COULD YOU tell a bot FROM A real person?

👤 Not really. You see, classes vary according to style, interpretation, duration and, inevitably, the personal preferences of your teacher. But, remember that whatever anyone tells you about Tai Chi (including me) you will find a 100 other teachers that will say the opposite.

So what can you do? Who can you believe? What sort of teacher should you look for? Well, as someone much wiser than I once said: Avoid those that profess to know everything, follow those that are still learning.

👤 No, not all Tai Chi classes are the same. There are many different styles of Tai Chi, each with its own unique movements and techniques. Some styles of Tai Chi may focus more on slow, graceful movements, while others may incorporate more vigorous movements. Additionally, the pace and intensity of the class may vary depending on the instructor and the students in the class. It's best to try out a few different classes to find one that suits your needs and preferences.

👤 Tai Chi and Taiji are different ways of referring to the same thing. Tai Chi is the more commonly used term in the West, while Taiji is more commonly used in China.

👤 In a word: Spelling. It’s just a pronunciation/spelling preference. If someone insists on stressing the difference between the Wade-Giles and Pinyin transliterations, then take your phone out, pretend you have an incoming call and walk away. You see, people get a bit obsessive about names, which is silly really because if you search google, you'll find Tai Chi spelt as 'tie chi' and 'tie chee' with a frequency that should be worrying for national literacy levels.

So let's not put too much emphasis on spelling. What's important is not the words, nor the spelling nor the pronunciation - but the meaning.

👤 You probably only need to know that the 3 main styles of Tai Chi take their names from the person that is credited with their origin: Chen, Wu and Yang. All other styles are (it is argued) derivations of one of these. The Chen Style claims (with some good evidence) to be the original Tai Chi style. Of course, no one ever originates anything, we all borrow and copy. Picasso said this about himself, so who are we to disagree? And speaking of Picasso, that self-portrait is a bit like Tai Chi too. Each offers a slightly different perspective from the other (only keep this to yourself as instructors tend to get a little touchy on the subject).

👤 There are many different styles of Tai Chi, each with its own unique movements and techniques. Some of the most common styles include the Yang style, the Chen style, and the Wu style. The Yang style is the most widely practiced style of Tai Chi, and it is known for its slow, graceful movements. The Chen style is considered the original style of Tai Chi, and it is known for its more vigorous movements and powerful strikes. The Wu style is known for its emphasis on spiral movements and softness.

👉 There is no set number of Tai Chi forms, as the number of forms can vary depending on the style of Tai Chi and the individual instructor. In general, a Tai Chi form is a sequence of movements that are performed in a specific order. Some forms may have a few movements, while others may have dozens or even hundreds of movements. The exact number of forms and the specific movements they contain can vary greatly.

👉 There are over 200. Having only learned a few myself, I can see how it could get a bit repetitive if you wanted to try and learn them all. And rather fruitless, for although they vary in length, flavour and complexity, each is only a minor variation on the other, amended and altered over time by one curious student, (normally only after the death of a teacher when the all-clear is given and it is safe to do so).

Changes in Tai Chi forms are seen as either evolutionary or sacrilege. This may confuse you, but bear with me.

There are schools that proudly claim that their style remains untouched by time, true to its founders dying wishes and faithful to grandmaster 'X's original teachings from centuries past. This clinging pedantry horrifies other schools, that equate such blind devotion to stagnancy and irrelevance for the 21st century. Instead, they opt to embrace change and adaptability. Which is true and what do we mean by truth? The jury is still out on that one. Maybe, it's all down to what turns you on.

👉 Within a few weeks of beginning your Tai Chi practice, you’ll inevitably hear the word Taoism banded about. It may manifest itself as ‘The Tao of Pooh' or the 'Tao Te Ching’ but it’s pretty much all the same thing. When someone slips it into a conversation, try and make out you know what they are talking about, because if not, you’ll be subject to a barrage of highly opinionated ideas for the next hour on how to run your life. Best just nod and make a mental note to google it when you get home. The Tao Te Ching is a great book, don't get me wrong, but once more, it's open and allusive meaning means it is open to 10.000 interpretations.

