There are basically three types of TaiChi out there:
1. Health oriented. Usually taught by good-natured "beginners" i.e. people who have learnt a few basic Forms & have decided it would nice to teach.
2. Martial oriented. Generally taught by aggressive young men who have had little or no internal instruction. The last thing you'll learn in these classes is how to relax or open to others. The whole notion of self-defence is misgrounded since it is precisely self we try to conquer with TaiChi.
3. Spirit oriented. The most difficult to find. These classes are taught by people who have received a transmission of energy from well-qualified Masters from a recognised lineage. Their TaiChi will be a vehicle which allows you to subtly tackle the dominance of your ego and uncover all aspects of spirit.
If you like the feeling in the class (which should be welcoming, calming and meditative, but also lively and full of enthusiasm), and the teacher has qualities you admire then consider joining the class.
The students should be open, friendly and generous, with no competitive edge.
Also try to find a class that does the (non-aggresive) partner work - called Pushing Hands. In a way it is the partner work that is most important in TaiChi, and as long as it is done gently and cooperatively with spiritual companions then it will certainly help you become a better person.
To locate a TaiChi class in your area try the TaiChi Finder link on this site.
1. Health oriented. Usually taught by good-natured "beginners" i.e. people who have learnt a few basic Forms & have decided it would nice to teach.
2. Martial oriented. Generally taught by aggressive young men who have had little or no internal instruction. The last thing you'll learn in these classes is how to relax or open to others. The whole notion of self-defence is misgrounded since it is precisely self we try to conquer with TaiChi.
3. Spirit oriented. The most difficult to find. These classes are taught by people who have received a transmission of energy from well-qualified Masters from a recognised lineage. Their TaiChi will be a vehicle which allows you to subtly tackle the dominance of your ego and uncover all aspects of spirit.
Fumbling for the live nerveIf you find a local class the best thing is to go along and try it out (the teacher should allow you to sit in or watch).
under dead strata
If you like the feeling in the class (which should be welcoming, calming and meditative, but also lively and full of enthusiasm), and the teacher has qualities you admire then consider joining the class.
The students should be open, friendly and generous, with no competitive edge.
Also try to find a class that does the (non-aggresive) partner work - called Pushing Hands. In a way it is the partner work that is most important in TaiChi, and as long as it is done gently and cooperatively with spiritual companions then it will certainly help you become a better person.
To locate a TaiChi class in your area try the TaiChi Finder link on this site.
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