Most of the lesson will normally be spent in learning movements from a Tai Chi sequence. In some lessons you may learn one or two new movements in the sequence. In others your teacher may spend time helping you to perfect the movements you already know, correcting any faults and enabling you to deepen your understanding of internal principles. You will also be shown the martial applications of each movement and there will be the option of practicing your skills with a partner, though this is not compulsory. You may wish at some stage to participate in “pushing hands”, a series of two-person exercises designed to allow you to develop sensitivity and explore the Tai Chi principles in greater depth.

At the end of the lesson, the class will normally come to stillness together in a standing or sitting meditation. In longer classes there may also be readings or discussions which allow you to explore the philosophy of Tai Chi and its relevance to daily life.

The order in which you will learn different sequences will depend on the class you are attending, your individual needs and interests, and your present level of skill and experience. Beginners normally start with the Cheng man Ching Form which has 37 movements, or the Beijing simplified 24 step form, both of which allow students to master the basic principles of Tai Chi Chuan, forming an excellent foundation for further studies.

The Yiheyuan Master Form is more demanding and requires a great deal of patience and self-discipline but it allows the deeper internal principles of Tai Chi Chuan to be explored and so assists in the mastery of all the other aspects of Tai Chi. This sequence is Yang Style Tai Chi, performed in the way taught by Master Zhu Guang of Beijing.

If you have studied Tai Chi before, you may wish to ask your teacher to assess your current skills and understanding of the Tai Chi principles in order to determine the best programme of further learning for you.

Tai Chi cannot be learned from books or even videos, due to its complex three-dimensional nature and the need for errors to be corrected as you go along. One learns by imitating the movements of a competent instructor. However, there are books and videos available which can deepen your understanding of Tai Chi during your training. A list of recommended reading is available.

When learning Tai Chi it is wise to follow any instructions carefully because:

• Incorrect positioning of the feet, legs and spine can result in unnatural twisting and pressure on the joints, possibly resulting in strain or injury.
• Movements which are not performed in accordance with basic Tai Chi principles are not Tai Chi at all and do not have the benefits of Tai Chi.
• Movements performed incorrectly may not be effective in a combat situation

The study of Tai Chi requires considerable patience. Learning a long sequence or a number of sequences is not as important as learning each movement properly and discovering the internal principles of Tai Chi, a process which we often refer to as “peeling the layers off the onion”.

There are different stages of learning in Tai Chi. Initially, it may seem very mysterious and difficult, a bit like learning to pat your head and rub your tummy at the same time, but if you persevere you will find that you begin to see the underlying principles and the movements will become easier until you are able to do them without thinking, this is the stage of unconscious competence, which can lead to mastery.

In some classes, everyone starts together as a large group, in others new people start at different times and there may be people in the class with very different levels of experience and skill.

Due to the complex nature of Tai Chi and the individuality of different students, it is not always possible for a group of students to progress at the same pace. Each person will progress according to his or her own needs, interests and aptitudes and you may therefore find that you work with different students at different times. You may be offered one-to-one or small group support from assistant instructors in the class, or your main instructor may show you a movement and leave you to practice while they go from group to group or person to person.

Your instructors will always make every effort to accommodate your individual needs as far as possible so that you derive maximum benefit from the classes, and they will welcome any feedback you give them about your expectations, needs and interests, either verbally or via the feedback sheets which are issued from time to time.

Just loose-fitting clothes and comfortable, flat shoes or slippers, or you may prefer bare feet or socks.  Trainers are not very suitable as they do not allow sufficient contact with the floor and can lead to cramp in the muscles of the feet.

Tai Chi is suitable for most individuals of any age but if you have any medical problems which you feel may interfere with your ability to do Tai Chi, or if you are concerned about how Tai Chi might affect you, please discuss these concerns with your instrutor (and your GP or Physiotherapist, if appropriate).

If you are unable to walk, you may still be able to benefit from the upper body movements of Tai Chi while sitting in a chair, armchair or wheelchair.  We have devised stationary versions of some of the Tai Chi sequences so that people who are unable to stand can still potentially attain mastery of the internal principles of Tai Chi Chuan. 

From the experience of hundreds of students before you, we can offer advice on how to avoid potential pitfalls which can hinder or prevent your progress.

1. Don’t rush to collect forms. What is important is not the number of sequences you know but how you do them. You can become a master by learning one form well. It is better to take your time in learning each new movement than to rush through a form, learn it incorrectly and then have to re-learn it, which is much more difficult than learning it the first time.

2. Be careful what you practice at home. While this can help your progress, if you are practicing incorrectly you may develop habits which are difficult to correct. Check with your teacher that you have learned each movement correctly before practicing it at home.

3. Don’t compare yourself with others. With the best will in the world, students sometimes become dispirited if other students seem to be progressing faster. Tai Chi is a very individual matter and there is no need to compare yourself with others on your personal journey.

4. Don’t give up too soon. With patience, you will gradually absorb and understand the principles of Tai Chi. Sometimes students have to miss a few classes due to holidays, illness, or other commitments and then feel afraid to come back because they fear they won’t be able to catch up. But Tai Chi is an individual journey, there is no one to catch up with. Your teacher will help you to continue from where you left off. There are also other classes available if you want to attend more than once a week, and in some classes there are assistant instructors to provide extra help on a one-to-one basis.