There are two reasons why you might want to learn Tai Chi; self-defence or wholesome body wellness.
Each of the two approaches determines how hard Tai Chi is.
However, there is nothing easy or hard to learn. All you need is focus and commitment.
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What Makes Up a Tai Chi Lesson?
Tai Chi has evolved over the years, and trainers focus on what they are good at.
Some concentrate on what the customer wants, as opposed to the original Tai Chi philosophy.
The following are some of the basic tenets of Tai Chi:-
- Meditation – it might appear simple, but meditation needs patience and focus. You need to stay in one place over time until you can interpret your personality and surroundings without necessarily seeing them.
- Movements – after understanding the inner you, you use the experience to create calculated movements. It strengthens your body and calculates every move before you actualise it.
Meditation improves your perception, which is critical in solving mental issues.
Most Chinese schools incorporate it into their curriculum.
You use the movements for physical fitness, and if need be, self-defence.
The calculated steps are essential when planning to strike.
However, note that self-defence applies when you want to stop aggression, not beating up the opponent senselessly.
Advanced Ti Chi
It is the most challenging as the training move from using hands and legs to hand weapons.
The way you juggle your sword, spear or club determines how efficient you can use the weapons when attacked.
The process combines leg routines and body positioning as you juggle the weapons, otherwise known as “Taolu.”
Such training requires professionals and are a bit hard to learn.
If you want to go deeper into Tai Chi, first understand its philosophy before undertaking the physical classes.
Tai Chi Variants
Chen Style
It was common in the late 16th century, thanks to its founder Chen Wangting.
The style has slow and fast motions with powerful kicks.
The Chen style started as a martial art in Northern China but grew to health and physical fitness.
Yang Style
The style was popular in the 19th century, courtesy of Yang Luchan, its founder.
It is the most popular of the 5 variants, widely used worldwide.The pace is slow throughout the exercise, as opposed to the fast and slow-motion of the Chen Style.
Wu Style
Wu Yuxiang is the founder of the Wu Tai Chi style in the mid-19th century.
It resembles the Yang Tai Chi style, only that the steps are shorter with tall stances.
It is gentler compared to other Tai Chi variants.
Wu (Hao) Tai Chi Style
The style focuses on the torso and internal body wellness.
Wu Yu-Hsiang was the founder of this movement, which blossomed in the 19th century.
However, people consider it elitist as it was popular among the 19th-century Chinese aristocrats.
Sun Style
The movements are swift and flowing, similar to the Yang style.
It is popular among Tai Chi enthusiasts who use it for therapy.
Is Tai Chi Hard To Learn?
No, Tai Chi is not hard to learn if you are patient and dedicated.
Select one from the list above and learn.