Taoism is no more than a simple and fresh (despite its ancient origins) outlook on living a life of balance and harmony and underpins the physical moves and patterns of Tai Chi. This means that the roots of Tai Chi - the ideas rather than the expressions - can be traced back to early philosophers rather than a specific village or a specific protagonist.

👉 No, not all Tai Chi schools teach Taoism. Taoism is a philosophical and religious tradition that originated in China, and it is closely associated with the practice of Tai Chi. Some Tai Chi schools may incorporate Taoist principles and teachings into their lessons, while others may focus solely on the physical aspects of Tai Chi. Whether or not a Tai Chi school teaches Taoism may depend on the instructor's personal beliefs and the focus of the school. If you are interested in learning about Taoism in addition to practicing Tai Chi, it is best to ask the instructor at the school you are considering to see if they incorporate Taoist principles into their lessons.

👉 Some schools define Tai Chi as a martial art. They often describe themselves as "Authentic" or "Real" or "Practical" and you will often see these names added to their schools. They will also describe their art as Tai Chi Chuan. This, they will gleefully point out, is because "Chuan" mean fist in Chinese (hinting that they speak fluent Mandarin, but hoping no one will check). They may demonstrate a couple of strikes, wrist holds and sweating profusely, claim they couldn't possibly teach the "real" applications as they are far too dangerous to pass on to novices. Try not go giggle when this happens.

Other schools (quite a few) will talk about the martial background but never really show you anything other than wiggling their fists in the air or demonstrating a shin-high front kick. This may be because they know that the whole issue is so subjective and interlaced with nonsense that to try and cast it in a serious light would be impossible without bursting into laughter. But, more likely because they simply weren’t taught the martial applications and are just pretending they know something that they don’t.

Does this mean it’s not a martial art? No, for what Tai Chi does do is teach you to redefine the protagonists of the 21st century; to train and prepare for the unexpected; to defend yourself against invisible ninjas on supermarket shelves, in contaminated cities and in the corrupt chambers where politicians dwell. Conflict and how to deal with it is something tai Chi can teach far more effectively than many of the classical martial arts.

👉 No, not all Tai Chi schools teach Tai Chi as a martial art. While Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art, some schools may focus more on the health and wellness benefits of the practice, rather than its martial applications. These schools may teach Tai Chi as a form of exercise, meditation, or stress relief, rather than as a way of self-defense. On the other hand, some schools may place a greater emphasis on the martial aspects of Tai Chi, and may include training in sparring and self-defense techniques. Whether or not a Tai Chi school teaches the martial aspects of the practice may depend on the instructor's background and the focus of the school. It is best to ask the instructor at the school you are considering to find out more about their approach to teaching Tai Chi.

🤔 The amount of time it takes to learn Tai Chi can vary depending on a number of factors, including the individual's dedication and natural ability, the style of Tai Chi being learned, and the type of instruction they are receiving.

Some people may be able to learn the basic movements of Tai Chi in just a few lessons, while others may take longer to master the more complex techniques.

Additionally, Tai Chi is a practice that can be continually refined and improved upon, so there is no set amount of time it takes to "learn" Tai Chi. It is a journey of continuous learning and growth.

🤔 Cheng Man-ch'ing, and many traditionally taught Tai Chi folk - like to repeat the mantra of - "20 years practice and you are still beginner". But this is nonsense. You learn useful things from day One and continue to do so as long as you practice.

Some might argue that you focus more on the posture, balance and coordination at the start. Then comes the harmony of movement and the poise and elegance of motion. Later still, you start to work on self-knowledge, to develop an understanding and familiarity with stillness, to recognise patterns of movement and behaviour so as to align yourselves with those in nature and the rhythm of the forces that surround you.

