Best Online Tai Chi Classes: How to find Inner Peace from the Comfort of Your Home
Introduction
Life can be hectic, and finding moments of peace and tranquility can be a challenge. Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese martial art, offers a unique blend of physical movement and mental relaxation that can help you achieve inner peace and harmony. The best part is that you can practice Tai Chi from the comfort of your own home with the help of online classes.
Finding the best online Tai Chi classes can be overwhelming, for some are live, whilst others are self-paced study courses. In this article, I’ll introduce you to the best online Tai Chi classes available, explaining the different types of learning on offer and help you choose the right online class for you.
Every platform should offer you the opportunity to try a class for free
Benefits of Practicing Tai Chi
Tai Chi has many benefits for both the mind and body. Here are just a few:
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves balance and coordination
Increases flexibility and range of motion
Enhances overall physical fitness
Boosts immune system
Improves sleep quality
Helps manage chronic pain
Increases mindfulness and focus
How to Choose the Right Online Class
When choosing the best online Tai Chi class, there are a few things to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
The Instructor - Try before you buy. As we all have different preferences, it’s important that you see how the instructor teaches, to get an idea if she is right for you. Look for classes that you can try out a session. I offer Preview sessions on all courses so you can try some of the classes and see the way I teach, without signing up for anything. If you want something more structured, then some schools offer free short courses, such as this 3-day introduction on my site. (You’ll need to join as a free member first - which also give you access to downloadable Tai Chi PDFs and bonus Tai Chi Workouts).
Class Format: Consider whether you prefer live classes or pre-recorded sessions. Live classes offer the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback in real-time, while pre-recorded sessions provide the convenience of practicing at your own pace and in your own time. In addition, be aware that is is not always easy to see or be seen in live classes as screen size, resolution and the number of students all have an impact.
Class Level: Make sure to choose a class that aligns with your skill level, whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner. Additionally, find a class that offers what you want to learn. Tai Chi offers form training, but also qigong, martial applications, coordination and balance work, strength and flexibility training, sword or staff practices. It can also offer insights into culture, history and philosophy (taoism). Ask your teacher which of these is offered.
Price: Compare the pricing and value of different online Tai Chi classes to make sure you're getting the best deal for your money. There are huge variations in content and value, so shop around.
Best 5 Online Tai Chi Classes
Now that you know what to look for when choosing an online Tai Chi class, let's explore some of the best options available, including two well-known platforms where you can try something for free, or very cheaply and 3 professional teachers from different geographical regions of the world.
I’ll need to add a disclaimer at this point. The list below is very subjective. I’ve been teaching Tai Chi for over 30 years and online for the last 9 years. During that time many schools (both locally and online) have come and gone. If your online school was set up this year, bear in mind that history has shown that few have the long term patience and commitment to build an online platform into the future.
Youtube: For many people this is the first port of call. There are certainly many instructional videos on Youtube but quality is not always guaranteed. Some can be of real value, but they a re often just basic first steps. However, they are useful to get a flavour of the different Tai Chi styles, - though it can be tiresome wading through so much “recommended” content. TIP: Avoid reading the comments as many project a division and intolerance that rarely exists outside online platforms
Udemy: The Amazon warehouse of the online training world. This learning platform is still around and, as part of it’s policy, drives course prices down. This means you can find something pretty cheap, but often these courses can be quite old. In the best examples, they are well constructed and offer good value, but in the worse cases they are old DVDs or videos uploaded online and are therefore incapable of offering the opportunities that online learning presents to a 21st century student. TIP: Instructors get very little from this income model, so mostly put their best content elsewhere.
Tai Chi for Health Institute: Dr. Lam, has branches across the world, so working online with his tribe means you may also find a class or workshop in your country - though you may have to travel some distance to find it. The web site is a bit dated and not very mobile friendly, but his content is extensive. He focuses primarily on health and, as is the fashion these days, teacher training. Classes are pre-recorded, and support is available through email and an online forum. Based in Australia.
David Dorian Ross: An energetic and charismatic teacher operating out of the USA. David offers live and pre-recorded material as well as workshops and teacher training based on his Flow approach to Tai Chi . He’s open minded and open hearted and if you are looking for someone with plenty of content based in USA, then he is a good choice.
Paul Read (teapotmonk): Self-paced courses, hybrid teaching combining books and courses from its book store, (see video below). Plus podcasts, health-workouts and monthly fresh content. The teapotmonk presents a light-hearted, less traditional approach to learning Tai Chi and has pioneered online learning in new ways (watch the 8 Reasons video) Support is available via text, email, forums, and optionally live feedback. Based in United Kingdom.
