Expert: Jonathan Gaines - 4/9/2009

Question
I'm 20yrs. old and extremely interested in Tai Chi. I was looking around and found a place that offers 4 classes a month for $75 in Vancouver.
I checked out the class, and seemed comfortable with the set up. The only thing I find challenging is the guide(not too sure of the proper word here, I don't think she was a master although there is one there) was mainly focused on the movements, not the breathing at all.
I guess my questions are these:
Is it normal for such a focus to be on just the first movements in a beginner class?
How will the teachings differ as I advance, other than more forms being added?
Is $75 too much to be paying?
Any other info would be appreciated.
Thanks!


Answer
Aloha

Let me start with this;

The main styles of Tai Chi Chuan are Yang family and Cheng family style. Then there are some others that are lesser known. So find out what style is being instructed, then find out who the teachers teacher was, how long the instructor  has been studying and how long they have been teaching. Some people teach without really mastering the art, which includes both the Form and the martial applications, so avoid the self promoters and find the authentic master or at least the very advanced practitioner as they are your 'Source'. If a teacher is evasive about you questioning that is a good clue....if they are open and honest then that is a good sign. Next is do you feel comfortable in the class, with the teacher....intuition is useful.

Usually Tai Chi is taught Form first, then applications. Myself I teach students to discover at the very beginning Chi,,,,,relaxation, rooting via sinking into the earth connection, etc, ....what I call sensing from the inside.

As for tuition fees, $75 for 4 classes is steep unless it is a great teacher. $ 6 to $8 per class is more like it. Myself I do not charge, only accept donations as  feel the worthy student may or may not afford a standard tuition, so I trust them to donate according to their capacity. Alas many students take advantage and think I don't need their donation,,,maybe that is just human nature.

As you learn the various postures ( I learned the Simplified Method of the Yang style from grand master Cheng Man-ching consisting of 37 postures) they gradually are strung together until you have the whole Form and can practice it as a flowing dance like meditation....very wonderful experience and daily practice. As for breathing, let it be natural and uncontrived. If the breathing is taught to be such as inhale with one move and exhale with the next the Chi will be stifiled rather than natural. In Chi Kung on the other hand the Chi and the breath can be cordinated as the movements are usually simple and repetitive. The maing thing in Tai Chi is to relax the body, the breathing, the mind, and let the Chi sink to and gather in the Tan Tien, located inside the Tan Tien.

Good luck,

Jonathan Gaines

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Some books that are very useful;

Of the many books on T’ai Chi Ch’uan and the Tao I recommend for serious and regular study the following;

‘Tai Chi Chuan, the Simplified Method’ by Cheng

‘Cheng Tzu’s Thirteen Treatise’ by Cheng,

‘My Words are Easy to Understand’; The Tao The Ching, translated by Cheng.

Ongoing classes meet under the Banyan trees in Hawi town.
Mornings; …..Mon-Tu-Thur at 8:30 a.m.……….
Evenings Tu-Thur at 5 p.m……………. Rain space, meet at The Barn.
Tuition donations are appreciated!
Contact the instructor Jonathan Gaines for more information at;     alohajongaines@gmail.com