But I’d say that it still all begins from day One. And, unlike, doing a jigsaw or running a marathon, Tai Chi has no final end. It is the one practice that teaches us that there are no ends, no belts, not grading systems, no hierarchy of names and positions - only simple worn paths that we either learn to walk at our own pace, or abandon. It is in the doing that the benefits are acquired.

🤔 Whether or not you have to learn to meditate, wear a uniform, or believe in energy fields when learning Tai Chi may depend on the instructor and the school you are attending.

Some instructors may incorporate meditation and other holistic practices into their lessons, while others may focus solely on the physical movements of Tai Chi. Similarly, some schools may have a dress code or uniform, while others may not. Additionally, the belief in energy fields, such as Qi, is a fundamental part of Tai Chi and many other practices in Chinese medicine.

However, not all instructors or students may believe in or focus on this aspect of Tai Chi. It is best to ask the instructor at the school you are considering to find out more about their approach to teaching Tai Chi.

🤔 No. Of course not. You may do any or all of these if that is what interests you, but it will not necessarily have any positive effect on your Tai Chi skills. As for uniforms, well it is true that in other disciplines, such as Karate or Judo uniforms are traditionally worn, but this is not necessarily the case in Tai Chi (thankfully).

Meditation - though a useful practice in itself and one that has many benefits - is not a necessary part of Tai Chi training. Some may tell you the opposite, but this is because it is easier to leave everyone to study their navel or contemplate a wall for 30 minutes than to think up some interesting exercises or relevant partner work. You can acquire the benefits of focus, concentration, awareness of breath and postural alignment in the Tai Chi Form as well as in the accompanying exercises (that hopefully your teacher is showing you).

☕️ Whether it is better to learn Tai Chi in a local class or online may depend on your personal preferences and learning style. In-person classes can provide a more immersive and hands-on learning experience, as you can receive direct instruction and feedback from the instructor and practice with other students. Additionally, being in the same physical space as the instructor and other students can create a sense of community and support.

On the other hand, online classes can provide flexibility and convenience, as you can learn from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. Online classes may also be a good option if there are no local classes available or if you prefer to learn independently. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It may be helpful to try out both types of classes to see which one works best for you.

☕️ As I have said many times, the answer has more to do with communication and resonance than whether the class is digital or analogue: In other words, find a teacher that you want to learn from. Whether that person operates out of your local church hall, your local sports centre, supermarket aisle, library, or bus station - it doesn't matter. Just make sure you have a connection.

Many people still argue that online classes are a waste of time. But that was before COVID, and since then everyone and their dog has jumped on-line offering Youtube or Zoom classes from their kitchen. Though many have now returned to the old church-hall, not everyone has rushed to go back - some have enjoyed the choices and approach of online tuition. You, should make up your own mind. Try a class locally and try one online.

☕️ Zoom classes can be good, but they are not for everyone and Tai Chi is at last adapting. Every teacher will be able to recall losing students year after year - because of timetable restrictions, or moving the class at a pace not right for some, or because many just felt too self-conscious in the class. Especially as many men are not happy about displaying their lack of coordination, poor balance or faulty memory in public. Tai Chi - at least 21st century tai chi - can at last adapt to each student Self-paced courses, PDF booklets, work-lists, audio guides, gif-learning, silent sessions, overhead or birds-eye perspectives and lots more that enhance the learning experience and make it much more of a holistic training.

☕️ Yes, there is more to online learning than just Zoom classes. While Zoom and other video conferencing platforms are commonly used for online classes, there are many other tools and resources that can support online learning. For example, online learning platforms such as Coursera and edX offer a wide range of courses and programs, including classes on Tai Chi, that can be accessed online. These platforms often include interactive features, such as forums and discussion boards, that can facilitate learning and engagement with other students. Additionally, many instructors may use other online tools, such as video tutorials and podcasts, to supplement their lessons. Overall, there are many different ways to learn Tai Chi online, and it is worth exploring the various options available to find the right fit for you.

