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RE: Tai Chi - 11/7/2010 2:09:38 PM

MercTech

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What I do, when I've moved to a new area, is inquire at the first Karate dojo I run across. I received a referral to a fencing and kendo master that also taught Tai Chi. Found a teacher for two of my favorite sports.

Stefan

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RE: Tai Chi - 11/7/2010 4:26:16 PM

Aneirin

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From: Tamaris
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Just look around and find who offers a basic course and go for it, it is as simple as that. Forget styles and all that bullshit just go for what is offered and see how that makes you feel .

Am sorry,but I feel Americans over complicate things, Tai chi is what it is from simple knowledge.

< Message edited by Aneirin -- 11/7/2010 4:39:27 PM >

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Everything we are is the result of what we have thought, the mind is everything, what we think, we become - Guatama Buddha

Conservatism is distrust of people tempered by fear - William Gladstone

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RE: Tai Chi - 11/7/2010 7:15:23 PM

dory007

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try calling your local parks and recreation department to see if they offer beginners classes. or you can get a beginners DVD.

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