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What are the basic principles of tai chi
and what it teaches?
Tai chi follows the philosophy of the Tao (Tao
Te Ching) and also combines ancient Chinese
knowledge of meditation, mindfulness, martial
arts and medicine, all explored through the
principle and concepts of internal energy (‘chi’).
It can be summed up simply in two words,
natural balance. Tai chi teaches us that there’s
a different way of going about our lives, a way
that does not require us to confront obstacles
or try to force situations to turn out how we
believe they should be. Tai chi shows us how
we can be sensitive to and integrate with the
forces we encounter in our everyday lives.
Most people recognise tai chi through its
slow moving forms. The beauty of tai chi is
embedded within the form which cultivates
naturalness. The basic ideas of being centred,
relaxed, clear and focused in mind and body
whether at rest, or in motion are explored
and then eventually become part of you when
practicing tai chi.
When did you start
to learn tai chi?
I started my martial arts journey over 20 years
ago when I studied under a reputable
Mantis- style Kung Fu instructor.
After a number of years I realised that the way
forward for me was to search for a pure source
of internal martial art training.
After considering the options available, in 1995
I decided that I would study with my current
tai chi chuan teacher, Master John Ding (6th
generation lineage Master of Yang Style Tai
Chi), who is based in London.
I was instantly hooked by his ability to
demonstrate tai chi’s legendary potent power
paradoxically through seemingly effortless
relaxation.
How long did it take to
become a teacher?
When I moved out of London in 1999, I
continued to travel weekly to receive traditional
training.
After many years I was certified to teach and I
decided to spread the art and its benefits in my
local town of Newbury.
What has tai chi taught you?
Tai chi is a wonderful art that develops all
aspects of you, your life and your relationships.
It has taught me about what good health of
mind and body really is, and how to achieve
that.
It keeps me healthy, relaxed and much more
tolerant to the stresses and strains of life in
these times.
I also have a deep interest in martial arts and
the art has certainly fulfilled my expectations in
this area too.
While life is certainly ever-hanging, I have
found that tai chi has been a constant in my life
and a source of balance.
How long have you been teaching in
Newbury and Thatcham?
I have been teaching for three years now as
a representative of the Master Ding Academy
teaching tai chi in Thatcham and last year I
opened a class in Newbury.
What can people get out
of learning tai chi?
Tai chi is based on principles of non
confrontation that are literally thousands of
years old. It can show us how to incorporate
these ideas into our everyday hectic lives. And
make them work for us.
Each person begins for their own primary
reasons – perhaps they want some
improvement in health, a sense of community,
help with stress, self-confidence, self-defence,
self-development, to connect with their sense
of the spiritual or all of the above.
As tai chi is a holistic art, practised correctly
over time it can bring about these benefits by
being incorporated into your daily routine.
Tai chi is not about remembering things, ie
postures and sequences of movements, it’s
about embodying them at the right time.
It is simple to be relaxed when the days are
easy. Tai chi teaches us to maintain that
relaxation when the days are hard.
What will surprise practitioners is that all the
other benefits will become accessible as they
progress on with their training.
Over and over I have seen practitioners who
start tai chi for their primary reason, achieve
these aims and then continue on to explore
further benefits.
How does tai chi differ from other
similar disciplines?
We don’t like to compare with other
approaches as each person is unique and will
have individual preferences. More importantly,
people should come and experience what Tai
Chi can offer for themselves and form their own
opinions.
However, I can say what attracts me to and
keeps me practicing tai chi.
Firstly I could quickly realise benefits when
I began learning tai chi. At the same time
working with my teacher and more advanced
students it was easy to see that there was real
depth to the art and that there was so much
more available.
When we practice with others we work together
towards a common goal, it’s not competitive,
but collaborative. Every class, everyone leaves
a little better than when they entered.
Is there an age limit to
learning?
There is no age limit, though the way of
practicing should naturally change according
to your age. Classes or movements are
sometimes adapted to specifically cater for
the needs of older practitioners, others for the
needs of the very young. If in doubt, always
contact your local teacher for their advice.
I have found that the limiting factor to learning
tai chi isn’t usually age, it’s often the desire
to learn and making time in your life to spend
a small amount of time on just you without
distraction.
How long does it take
to get the basics?
I honestly feel that to see tai chi practiced well
is to see the basics done well.
It’s a lifetime’s practice to get the basics.
Having said that, if a student attends class
regularly, and does a little regular practice at
home, they will begin to feel benefits within six
weeks.
However most importantly just come and
experience the art, enjoy the training and forget
these stressful judgements.
Over time everyone can get the basics. Anyone
who sticks at it will go further than the basics.
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