💬 When addressing your Tai Chi teacher, it is appropriate to use a formal title such as "Sifu" (pronounced "see-foo") or "Shifu" (pronounced "shh-foo"). These terms are commonly used to refer to a Tai Chi teacher or instructor, and they translate to "master" or "teacher" in English. Using a formal title is a sign of respect and appreciation for your teacher's knowledge and experience. Additionally, your teacher may have a specific preference for how they would like to be addressed, so it is always best to ask them how they would like to be addressed.

💬 Some teachers of eastern practices do like to be worshipped. They like to be called something that translates into "ray of heaven", or "hairy eye-brows". Some also may opt to explain complex notions with Chinese terms that conveniently gets them out of explaining it at all. Language is power - and if you control the meaning of words, you control the message (as Marshall McLuhan reminded us).

To counter such tendencies, try using their first name and watch what reaction you get. Say something like: "Hey Bob, did you know you have a beer stain down the front of your glossy yellow silk trousers?"

Of course, if you are living in China and belong to an orthodox and traditional training school in which it is part of the social fabric to maintain such terms of respect and power, then that's another thing altogether (though still a bit dodgy I have to say).

If I were to give one word of advice (actually its more like 27 words) - it would be to chuckle at the use of such names. Always attempt to strip away formality when you see it, for it normally conceals a relationship of power that is rarely in your favour.

💬 Despite a number of schools claiming that qigong alone can protect you from a highly infectious airborne disease, climate change or invasion by North Korea, this is no more that wishful thinking.

To be fair though - any exercise that strengthens the immune system, builds strength in joints and ligaments, develops breathing capacity, increases energy in the body and relaxes your mind at the same time, is probably worth a shot. It's not going to do you harm, it may get you to put down your phone for a while and get your up on your feet - which in itself is quite an achievement these days.

💬 There is no scientific evidence to suggest that practicing Tai Chi or Qigong can protect against pandemics or death. While both practices have been shown to have many health benefits, such as improved balance, flexibility, and relaxation, they are not a replacement for medical treatment or preventative measures, such as vaccination. It is important to follow the guidance of public health officials and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from illness and disease.

🫡 You’d be forgiven for thinking so given the claims by some schools and the content of many Tai Chi Forums/ episodes of the 1970s TV series Kung Fu, but… alas

🫡 It is not possible to defeat an opponent in a fight using only your eyebrow. In a physical confrontation, the use of physical force and technique are necessary to overcome an opponent. The eyebrow is not a particularly effective weapon, as it is a small and delicate part of the body that is not designed for fighting. Additionally, using your eyebrow or any other part of your body to cause harm to another person is not advisable, as it can result in injury to both yourself and the other person. It is always best to avoid physical confrontations and seek peaceful resolution to conflicts.

🤘 No, it is not possible to transmit energy into another person and make them fall over. The concept of energy transmission, also known as Qi, is a fundamental part of traditional Chinese medicine, but it is not typically used in a literal sense in Tai Chi or other practices. The human body does not have the ability to transmit energy in this way, and attempting to do so would not have any physical effect on the other person. It is important to approach the practice of Tai Chi and other holistic practices with a sense of curiosity and respect, rather than attempting to use them for harmful or supernatural purposes.

🤘 No.

🎤 It is difficult to determine who the greatest Tai Chi practitioner in history is, as there have been many skilled and accomplished practitioners of the art throughout its long history. Additionally, the criteria for determining who is the "greatest" practitioner can vary depending on individual perspectives and priorities. Some may consider technical skill and proficiency in the art to be the most important factor, while others may value the ability to transmit the teachings and principles of Tai Chi to future generations. Overall, it is best to appreciate the many skilled and dedicated practitioners of Tai Chi throughout history, rather than trying to identify a single "greatest" practitioner.

🎤 Well, there is this mOnk guy…;)