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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
| What should I wear to a class? | Anything loose and comfortable is fine. You can wear flat shoes or trainers if you wish. Official JDIATCC uniforms are available. |
Who can attend the classes? | Anyone of good character and attitude can come to the classes. Health problems can normally be worked around and must always be declared to the instructor before you start training. Children must train with a parent or guardian. |
Who is Tai Chi suitable for? | The Tai Chi form is a soft flowing low impact exercise uniquely applicable to everybody regardless of age, sex or health. People have achieved great results by using Tai Chi to rebuild mental and physical strength, relieve the effects of muscle/joint disorders, lower blood pressure, manage stress and many other conditions. At more advanced levels you can use fast, slow, powerful or relaxed movement. Therefore the opportunity is there to increase the scope of what you do as your strength and health improves. At each stage the choice is yours. |
What is Chi Kung? | The literal translation is 'Energy Work'. Within our Yang style Tai Chi Chuan, the Chi Kung consists of a series of standing postures that you hold for a period of time whilst meditating on clearing and centering the mind and body. We use this training to increase our Yi (the mind's intention) and our Chi (internal energy). The mental attitude whilst holding the postures creates a relaxed strength in mind and body that begins to change the energy patterns in the body, releasing blockages and stengthening the whole system. |
What is Tai Chi? | Tai Chi Chuan is a holistic martial art based on the concepts and principles of internal energy (Chi). It has become popular the world over as a superlative health exercise for mind, body and spirit. Its low impact, smooth, flowing movements are uniquely applicable to all: whether you are young, old or in good or poor health. Although its health benefits are well documented, what is less well known is that each of the movements can be used as a basis for an effective system of self-defence based on using the soft power of internal energy instead of the more normal hard external force. |
What can I expect from a Tai Chi lesson? | A typical lesson consists of: * breathing exercises to calm and relax the body and mind (Chi
kung) The format of a class is fun, supportive and informative. It is a mixture of group practice and personal training time, which gives the opportunity for individual attention. You will be given the opportunity to ask questions and most importantly the time to absorb what is being taught. The instructor is there to help you, but you will also be supported by the friendly community of students that are drawn to training Tai Chi. |
Is Tai Chi for the elderly only? | No, within the world of Tai Chi some practitioners start from early childhood and train for their entire lives. Tai Chi is not exclusive to any race, gender or age. It is practised by millions across the globe for a variety of different reasons. |
Can Tai Chi be an aid to other disciplines such as Yoga? | Yes, many of our students come from a range of backgrounds including Shiatsu, reflexology, yoga, Reiki etc. Tai Chi can help you gain greater insight into many different disciplines. |
Is there a spiritual side to Tai Chi? | People start Tai Chi for a variety of reasons ranging from social to keeping fit. We support all students in whatever their endeavours may be which may include a spiritual development of oneself. However, the practices of the School have no religious connotations. |
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Do you teach the self defense applications of Tai Chi? | If the student shows an interest this knowledge is passed on. All applications of the art use the concepts and principles of internal martial arts, so most people need a period of time to pick these up before they can begin a serious study of the applications. |
Do you teach weapons? | the traditional Weapons (straight sword, broadsword, staff and spear) are taught by Master John Ding through seminars or at his full-time John Ding Academies in South Woodford and Limehouse, London. For further information visit http://www.johndingacademy.com |